DFS File Server Lab

This lab demonstrates how to configure a resilient file sharing solution using:

• Windows File Server role
• DFS Namespaces
• DFS Replication
• NTFS and share permissions

Objectives

• Install and configure two file servers (e.g., FS01 and FS02).
• Create a DFS namespace: \\corp.lab\Shares
• Publish departmental folders: HR, IT, Finance.
• Configure NTFS and share permissions.
• Enable DFS replication between FS01 and FS02.

Example Steps

1. Install File and Storage Services on both servers.
2. Create local folders:
   • D:\Shares\HR
   • D:\Shares\IT
   • D:\Shares\Finance
3. Create the DFS namespace and add folders as targets.
4. Configure DFS Replication group between FS01 and FS02.
5. Create AD groups (e.g., HR-Share-RW, IT-Share-RW) and assign permissions.
6. From a client, access \\corp.lab\Shares and validate access and failover.

This lab shows Windows storage administration and high-availability design using native tools.

Author

Eyouel Melaku