DFS namespace between SBS 2011 and Essentials 2012 R2

The main domain\server, SBS2011.local\server11 hosts all shares, users and security.
We have another domain\server, ESS2012R2.local\server12.
Both servers are on the same LAN, same IP subnet.
Can we use DFS namespace to allow users to read and write to a folder on ESS2012R2.local\server12?
If so, what AD trusts need to be created, if any?
On which server(s) do we create the DFS Namespace?
Do we use Domain or Stand-Alone namespaces?
How do you set user share permissions and security for the folder on server12?
Any other tips to make this work?
Thanks,
Jerry

Active DirectoryWindows Server 2012SBSWindows Server 2008

Last Comment

Lee W, MVP

8/22/2022 - Mon

SOLUTION

Brian Murphy

1/8/2016

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ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Lee W, MVP

1/8/2016

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jinfeld

1/9/2016

ASKER

Thank you! Since my goal was to use DFS to represent a share that physically was on ESS2012R2.local\server12 to the users of SBS2011.local, I was not interested in failure protection or redundancy. It seems like this can't be done using SBS or Essentials versions of Windows server. I gave Lee points because that answered my question. I gave Brian the points because of the in-depth explanation of DFS.
Thank you both.
Jerry

jinfeld

1/9/2016

ASKER

If we upgraded Essential 2012 R2 to Server 2012 R2, could this be done?
J

Lee W, MVP

1/9/2016

The restrictions are having two "Small Business" class servers in the same domain - that cannot be done. Essentials and Small Business Server (and Foundation Edition) are all Small Business class with the FSMO role Master requirement.

Add any NON-Small Business Server to the network and you're fine - you can make them DCs, implement DFS, etc, etc.

So in short, Yes, DFS should work fine with SBS and a Standard 2012 R2 server.

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