DFS Basic Def

DFS

• distributed file system

• system for managing files across multiple servers

• Two parts

  • Namespaces

  • Replication

Namespaces

• unified view of distributed file shares

Replication

two or more servers can host the same share and automatically replicate data between each other

Namespace Server

server that contains the namespace root

Target

a network share located on a server that is part of the namespace

Referral

the process of pointing a client to a target

DFS Folder

• a folder within the namespace

• virtual or referral to an actual target

DFS Namespaces

• shares appear under the namespace share as if they were directories in the namespace root share

• shares can be located on the namespace server or on other servers

• two types

  • standalone

  • domain-based

DFS Namespace Hierarchy

• hierarchy is maintained by the namespace server

• folders are used to create the hierarchy within the namespace

  • folders without targets

    • virtual folders

  • folders with targets

    • actual network shares

How is the Namespace Redundant?

• shares in a namespace can have multiple targets

  • lead to redundancy and load balancing

• replication between targets ensures data consistency

  • automatic is in AD

  • manual if not

Standalone Namespaces

• located on server and addressed as the server name

• \\servername\namespace UNC

• only one DFS namespace per server

• Active Directory is not required

• Replication is supported

Domain-Based Namespaces

• server name is the domain name

• \\domainname\namespace UNC

• multiple domain-based namespaces can be created within a domain

• each is managed independently

• uses AD

DFS Replication

• servers within Active Directory domain DFS can automatically replicate data between multiple namespace targets

• a replication group with limits is created for the targets

DFS and Sites

• DFS is Active Directory site-aware

• namespace servers will automatically refer clients to a copy of the target in their site

• provides faster, more reliable access to share

Why Use DFS?

• consistent data appearance

• simplifies reconfiguration

• efficent use of server disk space

• centralized management of distributed resources

Implementation of DFS

• install DFS on servers

• choose the namespace server

• create new DFS root

• add DFS folders

• define replication

• tune and manage