HOME snapshots can be used to backup (and restore) the configuration and stream routing of the system's physical devices.

A snapshot can be created globally (for all online devices), or partially (for selected devices). Once created, all snapshots are managed from HOME's 'Snapshots' page.

If a snapshot contains data for more than one device, then users can choose to update all devices in the snapshot or a selection of those devices. This allows the system to be restored to a former state either partially or completely (providing the same devices are online).

Creating Snapshots for Individual Devices

Snapshots for individual devices can be created from the 'Devices' page. Select the device(s) and choose Create Snapshot (from the ... More menu). Enter a label and click on Create. Once created, the snapshot is added to list of available snapshots (in the 'Snapshots' page).

It is recommended to regularly create snapshots for all individual devices listed in HOME. These files can be used later, if a device replacement becomes necessary. While it is possible to create a snapshot before starting the device replacement, this can only be done if the device is online (in HOME).

Creating Snapshots Globally

Snapshots can also be created globally from the 'Snapshots' page. Click on New, enter a label and click on Create. In this instance, the snapshot stores data for all devices that are online when the snapshot is saved. Once created, the snapshot is added to list of available snapshots (in the 'Snapshots' page).

Managing Snapshots

The 'Snapshots' page can be used to manage all of the snapshots stored on the HOME system.

From here, you can see the snapshot label, the number of devices (included) and a timestamp (showing when the snapshot was created). The number of devices is particularly useful, as this can be used to confirm how many devices are contained in the snapshot file.

The page can be used to:

  • Create a New snapshot globally (for all online devices).
  • Edit the label of a snapshot.
  • Load a snapshot globally (to all devices contained in the snapshot).
  • View the contents of a snapshot.
  • Delete a snapshot.

The View function allows users to verify the contents of a snapshot. For example, after saving a snapshot globally, or before loading a snapshot from the 'Snapshots' page.

Loading Snapshots

When a snapshot is loaded, the system updates the device configuration and stream routing plus any other relevant data such as partnership links to other devices.

To manage the workflow, users can choose to update all devices stored in the snapshot or a selection of those devices. Note that, if a snapshot stores data for a single device, then the same outcome is achieved using either method.

  • To restore data to all devices stored in a snapshot, go to the 'Snapshots' page, select a snapshot and click on Load. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.
  • To restore data to a selection of devices, go to the 'Devices' page, select a device and choose Load Snapshot (from the ... More menu). A list of all snapshot files that contain data for the selected device appears. Choose a snapshot and then a device (or devices). Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.

In both cases, it is important to read the information in the "Load Snapshot" dialog carefully, as this describes what will happen when you confirm the snapshot load.

Loading a snapshot can negatively impact your entire system, if devices are updated in error. 

To avoid accidental changes to operational devices, it is important to read the information in the "Load Snapshot" dialog carefully, before confirming a snapshot load.

Limitations

HOME snapshots are available for all physical devices. They are not currently available for HOME Apps servers or app instances.

Watch the video

How to save, verify and load a snapshot (to individual devices) can be visualized by watching the following video: Individual_Snapshot.mkv

Further Information

The rest of this chapter describes the snapshot-related operations in more detail: