Almacenamiento en la nube doméstico: Copia de seguridad de fotos del smartphone

Cómo crear un almacenamiento en la nube doméstico para hacer copias de seguridad de fotos y archivos utilizando hardware accesible y la app SMBSync2. Configuración de servidor SMB, conexión de disco duro y automatización de sincronización.

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In the digital age, when each of us creates a huge amount of photos and videos, the issue of reliable data storage becomes more relevant than ever. Cloud services like Google Photos or iCloud are convenient but have storage limits and require a monthly fee for extra gigabytes. In this article, I will tell you how I organized home cloud storage for backing up photos and files using affordable hardware and software. This solution not only saves money but also provides full control over your data.

Why Home Cloud Storage?

Before moving to the technical part, let’s analyze why you might need home cloud storage:

1. Cost Savings: Cloud services often charge for extra space. Home storage is a one-time investment.
2. Data Control: Your files are stored locally, reducing the risk of data leaks.
3. Unlimited Volume: You can use hard drives of any size.
4. Autonomy: Access to files is possible even without the Internet if you are in your home network.

Equipment for Home Cloud Storage

1. Hard Drive and Docking Station

The core of my storage became a 4 TB hard drive. This is enough to store tens of thousands of photos, videos, and other files. For convenient connection, I used a hard drive docking station, which I bought on AliExpress. The docking station connects to the router via USB and ensures stable drive operation.

Tip: When choosing a hard drive, look for models with a high rotation speed (7200 RPM) for fast data access.

2. Keenetic Omni Router

My choice fell on the Keenetic Omni router. This device supports connecting external drives and allows setting up an SMB server (Server Message Block) for file access over the local network. Keenetic Omni is a budget-friendly but reliable solution for home use.

3. SMB Server Setup

I configured an SMB server on the router to make the hard drive available to other devices in the home network. This allowed me to organize centralized storage for all files, including photos from my smartphone.

How to set up an SMB server on Keenetic Omni:

1. Connect the hard drive to the router via the docking station.
2. In the router’s web interface, go to the “USB Disks” section.
3. Enable the SMB server and set a resource name.
4. Configure access rights (you can restrict access with a password).

Photo Backup using SMBSync2

1. Installing and Setting up SMBSync2

To back up photos and files from my smartphone, I used the SMBSync2 app. It is a powerful tool for synchronizing files between Android internal storage/SD card and PC/NAS via local network using the SMB protocol (SMB1, SMB2, or SMB3).

How to configure SMBSync2:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Add a new synchronization profile.
3. Enter the router’s IP address, username, and password (if required), as well as the path to the folder on the hard drive.
4. Select the folder on the smartphone to synchronize (e.g., DCIM/Camera for photos).

2. Synchronization Algorithms

SMBSync2 offers several synchronization algorithms:

• Mirroring: Exact copy of structure and content.
• Move: Files are moved from the device to the server.
• Copy: Files are copied to the server without deletion from the device.
• Archive: Files are packed into an archive before sending.

I chose the Copy algorithm to keep original photos on the smartphone and have their backup on the hard drive.

3. Synchronization Schedule

SMBSync2 allows setting up automatic synchronization on a schedule. I set up daily backups at night so the process doesn’t interfere with smartphone usage. You can also use external apps like Tasker or AutoMagic to trigger synchronization under certain conditions (e.g., when connecting to the home Wi-Fi network).

Advantages of Home Cloud Storage

1. Money Saving: One-time investment in equipment instead of monthly fees for cloud services.
2. Full Control: Your data is stored locally, and only you have access to it.
3. Unlimited Volume: You can easily expand storage by adding another hard drive.
4. Automation: SMBSync2 allows setting up automatic backup without your participation.

Conclusion

Organizing home cloud storage using a hard drive, a docking station, and a Keenetic Omni router is an accessible and reliable solution for backing up photos and files. The SMBSync2 app makes the process automated and convenient. Now I can be sure that my memories in the form of photos are safely stored and available at any moment.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly and effective solution for data storage, I recommend considering a similar scheme. It will not only save your money but also give full control over your files.