Linux – rsync using only spare bandwidth

bandwidthlinuxrsync

My scenario:

  • Several rural schools
  • Every school:
    • One linux server
    • Limited bandwidth (shared with all school PCs)
    • Electricity not guaranteed (last to leave the school could cut all electricity)
    • Geographically disperse

I have to backup all school linux servers to a central server.

Method of backup chosen: rsync (minimizes bandwidth usage)

Problem: Backup could degrade the network

First approximation: Using --bwlimit=RATE parameter that limits socket I/O bandwidth. But it's a fixed amount, don't take advantage free network time and stands in the way in crowded network time.

Question: Any way to make rsync to use only spare bandwidth? maybe mark its traffic as low priority somehow?

Best Answer

Does your network support QoS? If it does you should use the right IP TOS field for rsync traffic. You can use Linux tc command for that.

Also there are standard classification scheme . You can mark rsync traffic for example with 0 and watch the difference.

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