Remote replication backs up data stored on an originating TrueNAS system to a second remote destination TrueNAS system. TrueNAS allows scheduling a one-time or regularly scheduled ZFS snapshot of data stored in pools, datasets, or zvols, and saves them in another system.

With the implementation of the administration user and role-based permissions, setting up replication tasks as an admin user has a few differences from those set up when logged in as the root user. Setting up remote replication when logged in as the admin user requires selecting Use Sudo For ZFS Commands.

TrueNAS users should either replicate the dataset/Zvol without properties to disable encryption at the remote end or construct a special JSON manifest to unlock each child dataset/zvol with a unique key.

TrueNAS stores cloud backup services credentials, SSH connections, and SSH key pairs configured using the widgets on the Backup Credentials screen. Users can set up backup credentials with cloud and SSH clients to back up data in case of drive failure.

The Backup Credentials screen displays the Cloud Credentials, SSH Connections, and SSH Keypairs widgets.

Click Add on the widget for the type of credential to add to open that configuration screen.

The Cloud Sync Tasks widget on the Data Protection screen shows configured cloud sync tasks, and provides access to configuration screens to add single-time or scheduled recurring transfers between TrueNAS and a cloud storage provider. Cloud sync tasks are an effective data backup method that sends data to a remote location, or when performing cloud-storage-migration through a provider.

The SSH service lets users connect to TrueNAS with the Secure SHell Transport Layer Protocol. When using TrueNAS as an SSH server, the users in the network must use SSH client software to transfer files with SSH.

Allowing external connections to TrueNAS is a security vulnerability! Do not enable SSH unless you require external connections. See Security Recommendations for more security considerations when using SSH.

To configure SSH go to System > Services, find SSH, and click edit to open the basic settings General Options configuration screen.

The Replication Task widget on the Data Protection screen lists replication tasks configured on the TrueNAS system. The widget shows a definition of replication tasks before adding a task when none exist on the system.

Replication tasks work with periodic snapshot tasks to complete the replication. After scheduling a replication task, the Periodic Snapshot Task widget shows a new task for the newly added replication task.

The TrueCloud Backup Tasks widget on the Data Protection screen shows configured TrueCloud tasks, and provides access to configuration screens to add or schedule recurring transfers between TrueNAS and a cloud storage provider account like Storj iX.

TrueCloud backup tasks effectively back up data to remote locations, restore snapshots, and perform cloud-storage migration.

The TrueCloud Backup Tasks widget shows a list of tasks configured on the system.

After configuring your TrueNAS storage and data sharing or any other function, service, or application, it is time to ensure an effective data backup.

You should also:

• Download and save your system configuration file to protect your system configuration information.
• Download a debug file.
• Create a boot environment to use as a restore point.
• Backup Stored Data

TrueNAS provides several options to set up a data storage backup method, including using a cloud sync provider and a scheduled task or configuring a replication task.

TrueNAS advanced replication allows users to create one-time or regularly scheduled snapshots of data stored in pools, datasets, or zvols on their TrueNAS system as a way to back up stored data. When properly configured and scheduled, local or remote replication using the Advanced Replication Creation option takes regular snapshots of storage pools or datasets and saves them in the destination location on the same or another system.