Windows home server x2??

[morikaweb]

The way I have my network set up I have one system handling the recording/serving duty's, and another handling the storage/download/backup duties. I have my network set up this way in order to add redundancy and because I cannot possible add all the hardware in one system.

Now I am reading a lot of posts about people recommending WHS for the server OS. But my question is does anyone have a setup like mine, using WHS?

In other words does anyone have 2 copies of WHS running on the same network?

[gplasky]

I guess the point is I don't need a system like yours. I let one box and WHS handle it all and if I need more storage I add it. And if I run out of room for storage in the box I will go eSata and add storage outside the box. Why manage 2 servers when one can do it? If I want redundancy then I enable folder duplication. I backup 3 PCs that I can restore any one of them from a total meltdown and not lose a thing from my 2 am backup of them every day. SageTV is handling all my recording and multimedia delivery to the 2 x HD Extenders and the 3 PCs. I don't need 2 copies of WHS and don't want them. There's no reason why you couldn't do it that way but I don't see a driving reason why.

Gerry

[Skirge01]

I have to agree with Gerry. The whole point of a server is to handle all that heavy lifting. To quote Tim Allen, "more power!" Assuming that's the issue. If you're truly going for redundancy, then, again I must agree with Gerry. WHS is pretty solid and it's backup capability is awesome. Other than the lack of a built in backup for the OS itself, if things go south, it's (supposedly*) pretty easy to get it all back up and running.

I can't imagine what you possibly have that won't fit into a single computer. If it's the number of slots, then another mobo may be in order. If it's the hard drive capacity, then a new case might be the right direction.

* I haven't had a need to restore anything yet.

[S_M_E]

There are people that run more than one WHS on a network. Often so they can backup more than 10 PC clients or duplicate certain data accross machines. Most people don't need 2 WHS boxes, it can handle quite a bit if you have the right HW.

[bhyman1]

2 WHS's will run just fine on one network. I have 2 set up for my dad to handle his rather large DVD library.

The reason there's two is that I decided with him all the way down in Florida I wanted him to have something proven to work and with a warranty. So I got him two of the HP Mediasmart servers. They all work just fine together, no conflicts.

[S_M_E]

The only issue with 2 is that the client connector console will only connect to one at a time and only backup to the one it's connected to. He could run discovery.exe to connect to the other occaisionally to make sure it's OK. If there's not a connector running on each WHS he'd never know if a HDD was failing for example.

[morikaweb]

Thanks for your replies all. I have looked into my issues and am satisfied one server should do me.

I only have one issue left. But I am not sure if I should ask here or make a new thread for, it is about an E-Sata enclosure.


Edit, I have decided to ask my question in the Hardware thread so see me there :-)