Setting Up a Linux Server for Synology Hyper Backup rsync mode

If you’re like me and have attempted to back up your Synology NAS to a friend’s server for an additional offsite backup, you may have encountered some challenges in the process. However, connecting the two is actually quite straightforward once you understand the steps involved.

Firstly, ensure that the rsync package is installed on your Linux server. Check if rsyncd is running by default, if it is then stop it.

This is often disabled by default the case on Ubuntu/Debian distros.

Next, create a rsyncd.conf file in your home directory with the necessary rsyncd settings. Below is an example configuration:

aki@backup-rsync:~$ cat ~/rsyncd.conf
[syno]
	comment = backup repo
	path = /home/aki/backups
	use chroot = no
	max connections = 10
	lock file = /var/lock/rsyncd
	charset = utf-8
	read only = no
	list = yes
	timeout = 600
	refuse options = checksum dry-run
	dont compress = *.gz *.tgz *.zip *.z *.rpm *.deb *.iso *.bz2 *.tbz

In the Synology Hyper Backup application, select “File Server” as the destination type, then choose “rsync”. Provide your server name and credentials. Ensure that transfer encryption is enabled and set the port to 22 for rsync over SSH. The directory should be pre-populated with “syno” based on the rsyncd.conf settings.

Once these steps are completed, finalize your backup job in Hyper Backup, specifying the folders or files you wish to back up to the Linux server.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your Linux server for Synology Rsync backup, enhancing the security and redundancy of your data.