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Copy Data Between Two Synology NAS

The Easy Method

This article was written for the DSM version before 7. However, you can apply the techniques to later versions but the menu locations have changed somewhat.

Copy Data Between Two Synology NAS using RSYNC:

Due to the many ways one can approach the task of copying data between two Synology NAS, it may require a lot of research and trial and error. Using Shared Folder Sync is easy, quick, and foolproof, providing an exact copy of the data on the receiving NAS. + You can sync updates either automatically or manually at any time.

** I originally wrote this article to describe how to set up RYSC to sync data between two NAS devices. In other words, if some or all of your data was deleted or corrupted on the source, you could copy it back from the destination. This setup also allows for a primary and secondary NAS for small business environments, where data is updated on one NAS while the second NAS is being upgraded, and then the data is synced following the update.

What is required, and how to set Shared Folder Sync up? 

  • You need two Synology NAS on the same network
  • The receiving NAS needs  available space to receive the files being copied
  • You need Advanced Permissions to set up the RSync on the destination NAS

Decisions you should make before starting.

  • Is this a one-way sync or two-way? A one-way sync sends data to the receiving NAS. When you perform syncs, the source data remains unchanged. Two-way sync will keep both NAS files synchronized, meaning if you delete files from one NAS the other NAS files will be deleted.  If you are just trying to copy data from your source to the other NAS I recommend one-way sync. Therefore, if you require file versioning, I recommend using DRIVE or Cloud Server. Shared Folder Sync is a replica of the files.
  • Will this be an automated recurring Shared Folder Sync or will you perform the sync manually?  I run mine manually.

Limitations:  Currently Synology RSYNC does not support selecting destination volume or database, it will be the default volume.  A future update will add this feature.

How to Set Up Shared Folder Sync

(1) Enable RSYNC - On the NAS: Go to Control Panel -> File Services ->Click the RSYNC tab, then enable RSYNC service. You can leave the default port. RSYNC needs to be enabled on both Synology NAS. 
(2) You need advanced permissions to perform RSYNC - Go To Control Panel -> Shared Folders ->Select the Folder to SYNC -> Then click Edit Tab 
 
Then Click Advanced Permissions Tab->Enable the Advanced Shared Permissions checkbox ->then click the advanced shared permissions button 
 
(3) Finally enable the user account with Read/Write 
 
Summary Thus Far:  You Enabled RSYNC Service on the NAS, You Enabled Advanced Permissions on the folder to sync, you granted permissions/rights to the account/user that will perform the sync. 

Next Steps - Set Up the Task List

During this part, you have options to perform one-way sync, two-way sync, leave destination file enacted even if the source file was deleted, or delete destination files if source files are deleted.

(1) Go to Control Panel->Click Shared Folder Sync 
 
(2) Click Task List then -> Click Create -> Give The Task A Name
(3) Select the Source Sync Folder
 
(4) Set the Sync Destination NAS Where Data Will Be Copied To - Test Your Connection!
 
(5) Execute the Sync -> First Sync click FULL SYNC, for updates ->Sync Now
 
Final Summary: You have established a Shared Folder Sync which offers an easy way to keep a copy of important files on a second NAS. Depending on what options you choose, your destination NAS will have a copy of the source files.
This is useful for copying files/folders but does not offer version history. Thus if you delete a file from the source and do sync the file will be removed from the destination.  If you require versioning I suggest you set up a Cloud Server.

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