Cloud Sync Overview
Cloud Sync Overview
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Sync Architecture”- Local Data Collection: VertiTab monitors specific data types (tabs, settings, bookmarks, etc.) for changes
- Encryption: All data is encrypted locally using AES-GCM encryption before transmission
- Server Communication: Encrypted data is uploaded to secure cloud servers via REST API
- Multi-Device Sync: Other devices download and decrypt the synchronized data
- Conflict Resolution: The system uses timestamp-based conflict resolution for data integrity
Sync Modes
Section titled “Sync Modes”VertiTab offers four synchronization modes to fit different usage patterns:
| Mode | Description | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Disabled | No synchronization occurs | None |
| Upload Only | Device only uploads data to the cloud | One-way (device → cloud) |
| Download Only | Device only downloads data from the cloud | One-way (cloud → device) |
| Stay Synchronized | Bi-directional sync that keeps all devices up-to-date | Two-way (recommended) |
Data Types and Sync Logic
Section titled “Data Types and Sync Logic”| Data Type | What Syncs | Sync Timing | Sync Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension Settings | Theme preferences and extension configurations | After 5 seconds | Apply latest settings |
| Site Configurations | Per-site settings | After 5 seconds | Merge |
| Quick Access Items | Quick access items | After 5 seconds | Merge |
| Recent Closed Tabs | History of recently closed tabs | After 60 seconds | Merge |
| Window Tabs and Groups | Open tabs, tab groups, window arrangements | After 60 seconds | Create snapshots and notification messages |
| Tab Snapshots | Saved tab collections and their metadata | After 30 seconds | Merge |
Security and Privacy
Section titled “Security and Privacy”Local Encryption
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Sync Triggers”Automatic Triggers
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Performance Optimization”Debouncing and Batching
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Error Handling”Network Issues
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Benefits”For Multi-Device Users
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “For All Users”- Industry-standard encryption ensures privacy
- Granular control over what data to sync
- Flexible sync modes for different use cases
Getting Started
Section titled “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.