The Tool Desk
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What Syncthing does—and where your files go
Syncthing is a continuous file synchronization program. You choose folders to share between devices, then those devices exchange file changes. According to the Syncthing FAQ, the exchange happens when the machines are online at the same time. Syncthing itself does not upload your files to a cloud-storage account.
That does not mean every transfer must stay on your local network. Devices can connect over the internet, directly or through a relay. In either case, the participating devices are the endpoints holding and synchronizing the files; Syncthing is not a hosted copy of your data that remains available when all your devices are offline.
How Syncthing finds and transfers changes
It notices changes, then scans
Syncthing detects changes using filesystem notifications and periodic scans. Its watcher batches notifications before scheduling scans, so a change may not show up on another device instantly. To identify file contents that need to be synchronized, Syncthing reads and hashes data; it cannot determine changed contents without examining them.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
It compares versions and file blocks
Each device tracks its local file versions and versions announced by connected devices. From these, Syncthing calculates a global version representing the state devices try to match. It divides files into blocks and computes SHA-256 hashes for those blocks. Comparing hashes lets it identify blocks that differ, then copy the needed blocks locally or request them from another device rather than retransmitting unchanged blocks. The project explains this process in Understanding Synchronization.
How devices discover and connect to one another
Devices identify and authenticate one another using device IDs derived from certificate fingerprints. Device-to-device connections use TLS. Syncthing can discover devices locally or through global discovery, then attempt to establish a direct connection. The project homepage says it works over LAN and the internet without requiring users to enter IP addresses or configure advanced settings; that describes the intended convenience, not a guarantee that every firewall or network will connect without troubleshooting.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If a direct connection fails
A relay can carry traffic when devices cannot establish a direct connection. The transfer remains end-to-end encrypted, so the relay does not thereby gain access to file contents. Relayed transfers are slower than direct connections, and clients periodically retry direct connections. See the project’s relaying documentation.
What connection metadata may be visible
Encryption protects file contents in transit, but it does not hide all connection metadata. Global discovery can associate a device ID with an external IP address; local discovery announces device IDs and listening ports on the local network. A relay can learn which device IDs are participating and how much traffic passes through it. These are metadata disclosures, not evidence that a relay can read the synchronized files. Syncthing describes these distinctions in its Security Principles.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Is Syncthing a backup?
No. Syncthing synchronizes changes, including modifications and deletions. If you delete or damage a file on one device, that change may propagate to the others; a synchronized copy is not necessarily a safe historical copy.
Syncthing offers optional file versioning, but it is disabled by default and configured per folder and per device. When enabled, it archives changes received from other devices according to the selected strategy. It does not use this mechanism to archive that device’s own local edits. The versioning documentation explains the options. The FAQ recommends using other tools for data safety, so keep a separate backup suited to your needs—for example, a backup that is not simply another actively synchronized copy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
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