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Configuring replication topology

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Configuring replication topology

The word "topology" typically refers to the relationship between components in a network. The replication topology describes the logical connections that FRS uses to replicate files between computers.

For each DFS root or DFS link, you can specify one of four basic topology types:

  • In a ring topology, files replicate from one computer to another in a circular configuration, with each computer connected to the computers on either side of it in the ring.

  • In a hub and spoke topology, one computer is designated as the hub and is connected to each of the other computers, called spokes. Files replicate from the hub computer to the spoke computers and vice versa, but files do not replicate directly between two spoke computers. You must choose which computer will serve as the hub.

  • In a full mesh topology, every computer is connected to every other computer. A file created on one computer replicates directly to all the others.

  • In a custom topology, you create the connections between computers yourself.

Replication topology types

When you select a topology, you can further customize it by selectively enabling or disabling the connections between computers. You can completely disable the relationship between two computers to prevent files from replicating between them at all, or you can make it one-way by disabling the connection from the first computer to the second while leaving the opposite connection available.

Many factors can affect the type of topology that is appropriate for your network, including bandwidth, security, geographic, and organizational considerations.

Note

  • Automatic file replication is available only for domain roots.