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Setting Up Remote Backup Between Two Proxmox Backup Servers

Abstract

This guide explains how to sync snapshots between two Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) instances to create a reliable remote backup solution. The process ensures that your data is safely copied to a remote location.

The PBS remote sync feature operates in a pull motion, meaning the configuration must be initiated from the destination PBS rather than the source. This guide also uses Tailscale to establish connectivity between the two PBS instances.

Prerequisites

  • Two Proxmox Backup Servers installed: a source (where your data resides) and a destination (where backups will be stored).
  • Tailscale (or equivalent VPN solution) configured on both PBS instances to allow secure communication between them.

Step 1: Add the Source PBS to the Destination PBS

  1. Navigate to the destination PBS interface.

  2. Go to Configuration > Remotes and click Add. pbs-remote

    Fill in the Remote Details

    Field Description
    Remote ID Name of the connection. Tip: Use a descriptive name like <SourcePBSName>_remote.
    Host IP address of the source PBS (e.g., the Tailscale IP).
    Auth ID User on the source PBS with sync rights. Ensure the realm is included (e.g., backupUser@pbs).
    Password Password for the specified user.
    Fingerprint Found in the Dashboard of the source PBS.

  3. Click Add to save the configuration.

Step 2: Set Up the Sync Job

  1. On the destination PBS, navigate to Datastore > [Your Datastore Name] > Sync Jobs and click Add. pbs-remote

    Fill in the Sync Job Details

    Field Description
    Local Datastore The datastore on the destination PBS where snapshots will be synced.
    Local Namespace (Optional) Namespace within the destination datastore for organizing snapshots.
    Local Owner (Optional) Specify an owner for the synced snapshots.
    Sync Schedule Define when the sync job should run (e.g., 09:00 for daily syncs at 9 AM).
    Rate Limit (Optional) Set a bandwidth limit for the sync job (e.g., Unlimited MiB/s or a specific value).
    Comment (Optional) Add a description for the job.
    Source Remote Select the remote connection you configured earlier.
    Source Datastore Choose the datastore from the source PBS that will be synced.
    Source Namespace (Optional) Specify a namespace from the source PBS.
    Max Depth (Optional) Set how many levels of snapshots to sync.
    Remove Vanished Enable this option to ensure deleted snapshots on the source PBS are also deleted on the destination PBS.

  2. Click Add to save the sync job.

Tips and Recommendations

  • Use Separate Users: Create a dedicated user on the source PBS with limited rights for the sync job.
  • Enable Notifications: Set up email or webhook notifications on the destination PBS to monitor the status of your sync jobs.
  • Secure Connections: Ensure all communications between the PBS instances are encrypted. Using Tailscale simplifies this process by creating a secure VPN.
  • Test the Sync: After setting up the job, manually trigger it to verify that snapshots are successfully transferred.
  • Monitor Storage: Keep an eye on the available storage space on the destination PBS to avoid failed syncs due to insufficient capacity.

By following these steps, you can easily set up remote backups between two Proxmox Backup Servers, ensuring your data remains secure and accessible from multiple locations.