320GB sync between a Map Drive and a Laptop

[Lucsi]

Dear Team,

Could I kindly ask for your assistance with the following situation?

We have a user who works with both a server and a laptop, accessing data locally as well as remotely via VPN.

When the user returns to the office, we are encountering a situation where files have been modified on both the laptop and the server/network drive. This creates a challenge in determining which version is the latest. I have tried using versioning, but there is still a risk of files being overwritten or lost.

To add further complexity, some of the mapped-drive files are also actively being used and modified by other users in the office.

Ideally, when the user returns to the office, I need a reliable way to synchronise the laptop and the mapped drive in both directions, while ensuring that:

No files or changes are lost.
The latest version of each file is retained and accessible.
Changes made by other users on the mapped drive are also preserved.
Where both locations contain different versions of the same file, the system can safely identify and handle the conflict rather than simply overwriting one version.
Ideally, a backup or revision/history of replaced or removed files would be retained so that we can recover them if required.

I understand that the modified date is currently being used to determine which version is considered the latest, but my main priority is to achieve zero risk of data loss while ensuring that the user has access to the most up-to-date content.

Could you please advise on the safest and most reliable approach or solution for managing this type of two-way synchronisation?

Apologies for the lengthy explanation, and thank you very much for your assistance.

Kind regards,
Thank you
Lucsi

[therube]

Where both locations contain different versions of the same file, the system can safely identify and handle the conflict

How would the "system" (or even AI) know which version is "correct"?

I'd think it would require human intervention.
They both could be correct - to the users who made the changes to the files.

[Lucsi]

Thank you for the response much appreciated
Could anyone suggest how to set it up the best way to ensure I have best options not to loose any file incase the syncing would delete files ?

Thank you

[John1234]

Hi,

Is it possible for this remote user to use the VPN to access your office where the server is and edit the files in one location rather than having two copies?

It seems that what you need is remote access.

[Lucsi]

Yes we have vpn but some countries and even hotels has no vpn allowed or are restricted or mobile hotspots very expensive and slow.
Any places where VPN is allowed or working we are using it.
Each visit can last 2-4 weeks so substantial differences.
I see many users here have similar issues hardly I would be the only one facing it but truly thank you for the responses.
Many thanks

[John1234]

Tale a look at syncthing.

If you run it on the server and on the laptop that you travel with they can automatically synchronize with each other over the internet without using a VPN.

As soon as you or anyone in the office changes a file it gets synchronized.

It should work in any of your hotels.

[xCSxXenon]

FFS "Two-way" syncing and comparing modification dates is really the only way to use FFS for this. If a file has changed on both sides, it should show up as a conflict warning and allow you to determine what needs to be done.