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# GenesisSync: Hybrid Object–Block Media Architecture for Broadcast Reliability and Scalable Archiving
## Executive Summary
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.
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.
---
## The Problem
- **SPL and similar DJ automation systems** require low-latency, POSIX-style file access for real-time media playback and cue-point accuracy.
- **Web-native applications** (like Mastodon and AzuraCast) operate more efficiently using scalable object storage (e.g., S3, MinIO).
- Legacy systems often can't interface directly with object storage without middleware or fragile FUSE mounts.
- Previous attempts to unify object and block storage often led to file locking issues, broken workflows, or manual copy loops.
---
## The GenesisSync Architecture
### Components
- **Primary Storage**: ZFS-backed local block volumes (ext4 or ZFS)
- **Backup Target**: MinIO object storage with S3-compatible APIs
- **Apps**: StationPlaylist (Windows via SMB), AzuraCast (Docker), Mastodon
- **Sync Tooling**: `rsync` for local, `mc mirror` for object sync
### Sync Strategy
- Local paths like `/mnt/azuracast` and `/mnt/stations` serve as the source of truth
- Hourly cronjob or systemd timer mirrors data to MinIO using:
```bash
mc mirror --overwrite --remove /mnt/azuracast localminio/azuracast-backup
```
- Optionally, `rsync` is used for internal ZFS → block migrations
### Benefits
- 🎧 Local-first for performance-sensitive apps
- ☁️ Cloud-capable for redundancy and long-term archiving
- 🔁 Resilient to network blips, container restarts, or media sync delays
---
## Real-World Implementation
| Component | Role |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| SPL | Reads from ZFS mirror via SMB |
| AzuraCast | Writes directly to MinIO via S3 API |
| MinIO | Remote object store for backups |
| ZFS | Local resilience, snapshots, and fast access |
| `mc` | Handles object sync from local storage |
| `rsync` | Handles safe internal migration and deduplication |
### Recovery Drill
- Snapshot-based rollback with ZFS for quick recovery
- Verified `mc mirror` restore from MinIO to cold boot new environment
---
## Results
| Metric | Value |
|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Playback latency (SPL) | <10ms via local ZFS |
| Average mirror time (100MB) | ~12 seconds |
| Recovery time (5GB) | <2 minutes |
| Deployment size | ~4.8TB usable |
| Interruption events | 0 file-level issues since deployment |
---
## Lessons Learned
- Object storage is powerful, but it's not a filesystem — don't pretend it is.
- Legacy apps need real disk paths — even if the data lives in the cloud.
- Syncing on your terms (with tools like `rsync` and `mc`) beats fighting with FUSE.
- Snapshot + mirror = peace of mind.
---
## Future Roadmap
- 📦 Add bidirectional sync detection for selective restores
- ✅ Build in sync integrity verification (hash/diff-based)
- 🔔 Hook Telegram alerts for failed syncs or staleness
- 🌐 Publish GenesisSync as an open-source utility
- 📄 Full documentation for third-party station adoption
---
## About Genesis Hosting Technologies
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.
_"Fast on the air, safe on the backend."_
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