Cloud Sync Overview

VertiTab's cloud sync feature allows you to seamlessly synchronize your browser data across multiple devices. This powerful feature ensures your tabs, settings, and browsing preferences are always available wherever you need them.

How Cloud Sync Works

The cloud sync system operates on a robust client-server architecture with end-to-end encryption to protect your privacy:

Sync Architecture

1. Local Data Collection: VertiTab monitors specific data types (tabs, settings, bookmarks, etc.) for changes
2. Encryption: All data is encrypted locally using AES-GCM encryption before transmission
3. Server Communication: Encrypted data is uploaded to secure cloud servers via REST API
4. Multi-Device Sync: Other devices download and decrypt the synchronized data
5. Conflict Resolution: The system uses timestamp-based conflict resolution for data integrity

Sync Modes

VertiTab offers four synchronization modes to fit different usage patterns:

• Disabled: No synchronization occurs
• Upload Only: Device only uploads data to the cloud (one-way sync from device to cloud)
• Download Only: Device only downloads data from the cloud (one-way sync from cloud to device)
• Stay Synchronized: Bi-directional sync that keeps all devices up-to-date (recommended)

Data Types and Sync Logic

Extension Settings

• What syncs: Theme preferences, tab display options, keyboard shortcuts, and all extension configurations
• Sync timing: Changes sync after a 5-second delay to avoid excessive updates
• Conflict resolution: Latest timestamp wins

Site Configurations

• What syncs: Per-site settings like custom tab titles, site-specific behaviors
• Sync timing: Changes sync after a 5-second delay
• Conflict resolution: Site-specific settings are merged, with latest changes taking priority

Quick Access Items

• What syncs: Bookmarked tabs and frequently accessed pages
• Sync timing: Changes sync after a 5-second delay
• Conflict resolution: Items are merged across devices with duplicate detection

Recent Closed Tabs

• What syncs: History of recently closed tabs (up to configured limit)
• Sync timing: Changes sync after a 60-second delay to batch multiple close operations
• Conflict resolution: Recent items are merged chronologically

Window Tabs and Groups

• What syncs: Open tabs, tab groups, window arrangements
• Sync timing: Changes sync after a 60-second delay to avoid constant updates during browsing
• Special behavior:
  • Can skip sync when the last browser window closes (configurable)
  • Multiple restore modes: append to current window, create new window, replace current tabs, or save as snapshot
• Conflict resolution: Most recent window state is applied

Tab Snapshots

• What syncs: Saved tab collections and their metadata
• Sync timing: Changes sync after a 30-second delay
• Conflict resolution: Snapshots are merged with duplicate detection based on creation time and content

Security and Privacy

Local Encryption

• Algorithm: AES-GCM (Galois/Counter Mode) with 256-bit keys
• Key management: Encryption keys are derived from your local password and never transmitted
• Password requirement: You can set a custom encryption password or use default encryption
• Zero-knowledge: The server never has access to your unencrypted data

Data Transmission

• Protocol: HTTPS with certificate validation
• Payload: Only encrypted data packages are transmitted
• Metadata: Minimal metadata (timestamps, data types) for sync coordination

Device Management

• Device identification: Each device gets a unique identifier for sync coordination
• Device naming: Set custom names to identify your devices easily
• Sync status: Real-time status monitoring for upload/download operations

Sync Triggers

Automatic Triggers

• Data changes: Automatically triggered when monitored data changes
• Browser startup: Optional full sync when browser starts (configurable)
• Debouncing: Smart delays prevent excessive sync operations during rapid changes

Manual Triggers

• Instant sync: Force immediate synchronization via the "Sync Now" button
• Individual data types: Sync specific data types independently
• Bulk operations: Sync all enabled data types at once

Performance Optimization

Debouncing and Batching

• Configurable delays: Each data type has optimized delay settings
• Change batching: Multiple rapid changes are grouped into single sync operations
• Lock management: Prevents concurrent sync operations for data integrity

Conflict Resolution Strategy

• Timestamp-based: Latest modification time determines the winning version
• Merge-friendly: Compatible data is merged rather than overwritten
• Retry logic: Failed sync operations are automatically retried with exponential backoff

Error Handling

Network Issues

• Automatic retry: Failed operations are retried up to 3 times
• Graceful degradation: Extension continues working even if sync is unavailable
• Status feedback: Clear indicators show sync success/failure status

Data Corruption

• Validation: All synchronized data is validated before application
• Rollback capability: Failed sync operations don't affect local data
• Error reporting: Detailed error messages help diagnose issues

Benefits

For Multi-Device Users

• Seamless experience across all your devices
• No manual setup needed after initial configuration
• Real-time synchronization of browsing state

For Single-Device Users

• Data backup protection against system crashes
• Easy recovery after browser reinstallation
• Peace of mind with cloud-based data preservation

For All Users

• Industry-standard encryption ensures privacy
• Granular control over what data to sync
• Flexible sync modes for different use cases

Getting Started

To begin using cloud sync, navigate to the extension settings and look for the "Sync Settings" section. The system will guide you through the initial setup process, including password configuration and data type selection.