Time Machine Backups Over Network: A How-To Guide
Utilizing a Mac as a Time Machine Server
Traditionally, Apple's Time Machine functionality relies on external hard drives or a Time Capsule for data backups. However, an alternative solution exists for users with an available Mac.
A spare Mac can be repurposed to function as a dedicated Time Machine server. This allows other Macs on your network to utilize it for backups, mirroring the functionality of a Time Capsule.
Setting Up the Time Machine Server
Implementing this setup necessitates the use of Apple's OS X Server software. This software facilitates the necessary network services for Time Machine backups.
Unlike comparable server solutions like Microsoft's Windows Server, OS X Server is readily accessible as a relatively inexpensive $20 application available for installation on any compatible Mac.
While technically feasible to configure a Time Machine server without OS X Server, it is strongly discouraged due to potential instability and lack of optimal performance.
Benefits of Using a Mac as a Server
- Cost-Effective: Utilizing existing hardware reduces the need for additional purchases.
- Centralized Backups: Provides a single location for all Mac backups on the network.
- Network Accessibility: Allows backups to occur over the network, eliminating the need for direct drive connections.
By leveraging a spare Mac and OS X Server, users can create a robust and convenient Time Machine backup solution.
Utilizing OS X Server for Time Machine Backups
Related: Guidance on Backing Up Your Mac and Restoring Files Utilizing Time Machine
For those seeking this functionality, Apple’s OS X Server is available for $20 via the Mac App Store. A key capability of OS X Server is its ability to configure a Mac to operate as a Time Machine server. Importantly, OS X Server isn’t a separate operating system, but rather an application installable on your existing macOS system.
This solution proves particularly useful if you possess an unused Mac, or perhaps a desktop Mac you wish to dedicate as a centralized server for several MacBook computers.
Begin by installing OS X Server on the designated Mac and launching the newly installed "Server" application. Within the application, select "Time Machine" from the Services list on the left, and then activate the Time Machine server by toggling the slider at the top-right to the "On" position.
You will then be prompted to specify a location on the Mac for storing the backups. Furthermore, you can impose storage limits on individual backups to prevent any single Mac from consuming all available space.
The initial setup is now complete, should you desire. Additional backup destinations can be added using the provided box at the bottom of the window, which is beneficial when multiple drives are available for backup purposes. For instance, you might select several external drives or designate backup locations on different internal drives.
Access to the Time Machine server can also be restricted to authorized users. By default, all Macs on the local network are permitted to back up to it. Clicking the "Edit" button to the right of Permissions allows you to limit access to specific user accounts.
Following a few backup cycles, navigate to the "Backups" tab at the top of the control panel to view the backups on your Time Machine server and their respective storage usage. Backups can be deleted from this interface to manage server storage capacity.
To initiate backups from another Mac to your Time Machine server, open the Time Machine interface on that Mac, ensuring it’s on the same local network. The server will appear as a backup location within the list of available disks, similar to Time Capsule devices.
Replicate this process on each Mac you intend to back up to the Time Machine server over the network.
Related: Methods to Reclaim Space Occupied by Time Machine’s Local Backups on Your Mac
As a standard practice, a Mac will only perform backups to the network location when connected to a power source and charging. To enable backups while operating on battery power, click the Options button within the Time Machine interface and activate the "Back up while on battery power" checkbox.
Keep in mind that this functionality is contingent upon being connected to the same local network as your Time Machine server. When outside of this network, your Mac will not back up, aside from creating local backups on its internal storage.
An Unsupported Approach: Why It Should Be Avoided
While a specific method is recommended for backups, an alternative, unofficial technique exists. This involves activating file sharing on a macOS system to establish an AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) server. The shared network drive requires HFS+ formatting. However, utilizing this method is strongly discouraged.
To attempt this unsupported process, open the Terminal application on the Mac intended for backup and execute this command:
defaults write com.apple.systempreferences TMShowUnsupportedNetworkVolumes 1
Following this, the Time Machine application on that Mac will display previously hidden network drives. Selecting a network drive will initiate a backup attempt by Time Machine.
Important Caution: Avoid this method! Potential issues could lead to the corruption of your backups. For instance, a disrupted network connection during the backup process may render the Time Machine backups unusable.
The potential consequences outweigh the benefits; investing in OS X Server for a properly supported Time Machine server is a more prudent choice. This is preferable to risking data loss through corrupted backups. Alternatively, utilize a directly connected external drive with Time Machine, bypassing network backups altogether.
Although we appreciate exploring hidden settings and unconventional solutions, the integrity of backups is paramount. The risk of corrupting vital backup files is not worth taking, even if initial functionality appears stable. OS X Server provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for this purpose.
Consider an Apple Time Capsule as another option. It offers network backup capabilities with its integrated storage, eliminating the need for a dedicated Mac server.
Image Credit: Konstantinos Payavlas on Flickr