Raspberry Pi Based Personal Cloud Server Using Next-

Cloud Docker
Sai Venu Satya
Shailendra Kumar Paswan Shreyansh Verma
Ramlalith vaduguru
Department of ECE Department of ECE
Department of ECE
IIIT Naya Raipur IIIT Naya Raipur
IIIT Naya Raipur
Raipur, India Raipur, India
Raipur, India
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]

Abstract—This research demonstrates the steps to build Raspberry Pi, which is ideal due to its compact
personal cloud storage using Raspberry Pi (minicomputer), size, low energy use, portability, and efficient
enabling cloud storage mode for external hard drives. Software
solutions like Next-Cloud Docker, an open-source cloud storage
design. An open-source platform like Next-Cloud
application, allow users to store and access files, photos, and Docker will be employed to host and manage file
digital assets from any device with internet access. The primary services. Once set up, users can access their files
objective is to provide users with a personal, cost-efficient cloud online from any device with an internet
storage solution that is more reliable than commercial cloud connection, making this an efficient alternative to
services. commercial cloud storage options.
Keywords— Raspberry Pi-4 Model, Next-Cloud Docker,
Personal Cloud Storage, Open-Source Cloud II. OBJECTIVES

I. INTRODUCTION The goal of this project is to develop a personal

A personal cloud is a private storage system cloud storage system using a Raspberry Pi that
that allows you to save, access, and share your incorporates strong security features, such as
data over the internet, similar to commercial cloud encryption, and utilizes the Next-Cloud Docker
services like Google Drive or Dropbox. However, platform for managing files. Access to the system
instead of using third-party servers, you host and will be protected by a username and password,
control everything yourself, ensuring greater ensuring only authorized users can log in.
privacy and eliminating subscription fees. One unique feature of this cloud storage solution
is the ability for users to expand their storage
Creating a personal cloud using a Raspberry Pi
capacity at no extra cost by connecting their own
involves setting it up as a server to sync local
external storage devices, such as USB drives or
folders, share content, and access files from
external hard disks.
multiple devices. This approach provides a free
and secure way to manage your data without This setup is built using a Raspberry Pi 3, which
relying on commercial cloud services. supports open-source software and has built-in
Wi-Fi capabilities for seamless connectivity. The
The Raspberry Pi is a small, affordable computer
system is designed to be private and accessible
that can act as a powerful server for personal
only to the developer, who acts as the sole user by
cloud storage. It’s an excellent choice for several
setting a personalized username and password.
reasons.
The cloud can be accessed from any device within
The Raspberry Pi is well-suited for this purpose
the same local network (LAN), offering
because of its built-in Secure Shell (SSH)
convenience and security while keeping the
capabilities, which allow secure remote
system private and confined to the developer's
connections without needing additional software.
control.
SSH supports secure access to the Raspberry Pi
server from various devices, including Linux III. LITREATURE STUDY
systems and Macs, while also enabling command-
line operations for advanced configuration. F. Rauf et al. (2018) [1] discuss public cloud
systems, where users access services through web
This project focuses on building a cost-effective browsers and are charged only for the time they
personal cloud storage solution using the use the service, much like utility billing for

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electricity. This model reduces IT operational H. M. Fadhil et al. (2019) [3] provide insights into
costs but is generally less secure because data and the technical components of the Raspberry Pi,
applications are more vulnerable to attacks. To such as its processor and graphics chip.
improve security, validation processes on both the
provider and client sides are suggested. The Raspberry Pi board includes RAM, optional
interfaces, and connectors for various peripherals.
M. Ithing (2018) describes private cloud systems, It is equipped with a 1.2 GHz 64-bit quad-core
which operate within an organization’s internal ARM Cortex-A53 processor, built-in 802.11n Wi-
data center. These systems offer better control Fi, Bluetooth, and support for USB booting.
over security, maintenance, upgrades, and Instead of a traditional hard drive, the processor
resource management. Unlike public clouds, uses an SD flash memory card for storage. The
where resources are managed by external device is powered through a micro-USB
providers, private clouds function similarly to connector and can connect to the internet either
intranets, with resources managed internally by via an Ethernet cable or a LAN connection.
the organization.
H. A. Mohammed et al. (2019) highlight the
Z. Adnan (2018) explains hybrid clouds, which growing popularity and utility of cloud computing
combine private and public cloud features. A in research and business. Despite its advantages,
hybrid cloud links private cloud resources with security remains a significant concern, with the
external public cloud services, offering enhanced confidentiality of user data being paramount.
security while maintaining flexibility. Cloud providers also offer the benefit of handling
Organizations can rely on private clouds for core system maintenance. Major companies like
operations and access additional resources from Amazon, Microsoft, Rackspace, Google, and
public clouds when needed. Salesforce dominate the market, providing robust
storage and infrastructure services. However,
K. J. Pimple et al. (2017) [2] highlight the current these services often come at a cost that may not be
cloud storage features available from various affordable for everyone. To address this, the
providers. S. Jarwal (2017) emphasizes the proposed system enables users to create their own
potential of Raspberry Pi for creating personal cloud server for storing files, images, text, and
cloud storage. Following proper guidelines, it can other data without incurring service fees, making
be configured to serve as an individual cloud it a cost-effective alternative to large commercial
solution. cloud platforms.
G. Rajai (2017) outlines the setup process for M. S. Jaseem et al. (2019) describe a cloud server
creating a cloud server using Raspberry Pi. This as a high-performance physical or virtual system
involves installing tools like Putty, Raspbian, and designed for processing, storing, and managing
Next-Cloud Docker, and configuring the device applications and data. These servers are created
via the Raspbian command line. P. Ghadshi using virtualization software, which divides a
(2017) describes Next-Cloud Docker as free, single physical server into multiple virtual servers.
open-source software that allows Raspberry Pi to Cloud storage, in contrast, refers to a model where
function as a personal cloud server, enabling users data is stored on remote servers managed by a
to store and access data from anywhere with cloud service provider, allowing users to organize
internet connectivity. their data and share it online with others,
including colleagues and business partners.
G. Dubey (2017) compares Raspberry Pi to cloud-
based servers, noting its smaller scale, limited In our project, the system was implemented on a
storage, and peripheral capabilities. Despite its college network with restricted access and
compact size, affordability, and focus on firewalls that block many ports. Because of these
education, Raspberry Pi has impressive processing limitations, port forwarding could not be used. To
power and can operate similarly to a regular overcome this, Weaved employed a tunneling
computer when equipped with a keyboard, protocol that assigns a unique global IP address to
display, and power supply.
the device derived from its actual address, organizations. The performance and efficiency of
enabling secure and efficient remote access. the processor are directly influenced by its
specifications.
V. CONCLUSION
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Using a Raspberry Pi for personal cloud storage
The proposed system uses a Raspberry Pi running offers several advantages. It allows users to access
the Debian Linux operating system to transform a free cloud services, customize their storage
hard disk into a cloud storage solution. Key capacity by connecting to a personal hard disk,
software components, including Apache 2, and benefit from enhanced security features like
MySQL, and PHP, are installed to create a custom encryption to protect their data. This setup enables
web page for accessing the cloud storage. By the storage of large amounts of data on an existing
enabling router port forwarding, devices outside hard disk, with the convenience of accessing
the local network can securely access the storage personal files from anywhere with an internet
system via the website, providing mobile and connection.
secure cloud storage experience.
Although this cloud service is currently in the
The Raspberry Pi acts as the central processor, prototype stage, it is a cost-effective solution with
managing all cloud storage operations. It is potential for improvement. Developers can add
powered through a micro-USB cable connected to new features to enhance its usability, strengthen
a power adapter, while hard disks are attached security, and address any hardware limitations. To
using USB cables. Initially, internet connectivity boost security, steps such as setting up strong
is established via an Ethernet connection during passwords for the hard disk and the Raspberry Pi
the first boot of the Debian Linux OS. Once the can be implemented, providing greater protection
setup is complete, Secure Shell (SSH) for user data.
communication is enabled, allowing access to
tools like Putty for installing required drivers and REFERENCES
software.
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processor's specifications can be adjusted based "OWNCLOUD Using Raspberry Pi," International Journal of
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on the organization’s requirements. For example, Mar – Apr 2017.
a higher-specification processor might be ideal for [3]. H. M. Fadhil, H. A. Mohammed, and M. S. Jaseem, "Private Cloud
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