How to Do Distributed File System (DFS) In Server

Introduction

In this article, I’m going to show you how to do a distributed file system on Windows Server 2019 in the proper method and easiest way.

What is distributed file system?

A distributed file system (DFS) is essentially a virtual file system that spans across multiple physical storage locations, often on different servers or even geographical locations. It presents itself to users as a single, unified system, making it transparent where the files are actually stored. This allows users to access and manage files as if they were stored locally on their own devices, regardless of their actual location.

Distributed file systems (DFS) offer significant advantages over traditional centralized file systems, particularly for organizations managing large amounts of data or geographically dispersed teams. Here are some of the key benefits of DFS.

Scalability: Easily grows to accommodate increasing data storage and user needs by adding more storage servers. This avoids the limitations of single servers and allows for seamless expansion.
High availability and fault tolerance: Data redundancy and replication across multiple servers ensure data remains accessible even if one server fails. This minimizes downtime and data loss risks, providing increased reliability and stability.
Performance: Distributes file access requests across multiple servers, leading to faster data access and improved responsiveness, especially for large datasets or concurrent access. This can significantly enhance user experience and productivity.
Location transparency: Users can access and manage files as if they were stored locally, regardless of their actual location. This simplifies collaboration and file sharing across teams and geographical boundaries.
Centralized management: Provides a single point of control for managing user access, permissions, and data replication across the entire system. This simplifies administration and ensures consistent policies are applied.

Note. Here I used 2 servers’ servers one fully configured such as an ADDS and DHCP in server two just connecting the domain.

Step 1. On your server dashboard click "Add roles and features".

Add roles and features

Step 2. Install "DFS Replication" and "DFS Namespace" features.

DFS Namespace

Step 3. Come to your main server and install the "DFS Replication" features only.

DFS Replication

Step 4. On your main server create a folder and do advance share and normal share to that folder if you want to know how to do a shared folder you can find my past article on c sharp Corner https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/article/how-to-share-a-drive-and-mapping-for-client-user/

Network path

Step 5. Come to your member server and do the same sharing with the same folder name.

Member server

Step 6. On your member server’s dashboard click "tools" after selecting "DFS management".

DFS management

Step 7. Select "namespaces" after clicking "new namespaces".

Namespaces

Step 8. Browse your member server name after clicking "next".

Browse your member

Step 9. Give a name and after click "next".

Give a name

Step 10. Click "next".

Namespace type

Step 11. Click "create".

Create

Step 12. Right-click on the created folder and select "new folder".

New folder

Step 13. Click Add and select your member server’s created folder after again add your main server’s folder using the main server’s name then give your name after clicking "ok".

Click Add

Step 14. Click "Yes".

Click yes

Step 15. Once done you will receive the replicate folder wizard click "next".

Wizard click

Step 16. Click "next".

Replication Eligibility

Step 17. Select your member server after clicking "next".

Primary selection

Step 18. Click "next".

Topology selection

Step 19. Again click "next".

Replication group

Step 20. Click "create".

Review setting

Note. Now you can receive a success message here after you check your main and member sever folders to create folders.

Confirmation

Conclusion

In this article, we all clearly understand how to do a distributed file system on Windows Server 2019 in the proper method and easiest way. If there is clarification regarding this topic, feel free to contact me.