How to Use AWS DataSync Between Two EBS Volumes

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If you’re trying to move data between two Amazon EBS volumes attached to different EC2 instances, you might run into a challenge: AWS DataSync doesn’t support direct transfers between EBS volumes. Instead, DataSync works best for moving data between storage services like Amazon S3, Amazon EFS, Amazon FSx, or network file systems such as NFS or SMB.

So, what options do you have to keep data synchronized between two EC2 instances using EBS volumes? Here are some simple solutions:

First, consider replacing your EBS volumes with Amazon Elastic File System (EFS). EFS is designed for shared storage across multiple Availability Zones. By mounting an EFS file system on both your main and backup EC2 instances, you can keep data synchronized effortlessly since both instances access the same shared storage.

If sticking with EBS volumes is necessary, you can set up application-level data replication. Tools like rsync or other third-party software can be used to synchronize files from one volume to another. This approach requires some setup but gives you control over what gets synced and when.

Another practical approach involves creating snapshots of your primary EBS volume. These snapshots can be scheduled regularly and then restored to the standby instance’s EBS volume. Although this method isn’t real-time, it allows you to keep standby copies updated periodically, reducing data loss during failovers.

In summary, while AWS DataSync doesn’t support transferring data directly between EBS volumes, you can use shared storage like EFS for real-time sync or leverage snapshots and replication tools for periodic backups. Choose the method that best fits your needs for data consistency and recovery speed.