Copy files over network

Question

we use one windows 2003 server to sync files between two other windows servers. I assume that the whole traffic goes through the server initializing the sync.

If so, is there a way to trigger a copy between the 2 other machines without routing all through the first server?

Thank you! Regards, Uwe

Answer 1

If you want to take the middle server out of the loop, you'll need to get one of the other two servers to initiate the copy. A combination of PsExec (as suggested by moshen) plus RoboCopy would do the trick efficiently and quickly.

RoboCopy has a bunch of command-line switches that make this kind of sync easy to do - just be sure to test thoroughly before you start mirroring deletes (/PURGE or /MIR), else you can purge both directories in the blink of an eye!

Depending on your network infrastructure, you might be interested in the /IPG:n switch, as it forces RoboCopy to wait between packets, allowing other network traffic to get through.

Answer 2

You could use PsExec to initiate the copy remotely.

Answer 3

Why not just add a scheduled task on the server you'd like to initiate the copy process?

Another way to remotely start a process n a remote machine is to have a Windows Service wrapper around the executable and trigger it with the net start command - it supports calling remote servers.

Answer 4

how about taking an extra step and implementing DFS?