Knowledge Base

The Hetzner Storage Box is a reliable and cost-effective solution for your data storage and backup needs. In this article, we will guide you on how to connect, configure, and efficiently use your Hetzner Storage Box with different systems. This guide is designed for users of all levels, from beginners to advanced users. Our goal is to ensure you get the most out of your Hetzner Storage Box.

1. Introduction: What is Hetzner Storage Box and Why Should You Use It?

The Hetzner Storage Box is an online storage solution offered by Hetzner Online. Essentially, it is a network drive where you can securely store, back up, and share your data. So, why should you choose Hetzner Storage Box? Here are some reasons:

• Cost-Effective: Offers highly competitive prices compared to other cloud storage solutions.
• Reliability: Provides high uptime and data security thanks to Hetzner's robust infrastructure.
• Flexibility: Accessible via different protocols (FTP, SFTP, rsync, WebDAV, SSHFS, NFS).
• Scalability: You can easily increase your storage space according to your needs.
• Data Privacy: Your data is stored in secure data centers in Germany.

The Hetzner Storage Box is suitable for a wide range of applications, from personal to business use. For example:

• Personal photo, video, and document backup
• Backing up your website or application
• Storing and sharing media files (music, movies)
• File storage for your development environment
• Database backup

2. Ordering and Setting Up the Hetzner Storage Box

2.1 Creating an Account and Ordering a Storage Box

The first step is to create an account on the Hetzner Online website. After creating an account, you can order a Storage Box. There are Storage Box options available in different sizes and prices. Choose the one that best suits your needs. During the ordering process, you will need to specify a username and password. Keep this information in a safe place.

2.2 Initial Connection and Basic Configuration

After your Storage Box is ordered and set up, you will receive an email. This email will contain the information needed to access your Storage Box (hostname, username, password). Using this information, you can connect to your Storage Box via FTP, SFTP, or other protocols.

After the initial connection, it is recommended to make some basic configurations. For example:

• Change your password: First, change the default password provided to you with a stronger password.
• Configure user permissions: If you have multiple user accounts, set appropriate permissions for each user.
• Plan your backup strategy: Create a strategy to back up your data regularly.

3. Connecting to Hetzner Storage Box with Different Protocols

Hetzner Storage Box can be accessed via different protocols. Each protocol has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most commonly used protocols:

3.1 FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

FTP is one of the oldest and most common protocols used to upload and download files to a server. It is easy to use, but it is not secure because it is not encrypted. Therefore, it is not recommended to use FTP to transfer sensitive data.

To connect with FTP, you can use an FTP client such as FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP.

# Example of connecting with FTP using FileZilla:
Hostname: [storage_box_hostname]
Username: [storage_box_kullanici_adi]
Password: [storage_box_sifre]
Port: 21

3.2 SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)

SFTP is an encrypted version of FTP. It uses the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol to securely transfer your data. Therefore, it is recommended to use SFTP to transfer sensitive data.

To connect with SFTP, you can use an SFTP client such as FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP.

# Example of connecting with SFTP using FileZilla:
Hostname: [storage_box_hostname]
Username: [storage_box_kullanici_adi]
Password: [storage_box_sifre]
Port: 22

3.3 Rsync

Rsync is a command-line tool used to synchronize files and directories from one location to another. It saves bandwidth by transferring only the files that have changed. Rsync is ideal for backup and file synchronization.

To use Rsync, you must first install rsync on your system. Then, you can connect to your Storage Box using the following command:

rsync -avz -e "ssh -p [SSH_portu]" /source/directory [kullanici_adi]@[storage_box_hostname]:/destination/directory

3.4 WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning)

WebDAV is a protocol used to manage files over the web. With WebDAV, you can connect your Storage Box as a local drive and manage your files directly from your file manager.

To connect with WebDAV, you can use different methods depending on your operating system. For example, in Windows, you can use the "Add a network drive" feature.

3.5 SSHFS (SSH Filesystem)

SSHFS allows you to mount a remote file system locally over the SSH protocol. This allows you to access remote files as if they were local files. SSHFS is a secure and convenient option.

To use SSHFS, you must first install SSHFS on your system. Then, you can mount your Storage Box using the following command:

sshfs [username]@[storage_box_hostname]:/ /mount/point -p [SSH_port]

3.6 NFS (Network File System)

NFS is a protocol that enables file sharing over a network. It is commonly used in Linux/Unix systems. To make your Hetzner Storage Box accessible via NFS, you need to authorize your IP address in the Hetzner control panel.

To connect with NFS, follow these steps:

1. Authorize your IP address in the Hetzner control panel for access to your Storage Box.
2. Install the NFS client on your system.
3. Mount your Storage Box using the following command:

    mount -t nfs [storage_box_hostname]:/ /mount/point
    

4. Backup Strategies and Practices

The primary purpose of your Hetzner Storage Box is to store your data securely. Therefore, creating an effective backup strategy is crucial. Here are some backup strategies:

• Full Backup: Back up all your data regularly.
• Incremental Backup: Back up only the data that has changed since the last backup.
• Differential Backup: Back up the data that has changed since the last full backup.
• 3-2-1 Rule: Keep 3 copies of your data, store them on 2 different media, and keep 1 copy in a remote location.

You can use the following tools to automate backup operations:

• Rsync: Ideal for synchronizing files and directories.
• Duplicati: Allows you to create encrypted backups.
• BorgBackup: Has data deduplication and encryption features.
• Rclone: Compatible with different cloud storage services.

Example Backup Scenario (with Rsync):

Suppose you want to back up your website files to your Hetzner Storage Box every night. You can use the following command:

rsync -avz -e "ssh -p [SSH_port]" /var/www/html [username]@[storage_box_hostname]:/backups/website

You can automate the backup process by setting this command as a cron job.

5. Improving Performance and Troubleshooting

5.1 Performance Improvement Tips

• Choose the Correct Protocol: SFTP is more secure than FTP, but it may be slightly slower. Rsync is ideal for synchronizing large files.
• Optimize Bandwidth: Perform backup operations during off-peak hours.
• Use File Compression: Compress large files before backing them up.
• Use Parallel Transfers: Some tools, like Rsync, support parallel transfers.
• By using Hetzner Cloud Germany Location Servers, you can reduce the latency between your server and the Storage Box. Hetzner Cloud Germany Location Servers

5.2 Common Problems and Solutions

• Connection Problems: Check your firewall settings, make sure you are using the correct ports.
• Authentication Problems: Make sure you have entered your username and password correctly.
• Permission Problems: Check file and directory permissions.
• Slow Transfer Speed: Check your internet connection, try a different protocol.

6. Security Measures

It is important to take the following security measures to protect your data in your Hetzner Storage Box:

• Use Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords that are not easily guessed.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If possible, enable 2FA for your Hetzner account.
• Use a Firewall: Allow access to your Storage Box only from authorized IP addresses.
• Encrypt Your Data: Encrypt your sensitive data before backing it up.
• Update Regularly: Regularly update the software you use (FTP client, rsync, etc.).
• Monitor Access Logs: Regularly review the access logs to your Storage Box.

7. Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

Example 1: Website Backup

An e-commerce site owner backs up the website's files and database to their Hetzner Storage Box every day. This way, in the event of a server failure or hacking attack, they can quickly restore the website.

Example 2: Media File Storage

A photographer stores high-resolution photos they take in their Hetzner Storage Box. This way, they can access their photos from anywhere and easily share them with their clients.

Case Study: Data Backup for a Small Business

A small business backs up all its important documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to Hetzner Storage Box. In this way, it minimizes the risk of losing data in the event of a computer failure or virus attack.

8. Visual Descriptions (Textual descriptions of elements such as diagrams and graphics)

Diagram: Hetzner Storage Box Connection Diagram

(Textual Description) This diagram shows how a user connects from their computer or server to Hetzner Storage Box via different protocols (FTP, SFTP, Rsync, WebDAV, SSHFS, NFS). The diagram includes the user's device, internet connection, Hetzner Storage Box server, and the protocols used.

Graphic: Backup Strategy Comparison

(Textual Description) This graphic compares full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup strategies. The graphic shows the impact of each strategy on factors such as backup time, storage space usage, and restore time.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

10. Conclusion and Summary

Hetzner Storage Box is a powerful, reliable, and cost-effective solution for your data storage and backup needs. In this article, we have provided you with a comprehensive guide on ordering, configuring, connecting via different protocols, creating backup strategies, improving performance, and taking security measures for your Hetzner Storage Box.

In summary:

• The Hetzner Storage Box is accessible via various protocols (FTP, SFTP, Rsync, WebDAV, SSHFS, NFS).
• Creating an effective backup strategy is crucial to protect your data.
• Using strong passwords and taking other security measures will help keep your data on the Storage Box safe.
• Choose the right protocol, optimize bandwidth, and use file compression to improve performance.

We hope this guide helps you get the most out of your Hetzner Storage Box. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Hetzner Online's support team.