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File synchronization

It is possible to configure an automatic file synchronization between redundant systems of the standard redundancy or the Disaster Recovery System (see Basics on the Disaster Recovery System). The settings for file synchronization and the directories that should be synchronized are adjusted in a separate panel. Once these are set the synchronization will take place automatically when the system leaves the split mode, or the file synchronization can be initiated manually in the panel.

Principle and functionality

After the extension has been activated (see Activating the file synchronization), the button FileSync is visible in the WinCC OA system overview. After a click on it a panel is opened which allows the configuration of the file synchronization (see View in the system overview and settings for file synchronization).

Standard redundancy

Accordingly the synchronization for the standard redundancy is carried out:

  1. Automatically: After switching back from the split mode to the redundancy mode.

  2. Manually: In the panel for configuration of the file synchronization, regardless of whether the system is currently in split mode or in redundancy mode.

Disaster Recovery System

Accordingly the synchronization for the Disaster Recovery System is carried out:

  1. Automatically: After switching back from the split mode to the redundancy mode of the PSS system.

  2. Cyclically: After the time interval defined in step 5 of the Disaster Recovery System configuration (see Projectfiles).

  3. Manually: Via the panel for file synchronization of the Disaster Recovery System (see File Synchronization).

Due to the synchronization the deleted and overwritten files are saved in the backup directory (Deleting and archiving files via the file synchronization).

 

Activating the file synchronization

In order to activate the extension for file synchronization, a Control Manager with the following options must be added to the consoles on the servers.

1. redundant Server:

Option: fileSync.ctl -num 99 -connectToRedundantHosts

Start mode: always

 

2. redundant Server:

Option: fileSync.ctl -num 98 -connectToRedundantHosts

Start mode: always

Create on the specific server an internal data point _CtrlDebug_CTRL_99 or _CtrlDebug_CTRL_98 of the type _CtrlDebug. For information on the data point type see Detailed information on the CTRL Debugger.

View in the system overview and settings for file synchronization

Now, when the system overview is opened, the FileSync button is present.

 

Figure: System overview of a redundant system with the button for file synchronization

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Click on the button to open the panel with the settings for the file synchronization.

 

Figure: Settings of the file synchronization

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The settings and directories for the file synchronization can be configured in the file synchronization panel. By default the table contains all directories, which are recommended for the file synchronization.

To add a new directory for synchronization click on the Redundancy-33.gif button and enter the directory name in the "Pattern" column.

caution.gifCaution

The data directory and the backup directory (see Deleting and archiving files via the file synchronization) may not be synchronized.

To remove an existing directory from the synchronization, select the directory in the table and click on the Redundancy-34.gif button.

Using the check boxes in the "Active" column for each directory can be set, whether this will be synchronized.

Using the check boxes in the "Recursive" column for each directory can be set, whether the file of its subdirectory will be synchronized.

By clicking the "Start file synchronization" button a manual file synchronization is initiated.

If the "check MD5 checksum" check box is ticked, a file synchronization takes place, when the MD5 (cryptographic hash function with a 128-bit hash value) checksum of both files is different.

Via the radio boxes you can set, when a file synchronization should be carried out:

  • "don't check modification time" - the synchronization takes place without checking the timestamp of the file; Is used when e.g. the MD5 checksum is checked.

  • "check of different modification time" - the synchronization takes place when the timestamps on the systems differ; Is used when the system is e.g. a test system.

  • "check of newer modification time" - the synchronization takes place when the file on the other system has a newer timestamp.

Deleting and archiving files via the file synchronization

Files that are overwritten or deleted during the synchronization are stored in the data/backup project directory (if not another online backup path has been set for the backup on the host) with the name "projectFileBackUp_<HostName>_<timeInSecondsSince1970>.zip".

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