A Server Endpoint is a crucial component of Azure File Sync that enables users to specify a local path on the server and a corresponding Azure Files share where files should be synchronized.
This blog post will cover how to configure a Server Endpoint in Azure File Sync, which involves setting up an Azure Files share, installing the Azure File Sync agent, and creating a Server Endpoint. The post will also cover steps for how to monitor and manage Server Endpoints using the Azure portal.
In this blog post will cover the following topics:
- What is a Server Endpoint in Azure File Sync?
- How to configure a Server Endpoint in Azure File Sync?
What is Server Endpoint in Azure File Sync?
Azure File Sync is a cloud-based service that enables users to synchronize files between Windows servers and Azure Files. A server endpoint is a representation of a file server’s folder that is synchronized with Azure Files. It is an essential component of Azure File Sync because it determines which files to synchronize and how they are synchronized.
A server endpoint consists of the following components:
- Namespace: The namespace is the name of the Azure Files share that the server endpoint is associated with. The Azure Files share is the destination for the synchronized files.
- Path: The path is the local file system path of the folder on the file server that is being synchronized.
- Sync group: A sync group is a group of server endpoints that synchronize files with the same Azure Files share.
How to Configure Server Endpoint in Azure File Sync?
Configuring a server endpoint in Azure File Sync is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps.
Step 1: Set up an Azure Files Share
Before you can create a server endpoint in Azure File Sync, you need to create an Azure Files share.
To create an Azure Files share, follow these steps:
- Sign in to the Azure portal (https://portal.azure.com).
- In the left pane, click Storage accounts, and then click the name of the storage account that you want to use for Azure Files.
- In the storage account blade, click File shares.
- Click + File share to create a new Azure Files share.
- Enter a name for the Azure Files share and click Create.
Step 2: Install Azure File Sync Agent
Once you have set up an Azure Files share, the next step is to install the Azure File Sync agent on the file server that you want to synchronize files from. To install the Azure File Sync agent, follow these steps:
- Download the Azure File Sync agent from the Microsoft Download Center.
- Run the downloaded MSI file and follow the instructions in the wizard to install the agent.
- After the installation is complete, sign in to the Azure portal using your Azure account.
- In the left pane, click All services, and then search for Azure File Sync.
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- Click on Azure File Sync, and then click on the + Add button to add a new sync group.
- Enter a name for the sync group and select the subscription, resource group, and storage account that you want to use.
Step 3: Create Server Endpoint
Once you have installed the Azure File Sync agent on the file server, the next step is to create a server endpoint. To create a server endpoint, follow these steps:
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- In the Azure portal, click on the sync group that you created in Step 2.
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Click on the + Add button to add a new server endpoint.
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- Enter a name for the server endpoint, and then select the file server that you want to synchronize files from.
- Select the local path of the folder that you want to synchronize. You can either enter the path manually or browse to it using the Browse button.
- In the Namespace section, select the Azure Files share that you created in Step 1.
- Click on the Create button to create the server endpoint.
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Step 4: Monitor and Manage Server Endpoints
Once you have created a server endpoint in Azure File Sync, you can monitor and manage it using the Azure portal. To monitor and manage server endpoints, follow these steps:
- In the Azure portal, click on the sync group that you created in Step 2.
- Click on the Server endpoints tab to view a list of server endpoints in the sync group.
- Click on a server endpoint to view its details, such as the status, last sync time, and sync progress.
- From the server endpoint details page, you can perform management tasks, such as initiating a sync session, stopping a sync session, and deleting the server endpoint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a server endpoint is a crucial component of Azure File Sync that enables users to synchronise files between Windows servers and Azure Files.
Configuring a server endpoint in Azure File Sync is a straightforward process that involves setting up an Azure Files share, installing the Azure File Sync agent, creating a server endpoint, configuring cloud tiering (optional), and monitoring and managing server endpoints using the Azure portal.
By following these steps, you can efficiently synchronise files between your file servers and Azure Files and optimise your storage utilisation.
FAQs
What is cloud endpoint and server endpoint in Azure?
A cloud endpoint represents a service or resource hosted in the public cloud, while a server endpoint is used to establish a secure connection between an on-premises network and an Azure virtual network
What are the different types of endpoints in Azure?
Different types of endpoints are:
- Azure endpoints: PaaS, cloud services,Web Apps, PublicIPAddress resources
- External endpoints: used for IPv4/IPv6 addresses, FQDNs, or for services hosted outside Azure
- Nested endpoints: This capability allows for the consolidation of Traffic Manager profiles, enabling the creation of highly adaptable traffic-routing configurations to accommodate larger and more intricate deployments
What is endpoint in Azure?
In Azure, an endpoint refers to a specific network location or URL that can be accessed by clients or services. It can represent various resources or services within Azure, such as virtual machines, web applications, APIs, or storage accounts. Endpoints define the entry point or target for communication, allowing data to be sent to or received from the associated resource
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