DFS Replication for targets on NAS / CIFS Server

Question

_{Tuesday, January 13, 2009 5:45 PM}

 We have an AD Integrated DFS Namespace. The AD DCs are our current DFS root servers & the targets are distributed across several Windows 2000 based servers.

We are planning to migrate the targets on to Windows powered NAS / CIFS servers & upgrade the current DFS Namesspace servers/ AD to Windows 2003 R2.

1. Is it possible to use DFS replication in this scenario (target folders on NAS (CIFS) servers & AD integrated DFS using Windows 2003 R2 root servers)
2. Does NAS / CIFS servers participate in DFS replication ?
3. Or Do we have to stick to storage / NAS replication in this scenario ?Thanks!! Buddi

All replies (3)

_{Thursday, January 15, 2009 5:27 AM ✅Answered}

Hi Buddi,

1. Is it possible to use domain-based DFS Replication in this scenario (target folders on NAS / CIFS servers)? (The root servers and the domain controller will be Windows 2003 R2)

A: it is recommeded you may contact vendof the NAS / CIFS server to verify if it supports DFS target share folders on it.

2. Does NAS / CIFS server support DFS replication? Can NAS / CIFS servers participate in DFS replication?

A: Generally speaking, DFS Replication requires access to a volume's NTFS change journal to detect changes. The change journal cannot be accessed over an SMB share. The NAS / CIFS server maybe not participate in DFS replication if the vendor solution doesn't support it.

3. Do we have to stick to storage / NAS replication in this scenario?

A: The same as above question. Actually, it depends on your demands.

Hope it helps. Good luck.

David Shen - MSFT

_{Monday, January 19, 2009 5:42 AM ✅Answered | 1 vote}

For a little more detail on this answer:

Whether or not the NAS / CIFS servers can participate in DFS replication will be dependent on the Operating System used on the NAS system.  If the vendor is using the Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 Standard or Enterprise Edition then DFSR on that NAS system will be available.  If the OS on the NAS system is something else then DFSR will not be supported on that NAS system.

Messages posted to this forum are provided "AS IS" with no warranties

_{Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:09 PM}

Hi Buddi,

 

1. Is it possible to use domain-based DFS Replication in this scenario (target folders on NAS / CIFS servers)? (The root servers and the domain controller will be Windows 2003 R2)

 

A: it is recommeded you may contact vendof the NAS / CIFS server to verify if it supports DFS target share folders on it.

 

2. Does NAS / CIFS server support DFS replication? Can NAS / CIFS servers participate in DFS replication?

 

A: Generally speaking, DFS Replication requires access to a volume's NTFS change journal to detect changes. The change journal cannot be accessed over an SMB share. The NAS / CIFS server maybe not participate in DFS replication if the vendor solution doesn't support it.

 

3. Do we have to stick to storage / NAS replication in this scenario?

 

A: The same as above question. Actually, it depends on your demands.

 

Hope it helps. Good luck.

David Shen - MSFT