Peer-to-Peer Transactional Replication in SQL Server 2005

After we provide authentication for the Log Reader and the SQL Agent, the wizard will begin building the peer-to-peer topology. For our example, the process results in the creation of three publications and six subscriptions (see below). For each publication, the wizard will create a distribution database as well.

Figure 7: Configure Peer-To-Peer Topology Wizard: building the topology.

When we have completed the wizard, this is what we'll see in SQL Server 2005 explorer:

Figure 8: The results of running the wizard.

Introducing Another Node

In today's competitive environment, businesses expand widely and frequently. What if we need to add another node? In SQL Server 2005, using peer-to-peer replication, all we need to do is configure the new node as a publisher and a subscriber and attach it to the peer-to-peer network.

Conclusion

Peer-to-peer transactional replication has added a new dimension to SQL Server database replication, giving DBAs more flexibility. As a new feature, it isn't yet widely used. But it will be. So check it out and see how your organization will benefit.