# Syncplify R2FS! # Introduction General introductory topics about Syncplify R2FS! # What is Syncplify R2FS!? **Syncplify R2FS!** (Remote-Reverse File System) is an optional component of **Syncplify Server!** designed to securely expose internal storage to your SFTP transfer server without opening inbound network access. ##### The Core Idea Traditional architectures require the server in the DMZ to initiate inbound connections toward backend storage. R2FS! inverts this model: **the storage side initiates and maintains an outbound, secure connection to the server**. This “reverse” approach dramatically reduces the attack surface and simplifies firewall rules. ##### How It Fits In R2FS! integrates with the Virtual File System (VFS) of Syncplify Server!. To users accessing Syncplify Server! via its protocol-handlers (SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS), remote storage appears as a normal file-system path, even though it physically resides in a protected network. ##### Why It Matters - **No inbound firewall ports** required toward internal storage (subnet) - **Strong authentication** using mutual TLS and or PSK - **Clear network separation** between DMZ and private/subnet infrastructure - **Compliance-friendly design** for regulated and highly-regulated environments - **Scales naturally**, supporting multiple R2FS! nodes and high-availability setups ##### Typical Use Case An organization runs Syncplify Server! in a DMZ, while file data remains on internal systems in a separate and isolated subnet. R2FS! allows secure access to that data without exposing the internal network nor relaxing firewall policies. ##### In Short Syncplify R2FS! provides a secure, modern way to bridge DMZ-hosted file transfer services with internal storage by reversing the direction of trust and connectivity. # Installation Everything about installing or upgrading your R2FS! software. # Download and Install R2FS! Downloading and installing R2FS! is actually a very simple 2-step process: 1. Download the correct installer for your operating system [from our website](https://syngo.to/download) 2. Then, depending on the file type you downloaded: 1. If it's an EXE file, simply double-click on it to run it 2. If it's a ZIP file, extract it and read the READ\_ME document you find inside of it to proceed with the installation That's all there is to it. After R2FS! is installed you may want to [learn how to connect it to your Syncplify Server! and configure both sides](https://kb.syncplify.com/books/syncplify-r2fs/page/set-up-and-configure-r2fs "Setting up and Configuring R2FS!") to handle your secure storage. # Set up and Configure R2FS! To help you get started with R2FS! we have created the video here below. It shows you how to connect your R2FS! storage to your Syncplify Server! (SFTP server) and perform all the initial setup and configuration to make it work.