File Replication Service
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File Replication Service is a Microsoft service for distributing folders stored in the SYSVOL shared folder on domain controllers and Microsoft Distributed File System (DFS) shared folders. It is also known as NTFRS after the name of the executable file that runs the service. This service is delivered as part of the Active Directory suite.
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When the FRS service detects a change to either a new file or a modification it replicates it to other servers in the group. To deal with conflicts (when two copies of the files are edited at the same time on different servers) the service resolves any issues by using the file with latest date and time.
One of the main uses of the FRS service is for the SYSVOL directory share. The SYSVOL directory share is particularly important to a Microsoft Network as it is used to distribute files supporting Group Policy and scripts to client computers on the network. Since Group Policies and scripts are run each time a user logons to the system its important to have reliability. By having multiple copies of the SYSVOL directory increases the resilience and spreads the workload for this essential service.
The SYSVOL directory can be accessed by using a network share to any server that has a copy of the SYSVOL directory normally a Domain Controller as shown below:
\\server\SYSVOL
Servers that work together to provide this service are called Replication Partners. To control this replication use the Active Directory Sites and Services from the Administration Tools provided by Microsoft. Then select the sites container to view a list of sites. Expand the site that you wish to view. This will then provide the list of servers in that site. Expand the server that you wish to view and right click the NTDS settings and select properties. Under the connections tabs you will see the list of servers that are being replicated.
