FUTO 12 Syncthing (EN)

FUTO 12 Syncthing: Synchronize Files Between Devices Without Cloud

Syncthing enables you to securely and automatically synchronize files and folders between your devices - without central cloud providers. This module shows you how to build your own, trusted synchronization solution that keeps your data under your control. You will learn the setup, configuration, and handling of typical scenarios such as device management, folder sharing, and conflict resolution.

Concepts and Background

Device ID

A unique, 64-character identifier for each device in your Syncthing network. This ID is needed to identify and connect devices with each other.

Folder Sharing

The process of sharing specific local folders with selected devices in your network. You can specify whether a folder should only receive, only send, or synchronize bidirectionally.

Versioning

A mechanism that automatically saves older versions of files. This allows you to revert to previous versions if accidental changes are made.

Blocked Files

File types that are not synchronized by default, such as system files (e.g., .DS_Store, Thumbs.db) or temporary files. This prevents unnecessary synchronization and conflicts.

Global Discovery

An optional feature that allows devices to find each other over the internet when they are not in the same local network. For maximum security, this can be disabled.

Architecture Diagram

flowchart LR
  A[Your Laptop] -->|Syncthing| B[Syncthing Server]
  C[Your Smartphone] -->|Syncthing| B
  D[Your Desktop PC] -->|Syncthing| B
  B --> E[Synchronized Folders]

Practical Steps

1. Install Syncthing on all devices. On Linux systems, use the package manager:

   sudo apt install syncthing

2. Start Syncthing on each device and open the web interface at http://localhost:8384.
3. Note the device ID from the web interface (under "Devices"). You will need this for connecting the devices.
4. Add other devices on each device: Click "Add Device" and enter the device ID.
5. Create a new folder in the web interface ("Add Folder") that you want to synchronize, and select the local path.
6. Share the folder with other devices: Select the folder, click "Share", and choose the connected devices.
7. Configure folder settings: Specify whether the folder should only receive, only send, or synchronize bidirectionally.
8. Enable versioning to save older file versions: Set the number of versions to save.
9. Ensure that the firewall on each device allows port 22000 (TCP and UDP) for direct communication.
10. Test the synchronization by changing a file in a shared folder and checking if the change appears on all devices.

Common Pitfalls

Further Resources

• Official Syncthing Documentation
• User Guide and Tutorials
• GitHub Repository with Configuration Examples
• Official Forum for Support and Discussions
• Downloads for All Platforms

Knowledge Check

Four questions for self-assessment. Click each question to see the correct answer and explanation.

What is the main advantage of Syncthing compared to traditional cloud storage services?

• A) Higher synchronization speed
• B) Full control over data without central providers
• C) Automatic backup function
• D) Simpler user interface

Correct Answer: B. Syncthing enables decentralized synchronization where your data is not stored with a cloud provider but exchanged directly between your devices. While A and D may be true depending on the situation, they are not the core advantage. C is incorrect as backups are not automatically created.

What is the purpose of "Versioning" in Syncthing?

• A) To keep the software up to date
• B) To save older versions of files for restoration
• C) To ensure compatibility between different devices
• D) To increase synchronization speed

Correct Answer: B. Versioning saves older versions of files so you can revert to previous versions in case of accidental changes or data loss. A refers to software updates, not file versions. C is ensured by device IDs, not versioning. D is incorrect as versioning requires additional storage space and does not increase speed.

What is a "Device ID" in Syncthing?

• A) The unique name of your device in the network
• B) A password to protect your synchronization
• C) A 64-character identifier for identifying devices
• D) The IP address of your device

Correct Answer: C. The device ID is a unique 64-character identifier used to identify and connect devices in the Syncthing network. A is incorrect as the name is freely selectable and not used for identification.