Fair Overview of Exchange 2007 Server Roles

[Amit Tank]

Exchange 2007 has been splited based on Server Roles so if you require any specific function on a server then it can be placed on indivudial server based on your requirement, Exchange architecture, performance, management or your organization's policies.

Same Article is available at : http://exchangeshare.blogspot.com/2008/01/fair-overview-of-exchange-2007-server.html

We used to set Front-End and Back-End server roles in Exchange 2003 but Exchange 2007 introduces five roles for an Exchange organization.

• Edge Transport
• Hub Transport
• Client Access
• Mailbox
• Unified Messaging

Brief overview of each roles are below.

1. Mailbox Server

 

·         Use for holding all Exchange Database - Mailbox & Public Folder (optional).

·         It should be part of Domain & AD.

·         50 Storage Groups & 50 Mailbox Stores in each Storage Groups.

·         STM File architecture has been removed.

·         Proper backup recovery plans should be in place for High Availability.

 

2. Hub Transport Server

 

·         Responsible for internal mail flow. (Same like Bridgehead in Exchange 2003)

·         It should be part of Domain & AD.

·         Incoming Mail Flow : Mailbox <- Hub Transport <- Edge Transport

·         Outgoing Mail Flow : Mailbox -> Hub Transport -> Edge Transport

·         Hub Transport can be placed instead of Edge Transport and can act for the similar function

·         Transport Agents, AntiSpam, AntiVirus can be enabled

·         Disclaimer can be set on

·         One Hub Transport role should be placed at a AD Site for good architecture.

 

3. Edge Transport Server

 

·         Should be placed in Edge of your organization ( in workgroup / DMZ / perimeter ).

·         Should NOT be a member of Domain & AD.

·         ADAM ( Active Directory Application Mode ) provides AD information to Edge Transport server with help of Exchange component "EdgeSynch" by creating one way synchronization (from Domain to Edge Server)

·         ADAM & EdgeSynch provides AD recipient information & SPAM filtering efficiency.

·         Provides better Anti-spam and Anti-virus protection with help of connection filtering, content filtering, recipient filtering, SenderID, sender and IP reputation.

·         Edge Transport Rules to protect Exchange environment, based on SMTP and MIME addresses, words in the subject and message body, and SCL rating.

·         Address rewriting feature allows to modify the SMTP address on in/out-bound mail.

4. Client Access Server

·         Client Access Server was known as a Front End in Exchange 2003

·         It should be part of Domain & AD.

·         Handles all the milbox access request comes from

o    Outlook Anywhere - Application (like Outlook 2003 or 2007)

o    MAPI, POP3 or IMAP4 client - like Outlook Express and Eudora

o    Exchange ActiveSync - Mobile devices ( like Windows Mobile 5 Smartphone, Pocket PC or any other device )

o    Outlook Web Access (OWA) including Sharepoint & UNC access

·         Clietn Access provides Autodiscover mailbox location for Microsoft Outlook 2007.

 

5. Unified Messaging

 

·         Merge VoIP environment with Exchange.

·         Requires VoIP Gateways or PBXes to connect with Exchange

·         Access Voice Mails by using OWA.

·         Outlook Voice Access provides below things.

o    Listen voicemails

o    Forward or reply to messages

o    Have their emails automatically read via text-to-speech interface

o    Get calendar information

o    Accept or reply to meetings

o    Set voicemail Out-of-Office messages

o    Access or dial contacts

o   Reconfigure the lite settings on the mailbox

Regards,

Amit Tank, MCTS: Exchange 2007, MCSA 2003 - Messaging

 

(M) +91-9900173227

 

 

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