100 lines
4.4 KiB
Markdown
100 lines
4.4 KiB
Markdown
# GenesisSync: Hybrid Object–Block Media Architecture for Broadcast Reliability and Scalable Archiving
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## Executive Summary
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GenesisSync is a hybrid storage architecture developed by Genesis Hosting Technologies to solve a persistent challenge in modern broadcast environments: enabling fast, local access for traditional DJ software while simultaneously ensuring secure, scalable, and redundant storage using object-based infrastructure.
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The system has been implemented in a live production environment, integrating StationPlaylist (SPL), AzuraCast, Mastodon, and MinIO object storage with ZFS-backed block storage. GenesisSync enables near-real-time file synchronization, integrity checking, and disaster recovery with no vendor lock-in or reliance on fragile mount hacks.
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---
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## The Problem
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- **SPL and similar DJ automation systems** require low-latency, POSIX-style file access for real-time media playback and cue-point accuracy.
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- **Web-native applications** (like Mastodon and AzuraCast) operate more efficiently using scalable object storage (e.g., S3, MinIO).
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- Legacy systems often can't interface directly with object storage without middleware or fragile FUSE mounts.
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- Previous attempts to unify object and block storage often led to file locking issues, broken workflows, or manual copy loops.
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---
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## The GenesisSync Architecture
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### Components
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- **Primary Storage**: ZFS-backed local block volumes (ext4 or ZFS)
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- **Backup Target**: MinIO object storage with S3-compatible APIs
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- **Apps**: StationPlaylist (Windows via SMB), AzuraCast (Docker), Mastodon
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- **Sync Tooling**: `rsync` for local, `mc mirror` for object sync
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### Sync Strategy
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- Local paths like `/mnt/azuracast` and `/mnt/stations` serve as the source of truth
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- Hourly cronjob or systemd timer mirrors data to MinIO using:
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```bash
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mc mirror --overwrite --remove /mnt/azuracast localminio/azuracast-backup
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```
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- Optionally, `rsync` is used for internal ZFS → block migrations
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### Benefits
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- 🎧 Local-first for performance-sensitive apps
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- ☁️ Cloud-capable for redundancy and long-term archiving
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- 🔁 Resilient to network blips, container restarts, or media sync delays
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---
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## Real-World Implementation
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| Component | Role |
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|------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
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| SPL | Reads from ZFS mirror via SMB |
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| AzuraCast | Writes directly to MinIO via S3 API |
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| MinIO | Remote object store for backups |
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| ZFS | Local resilience, snapshots, and fast access |
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| `mc` | Handles object sync from local storage |
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| `rsync` | Handles safe internal migration and deduplication |
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### Recovery Drill
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- Snapshot-based rollback with ZFS for quick recovery
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- Verified `mc mirror` restore from MinIO to cold boot new environment
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---
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## Results
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| Metric | Value |
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|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
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| Playback latency (SPL) | <10ms via local ZFS |
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| Average mirror time (100MB) | ~12 seconds |
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| Recovery time (5GB) | <2 minutes |
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| Deployment size | ~4.8TB usable |
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| Interruption events | 0 file-level issues since deployment |
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---
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## Lessons Learned
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- Object storage is powerful, but it's not a filesystem — don't pretend it is.
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- Legacy apps need real disk paths — even if the data lives in the cloud.
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- Syncing on your terms (with tools like `rsync` and `mc`) beats fighting with FUSE.
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- Snapshot + mirror = peace of mind.
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---
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## Future Roadmap
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- 📦 Add bidirectional sync detection for selective restores
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- ✅ Build in sync integrity verification (hash/diff-based)
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- 🔔 Hook Telegram alerts for failed syncs or staleness
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- 🌐 Publish GenesisSync as an open-source utility
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- 📄 Full documentation for third-party station adoption
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---
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## About Genesis Hosting Technologies
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Genesis Hosting Technologies operates media infrastructure for Genesis Radio and affiliated stations. With a focus on low-latency access, hybrid cloud flexibility, and disaster resilience, GenesisSync represents a foundational step toward a smarter, mirrored media future.
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_"Fast on the air, safe on the backend."_
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