revit two synced fileservers one central model - path problems

[Anonymous]

two synced fileservers (Synology NAS) at different locations, one central model

*** NOTE! ignore possible central model update problems, this is a small firm ***

If we want to open the central model in office A where the links are made no problem; When openng the central model on remote location B its seeking with the UNC path for the linked revit models; Same goes with opening the file remotely via the web. We tryed mapping driveletter "R" for the network drive but revit keeps using UNC paths.

We need relative path types and want to keep the data in-house.

we initially started out with a central model because of the feature to easily hide the grids of loaded revit models in the main model in al views.

I came across this post but I cannot find a solution in there

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/relative-vrs-absolute-path-types-explained/t...

[Sujan.Maharjan]

Hi,

I think the Problem is with how your Network has been setup. I personally don't have experience working in WAN connection ,but your setup might have to look something like this.

Click Here for more info : Revit Server and Image Source

[BIMologist_]

The way you can do this is via DFS , however synology is linux based and hence no DFS. 

I was thinking of something like tricking the DNS. 

Concept:

I am going to create a whole new DNS entry for the SERVERNAME (this can also be done at the DNS SERVER level too if you are hosting the DNS on the Synology or the router)

Assumptions:

1. The user does not have access to the other server hence the UNC path wont resolve. 

2. The computer does not move between offices. (you can still do it) just involves a bit more trickery

3. The path to the fileserver is the same at both locations (it has to be) i.e. \\SERVERA\files\\Projects\p1 & \\SERVERB\files\\Projects\p1 

4. The central file is NOT being modified at the SAME time between locations (you mentioned that)

Process:

1. Edit the host file at each site workstation https://support.rackspace.com/how-to/modify-your-hosts-file/

2. SITE A workstation hosts file

IP.ADD.RESS.SYNOLOGY_A      REVITSHARE

192.168.54.10 REVITSHARE

SITE B hosts file

IP.ADD.RESS.SYNOLOGY_B   REVITSHARE

Now instead of accessing the files using \\SERVERA\files\\Projects\p1   or \\SERVERA\files\\Projects\p1  

Use \\REVITSHARE\files\\Projects\p1 

This way the path never changes!!

Let me know if this works

I will see what the command line version of adding a DNS CNAME A host alias in Windows workstation so your issue of VPN is resolved too. 

I searched for the DNS , mDNS & DFS and found some ideas here that might be helpful.