Final answer:
A referral is an ordered list of servers and targets provided to a client computer by a domain controller or namespace server when accessing a DFS folder with targets, guiding the client to the best server for their request.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ordered list of servers and targets that a client computer receives from a domain controller or namespace server when a user accesses the root or a DFS folder with targets is known as a referral. This list is provided by the Domain Name System (DNS) or directly from the domain controller, and it guides the client to the appropriate server hosting the requested data. The list is 'ordered' to specify the client's route, arranging targets by proximity or other preferences to ensure efficiency and load balancing.
When a user accesses a DFS (Distributed File System) namespace, the client computer requests a referral to locate the best target. This structured approach assists the client in connecting to the resource with the least network cost or the best response time. The process involves the following steps:
- The user attempts to access a file within the DFS namespace.
- The client's request reaches the namespace server or domain controller.
- The server responds with an ordered list of target servers that host the requested file or folder.
- The client connects to the most appropriate target based on the referral.
This mechanism enhances user experience by streamlining access to distributed resources across different servers.