Direct synchronization is an excellent solution when replicas are connected directly to the local area network and are available through shared network folders. Direct synchronization is not the best solution when remote synchronizing over a Remote Access Service (RAS) or dial-up connection is required. In this case you should use indirect or Internet synchronization.
If you attempt to do a direct synchronization to a replica that’s in the list of known replicas, and that replica isn’t found, that replica will then be removed from the replica set.
Indirect synchronizationIndirect synchronization is useful when you work in a disconnected environment, such as when you are traveling with a laptop.
Indirect synchronization can only be configured by using Replication Manager. Once indirect synchronization is configured with Replication Manager, you can execute an indirect synchronization by using Microsoft Access, Replication Manager, or JRO.
Internet synchronization is a convenient way to synchronize replicas in a disconnected environment in which an Internet Server is configured.
You must use Replication Manager to configure Internet synchronization.