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How DFS replication schedule works

Posted on in how-to, windows-server • 408 words • 2 minute read
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Recently somebody asked me how long it will take to get a file stored on a DFSR share to replicate to its different receiving servers across the world. Well, this basically relies firstly on Active-Directory (AD) latency because Domain Controllers (DC) should be aligned in order to have all DFS information (including DFS replication schedule) prior to pass that information to file servers.

Secondly, replication relies on Replication Schedule Type. When schedule is open, replication occurs as files are changed, created, or deleted. When the schedule closes, replication stops, regardless of whether all changed or new files have replicated.

Thirdly, Bandwidth. As much dedicated bandwidth you have, fastest replication you get.

Sample screen of a continuous replication schedule limited by a 16 Mbps bandwidth

To check Active-Directory replication intervals and cost use repadmin /showism command. The command outputs a matrix of sites belonging to the Active Directory forest.  For each site to site relationship the matrix contains 3 values separated by colons, the cost of replication between the two sites, the replication interval in minutes and any site link options that have been set.  

Also you can check it using Active Directory Sites and Services snap-in:

  1. Click on Start, go to Administrative Tools and click on Active Directory Sites and Services.
  2. Expand Sites, Inter-sites transport  and the type of transport you are using IP or SMTP.

Once you choose the transport type a list of sites, replication cost and interval (in minutes) will appear on the right part of the snap-in console:

To check DFS replication schedule type and bandwidth:

  1. Click on Start, go to Administrative Tools and click on DFS Management snap-in.
  2. Expand Replication and click on the group you want to see the replication schedule.
  3. Click Connections tab, right click the desired connection and select Properties.
  4. Click Schedule tab and then click View Schedule button.

If you click on Details more information will be displayed.

To modify DFS replication schedule type:

  1. Click on Start, go to Administrative Tools and click on DFS Management snap-in.
  2. Expand Replication and click on the group you want to see the replication schedule.
  3. Click Edit replication group schedule on the actions panel and modify the schedule as needed.

For more information you can visit Microsoft’s TechNet links below:

Or check our previous posts about DFS: