Types of namespaces
Applies To: Windows Server 2003 R2
When creating a namespace, you create either a stand-alone namespace or a domain-based namespace. The characteristics of each namespace type are described in the following table.
| Characteristic | Domain-based Namespace | Stand-Alone Namespace |
|---|---|---|
Path to namespace |
\\NetBIOSDomainName\RootName \\DNSDomainName\RootName |
\\ServerName\RootName |
Where namespace information is stored |
In Active Directory and in a memory cache on each namespace server |
In the registry and in a memory cache on the namespace server |
Namespace size recommendations |
We recommend that you keep the size of the namespace object in Active Directory to less than 5 megabytes (MB) by using fewer than 5,000 folders with targets in domain-based namespaces. (The namespace object is where namespace metadata is stored in Active Directory.) |
The largest recommended namespace size for a stand-alone namespace is 50,000 folders with targets. |
Supported methods to ensure namespace availability |
Use multiple namespace servers to host the namespace. (The namespace servers must be in the same domain.) |
Create a stand-alone namespace on a server cluster using the Cluster Administrator snap-in. |
Support for using DFS Replication to replicate folder targets |
Supported |
Supported |
Use the following guidelines to choose a namespace type.
Choose stand-alone namespaces if:
Your organization does not use Active Directory.
You need to create a single namespace with more than 5,000 folders with targets. (If you can divide your folder targets among two or more namespaces, a domain-based namespace is an option.)
You want to ensure the availability of the namespace by using a server cluster.
Choose domain-based namespaces if:
You want to ensure the availability of the namespace by using multiple namespace servers.
You want to hide the name of the namespace server from users because you plan to replace the namespace server or migrate the namespace to another server in the future.