Backups & recovery
Archiving Backups to a Network Location
For a technician moving controller backups off the controller onto network-accessible storage. The controller supports FTP client devices and TFTP-based Image Backup, not SMB-style network shares with stored credentials.
- Step 1.
Confirm network connectivity
Verify the controller can reach the FTP or TFTP server by IP. Coordinate with IT for firewall rules.
- Step 2.
Understand what's actually supported
There isn't a System 'network backup settings' menu with SMB share and username/password. The network options are: FTP client devices (C1: through C8:) configured on the Host Communication screen, and TFTP: for the cold-start Image Backup function from the File menu.
Caution: Automatic (scheduled) Backup can't push to the network at all. Its destination is limited to MC: or FRA:, with USB usable as the '2 Device' for retrieval. Don't try to schedule an auto-backup to FTP or TFTP.
- Step 3.
Configure an FTP client device (routine file transfer)
On the Host Communication screen, set up one of the C1: through C8: FTP client entries with the server IP, login, and remote path. This gives you a file device you can select from the File menu.
- Step 4.
Do a manual backup to the FTP device
From the File menu, set the default device to your configured Cn: FTP client, then run BACKUP (F4) to write the backup set to the FTP server.
- Step 5.
Or use Image Backup over TFTP (cold start)
If you want a full image, boot the controller for Image Backup and select TFTP: as the storage unit. This writes the image to your TFTP server. Note this is a separate function from Automatic Backup and requires the controller to be in the appropriate boot mode.
- Step 6.
Verify the archived files
On the server, confirm the files landed with the expected sizes and timestamps. Keep a written record of which robot, which method (FTP client vs TFTP image), and the date.
- Step 7.
Confirm retention on the server side
Check with IT that the server has its own retention and backup policy, since the controller isn't managing versions on the network side.
Common questions
- How long does Archiving Backups to a Network Location take?
- Archiving Backups to a Network Location is rated Intermediate and takes about 30 minutes across 7 steps.
- What tools do I need?
- You will need Teach pendant, FTP or TFTP server reachable from the controller, IT support for firewall rules and server setup.
- What should I do before starting?
- Controller has a working Ethernet connection. An FTP server (for routine file transfer) or a TFTP server (for Image Backup) is available and reachable.
- What is the first step?
- Confirm network connectivity. Verify the controller can reach the FTP or TFTP server by IP. Coordinate with IT for firewall rules.