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Forum Discussion
ReadyNAS as rsync backup for unRAID
With the unceremonious 86'ing of the ReadyNAS line, I was looking for ways to get more life out of my RN626 and RN314.
Turns out they make excellent backup/clone storage for unRAID servers.
After fully factory resetting and wiping my RN626, I installed the rsync server Docker app on my unRAID system. From there, it was just a matter of straightforward configuration and entering the pertinent settings (e.g., username, SSH key) on both systems.
It's all so straightforward that it doesn't even really need a step-by-step. I think the most technical element was exporting the ReadyNAS' SSH key and copy-pasting it into the Docker config.
I've since configured my ReadyNAS to boot up at specified times via its GUI (very useful functionality that unRAID lacks out of the box). It then clones the unRAID on a per-share basis with its built-in rsync capabilities and then shuts down automatically after a certain time has elapsed.
Because the ReadyNAS is now a one-trick pony that only spins up for a few hours per week, I don't feel the same urgency around updating its outdated OS. And I have a full, set-it-and-forget-it, daily onsite clone of my unRAID system should the worst happen.
I don't doubt that this use case has already occurred to many folks, but I wanted to share it in case it hadn't. It's been a great way to extend the useful life of my ReadyNAS.
2 Replies
While I am still using my RN526 as my main NAS, I have other backup NAS set up similarly - powering up a couple of hours for a scheduled backup, and then powering down. I've set these up so snapshots are made on the backup shortly before the backup begins - which gives me a simple form of versioning. I set retention to 3 months.
I have made a few other adjustments to the backup NAS-
- I've created a script that generates a log zip when the backup NAS boots up (and every 24 hours thereafter). The log zip is uploaded to my main NAS (the unraid server in your case)
- I've adjusted the maintenance cron schedule to ensure that the maintenance tasks start when the backup NAS is powered up.
- I've changed the NAS power-off script to make sure the NAS does not power down in the middle of a maintenance operation.
I do something similar. I have my "primary" NAS (not a Netgear) that stores all my stuff. I have scheduled jobs on my old Duo that backs up the shares I need to the Duo.
I also have a large USB drive connected to my Netgear Router. Another set of scheduled jobs then backs up my "critical" files from the Duo to the USB drive (not everything). That way, if I have to bug out, I can just grab the USB drive.
While my primary remains on most of the time, my Duo is scheduled to turn on, backup the primary, then send to the USB, then shut down.
Both NAS's and a few other devices (PC, router, one monitor) are plugged into my UPS. (another component many don't think about).
Same as you, it's all "hands off". "Set it and forget it".
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