# Windows File Server Access Solution for Lights & Shadows **Date:** 24 February 2026 --- ## The Problem Lights & Shadows has **Windows machines in China** that need to access their **file server in Singapore**. The server is behind a **Fortinet firewall**. ### Current Challenges: - 🔴 High latency (150-200ms) between China and Singapore - 🔴 China's Great Firewall causes unstable connections - 🔴 Fortinet requires careful port configuration - 🔴 Windows SMB protocol is sensitive to latency --- ## Our Solution: Alibaba Cloud Global Accelerator ### Architecture ``` ┌─────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ │ CHINA │ │ ALIBABA CLOUD │ │ SINGAPORE │ │ │ │ GLOBAL ACCELERATOR │ │ │ │ ┌───────┐ │ │ │ │ ┌───────┐ │ │ │Windows│──────▶│ China → Singapore │──────▶│Fortinet│ │ │ │ PC │ │ │ (Optimized Route) │ │ │ FW │ │ │ └───────┘ │ │ │ │ └──┬────┘ │ │ │ └──────────────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ ▼ │ │ │ │ ┌───────┐ │ │ │ │ │ File │ │ │ │ │ │Server │ │ │ │ │ └───────┘ │ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ ``` ### How It Works 1. **Connect:** User in China connects to nearest Alibaba Cloud GA point 2. **Route:** Traffic flows through Alibaba's global backbone (not public internet) 3. **Terminate:** Traffic arrives at Singapore through Fortinet 4. **Access:** Windows SMB connects to file server as if on local network ### Why Alibaba Cloud? | Factor | Benefit | |--------|---------| | China Coverage | Strong presence in China with multiple access points | | SMB Optimization | Specifically good for Windows file sharing | | Fortinet Compatible | Works with existing firewall | | Static IP | Stable address for Windows network mapping | --- ## Implementation Plan | Week | Activity | Deliverable | |------|----------|-------------| | 1 | Technical Assessment | Requirements Document | | 2 | POC Setup | Live Test Environment | | 3 | Testing & Optimization | Test Report | | 4 | Final Proposal | SOW & Quotation | --- ## Investment ### One-Time Costs | Item | Amount | |------|--------| | Technical Assessment | $500 | | POC Setup & Configuration | $800 | | Fortinet Consultation | $300 | | **Total** | **$1,600** | ### Monthly Recurring | Item | Amount | |------|--------| | GA Instance | $80-150 | | Bandwidth (1-5 TB) | $100-200 | | Support & Monitoring | $100 | | **Total** | **$280-450** | --- ## Next Steps 1. Initial call with Lights & Shadows IT to gather network details 2. Sign POC agreement 3. Begin technical assessment --- *Prepared by A Cai (COO), Next3Labs* *Email: lim@next3labs.com*