Dovecot's dsync synchronizes mailboxes between two hosts at the protocol level (not file rsync). It understands IMAP state — flags, keywords, expunges, GUIDs.
Modes:
| Mode | Trigger | Use case |
|---|---|---|
replicator (background) |
Live, event-driven | Active/active production |
dsync (CLI) |
One-shot or cron | Migrations, periodic backup |
Architecture for active/active:
[ Client ] ─┬─ [ Dovecot A ] ⇄ replication ⇄ [ Dovecot B ] ─┬─ [ Client ]
└─ load balancer (director) ─┘
Both nodes accept reads and writes; the replicator daemon syncs deltas continuously. Conflict resolution uses GUIDs (Globally Unique Mailbox IDs) so the same message stays the same message on both sides.
Sign in to keep track of what you have read.