[Sheflug] Distributed authentication

["Chris Johnson" <chris [at] xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Is it possible to set up Linux servers in such a way that user account
details are propagated from a master server to slave servers and for any of
them to authenticate logins from a connected workstation?  I'm thinking
along the lines of using Linux to replace 3 NT servers, one Primary domain
controller (and file server) and 2 backup domain controllers which are
located on the same network but in other buildings.  In a previous network
upgrade when the BDCs were added there was a noticeable decrease in the
delay to login.  I'm presuming a Linux box running samba authenticating a
Windows desktop machine will have to pass the same number of packets in
order to authenticate it as an NT box does.

Am I barking (up the wrong tree)?
Is there something about Linux that means the PDC/BDC setup is not required?
If you only need one Linux server what are the typical requirements for a
server to authenticate 250 + PCs in a school environment (i.e. not all
logged in at the same time but maybe 60 or so logging in at the same time,
basic MS office file loads and saves, printer sharing).

As an aside is it possible/ what are the problems with replicating the user
file storage across the servers so that all server access is "local"?
Currently the BDCs just sit there doing nothing apart from authentication.

Any help/suggestions appreciated.

ChrisJ
SESEAZ

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