How to Create a Personal Cloud Server at Home to Save Private Files

[Maria P. Shaver]

Are you seeking various ways to keep your private documents safe and easily accessible at home? Then a personal cloud server might be just the right solution for you.

Moreover, what if you prefer a cloud-like storage environment where you may store data on servers that you manage?

Creating a personal home cloud server is the solution. Personal cloud servers allow you access to a private cloud where you may store data in a flexible manner without revealing it to outsiders. In addition, you can manage your personal data cloud from your house if you choose.

In this article we understand what a personal cloud server is and how you create one. Let us begin:

A Personal Cloud Server: What Is It?

A server designed specifically to store personal files is known as a personal cloud server. Typically, personal cloud servers let users upload and download files over the internet via shared network drives or network-attached storage.

Personal cloud servers differ from traditional cloud servers and you are in charge of administering it. In the case of a standard cloud server, a cloud services provider, owns and operates the server.

What Advantages Do Personal home based Cloud Server Offer?

A personal home based cloud server have several significant advantages over traditional cloud servers, including the following:

Control:

You have complete control over the configuration and management of the data stored on your personal cloud storage.

Security:

Similarly, private cloud servers offer security advantages not present in public cloud services, such as the opportunity never to disclose your data to a third party.

Performance:

If you are connected to personal cloud servers over a local network, they can provide greater performance by enabling you to upload and retrieve data more quickly. Personal cloud servers offer more capability and control than most conventional cloud storage providers.

In the content below, you will learn more about creating a private cloud server.

How can I create a private cloud server?

Step 1: Choose a platform for storage

Choose the software platform to handle your personal cloud storage before starting your personal cloud server adventure.

There are numerous open-source and paid platforms made specifically for this. Although this method necessitates additional preparation, you could create a straightforward network file sharing using operating system-integrated protocols. 

Step 2: Choose your equipment

After that, pick a hardware item ensuring it is compatible with the storage platform you intend to employ.

A device might meet small-scale storage requirements as basic as a spare laptop or PC.  Moreover, it is essential to confirm that the storage devices you wish to attach to your computer can support them. For example, ensure it has enough USB ports if you use USB drives for storage.

Step 3: Install an operating system

Your operating system must work with the cloud storage platform you intend to utilize. While some platforms function with either Windows or Linux, others solely support that OS.

Remember that some platforms allow users to upload and receive data from Windows or Linux machines because they accept both operating systems as clients. Nevertheless, if you wish to host a personal cloud on a server, they might only offer one kind of operating system in server mode.

Step 4: Set up the cloud storage system

You are prepared to install your chosen home cloud storage server platform once your hardware and operating system are configured. Depending on your platform and operating system, the installation process may differ, but in most situations, it's no more challenging than installing any other application.

Step 5: Set up your network

On the host server, the storage platform may have already set up most of your network settings for you. In other instances, you'll have to set up the network yourself by making sure the appropriate ports are accessible and that any devices you use to access your personal cloud are aware of the IP address or hostname of the cloud server. If you grant access to your private cloud server outside the local network, you might also need to change the firewall and router settings.

You might need to adjust the router connected to your home network and other networked devices to configure some settings.

Step 6: Set up cloud storage options

Further parameters on your personal cloud storage platform may be optionally configured. For example, you could set up access controls to limit who can access or alter data from your home network, or you might want to establish storage quotas for various personal cloud users.

Step 7: Connect and begin using your personal cloud

You may now begin uploading or downloading data by connecting your devices to your personal cloud. But keep in mind that, for the most part, you may still change your settings for private cloud storage over time.

Conclusion

Remember that, just like with any server, you must monitor and administer the personal cloud server. So update your operating system and storage platform with the latest software. Also, setting up backups is a good idea, particularly if you're using your personal cloud to store essential data.

LatticeWork is a company which addresses storage, privacy, and bandwidth challenges stemming from the rapid growth in data and video consumption. Its technology comprises a primary cloud service, AmberCloud, which integrates on-premises and edge devices as members of a larger cloud service.  The company's flagship offering, Amber, is the first AI-powered smart storage device in the world that delivers a personal hybrid cloud to users. Amber provides users with unprecedented data privacy, convenience, and control.