VMware DEM – Prepare File Server DFS

Release date: January 9th 2019

In order to set up VMware DEM, we will need to create file-shares to host UEM Profiles and Config. For this I will deploy two file-servers with DFS Replication. In vSphere I will create an Anti-Affinity rule to make sure that these servers are never on the same ESXI-server in case of hardware failure. This setup will ensure fault tolerance and availability. My design, which I did in the planning phase, will be as follows:

In sum, this setup will be done as follows:

1. Deploy two file-servers. I won’t document this here, as it is a straightforward procedure that I assume my audience for this topic are comfortable with.
2. Install DFS-Roles on both file-servers
3. Create C:\UEM folder on both servers
4. Configure DFS Namespace
5. Configure Replication Group
6. Publish Replicated folder in Namespace
7. Test replication

Install DFS-Roles on both file-servers

I log into the servers and add the roles: DFS Namespaces, DFS Replication, and File Server Resource Manager

I choose DFS Namespaces, DFS Replication, and File Server Resource Manager

Configure DFS Namespace

Now that the necessary roles and features are installed on both of my file-servers I can proceed with configuring the DFS. In DFS Management I click “New Namespace”

I choose which file-server will host the Namespace, in my case this will be VIEW-UEM01

I give my namespace the “incredible innovative” name “DFS”

Configure Replication Group

I type in a descriptive name for my replication group

I add in my file servers as members in my replication group.

I choose my topology, in this case, Full Mesh. I know that this isn’t supported ref. VMware’s UEM – Supported configurations (2137300), but as this is my LAB, I will go with this config.

Next I choose my primary member

Next I choose the folder C:\UEM which I have created on both file-servers.

Publish Replicated folder in Namespace

I add in my file servers

I publish it to the namespace with the foldername UEM

My replicated folder “UEM”, is now published to the namespace

Test replication

I will now test the replication, I create at txt-file on the DFS Share first

When I check the folders directly on the file-servers, I can verify that the txt has been replicated to all file-servers

Now I can proceed with setting up share and permissions for UemConfig and UemProfiles, covered here: VMware DEM Prepare File Shares and Permissions

Recommended reading: 

Dynamic Environment Manager Deployment Considerations Guide

DEM – Supported configurations (2137300)

My VMware DEM LAB Set Up

Official VMware Dynamic Environment Manager Documentation

Disclaimer: Every tips/tricks/posting I have published here, is tried and tested in different it-solutions. It is not guaranteed to work everywhere, but is meant as a tip for other users out there. Remember, Google is your friend and don’t be afraid to steal with pride! Feel free to comment below as needed.