Windows 2008 DSFR & SYSVOL Analysis

  

SYSVOL and Distributed File System Replication (DSFR)

Keeping data updated and synchronizing with remote servers is a constant concern for IT professionals who manage branch office transactions. Windows Server 2008 includes new replication features that simplify this process.

Introducing DSFR

The Distributed File System Replication (DFSR) service is a multi-master replication engine that keeps folders in multiple servers synchronized. Replicating data to multiple servers increases the availability of data and enables users of remote sites to access files quickly and reliably. DFSR uses a compression algorithm called Remote Differential Compression (RDC). RDC is a "diff over the wire" protocol that can efficiently upgrade files over a limited bandwidth network. When the file is updated, the "diff over the wire" protocol causes the DFSR to only replicate deltas. DFSR is used to replicate distributed file systems and share system volume data.

SYSVOL and DFSR

In Windows Server 2008, DFSR replicates Shared System Volume (SYSVOL) for storing domain information, with some benefits. DFSR can automatically work at the Windows Server 2008 domain functional level. SYSVOL will get the advantage of remote differential compression, reducing bandwidth usage.

On-demand replication is a new feature in Windows Server 2008 that removes unwanted data from branch offices. On-demand replication can be configured based on size or time of the previous party. In previous versions of Windows Server, the latency of low-speed WAN-connected sites could cause synchronization issues such as password resets, which can be avoided by using an on-demand replication plan.

With Windows Server 2008, DFSR and on-demand replication combine to provide the required SYSVOL replication and save bandwidth usage, reducing unnecessary data storage in branch servers.


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