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Multiple server Sites configuration

Tags: Off topic

Can someone give me directions on how I can have our branch users have access to our main office files? The main office server is the Primary Domain Controller running Active Directory and the Branch Office server was added to the domain then taken to the branch location and it is also running Active Directory however, I’m trying to figure out how to get them both in the Network where they can be accessed from one location to the other for file sharing.

Topic

Question

In reply to Multiple server Sites configuration

Have you spoken with your IT department about this issue yet? Not likely any of us can resolve this issue. Such issues tend to be local and must be resolved locally.

I’m taking over that role

In reply to Question

It was brought to me by the Director of the company and I was just inquiring what was the best way to approach this but thanks for your reply.

Re: network

In reply to I’m taking over that role

How would you do this if those 2 servers were located next to each other in the same data center in stead of miles away from each other?

And how about storing all files in the cloud, say a company OneDrive (if your Director prefers a Microsoft solution) in stead of using 2 differen on-site servers.

The cloud cost

In reply to Re: network

From my understanding we would have to pay to have our files stored up on the cloud when it wouldn’t cost us anything if we could just access the files from the server.

The usual. (not best!)

In reply to Multiple server Sites configuration

Remember that best is as you define it and no one has all your knowledge or criteria.

The usual is to setup the offices so they are VPN connected. This way it’s as if there is one big LAN. You would need this VPN anyway to relocate a server from one office to the next so that would be your first step.

Great idea

In reply to The usual. (not best!)

So would I configure the VPN on both servers or just the PDC?

As you can guess.

In reply to Great idea

Your choice. Many new IT leads go with what they can make work and as such that is best for them. My thought would be a pair of VPN capable routers so to leave the servers relatively clean. Some new IT staffers forget to backup the entire server before making big changes so with a VPN setup we don’t have to move servers right away.

About cloud costs. Some new managers tend to forget they are paying IT staffers many times what a cloud solution would cost. Always their choice but I’ve seen companies burn 100 thousand USD to avoid a few thousand in yearly cloud costs.

Excellent point

In reply to As you can guess.

Thanks everyone for y’all input into this matter. Enjoy the rest of your day…

[Author]

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