The VT WSUS system lets Departmental Information Technology (DIT) administrators control their own WSUS implementation while still allowing them to take advantage of Web reporting capabilities offered by VT WSUS. This is done by "rolling up" your WSUS information to our central information store on a regular basis, via automated process. Systems configured to do so are referred to as either downstream or sidestream WSUS servers.

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Downstream WSUS Servers

Downstream WSUS Servers are configured to get their update and approval information from the master VT WSUS server. Downstream server administrators have no control over which updates are approved for installation. More information about what types of updates are approved on the master VT WSUS server can be found on the Virginia Tech's Windows Software Update Server (VTWSUS) page.

Benefits of being a downstream server include:

• No need to maintain WSUS update approvals - it is done for you
• The ability to use group policy to configure the update settings of your clients
• The ability to use VT WSUS Web Reporting in the DIT Admin role

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Sidestream WSUS Servers

Sidestream WSUS servers are configured to get their updates from Microsoft. The update approvals are then determined by the sidestream administrators.

Benefits of being a sidestream server include:

• The flexibility to control which updates you want to be installed
• The ability to support multiple Windows platforms and architectures
• The ability to use group policy to configure the update settings of your clients
• The ability to use VT WSUS Web Reporting in the DIT Admin role

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Becoming a Downstream or Sidestream WSUS Server

Requests for participation in VT WSUS as a downstream or sidestream server must come from a dean, director, or department head. Administrators must provide the information requested and agree to the terms specified in the Participation Requirements for VT WSUS Downstream and Sidestream Server Administrators. Your department must fill out the IRM Signature Authorization Letter and place it on file with IRM along with the Participation Requirements for VT WSUS Downstream and Sidestream Server Administrators form.

For details on configuring a downstream or sidestream server, see the Setting Up a Downstream or Sidestream Server knowledge base article.