Sync Issues
The synchronization process is sometimes subjected to issues due to either human error or the limitation of a certain sync software applications. During the one-way sync process errors rarely occur due to the simplicity of the data transfer. However, the two-way syncing software that includes version control utilities is more prone to errors.
Therefore, in larger networks where the permission level of editing files is given to a large number of computers, sync issues may occur. However, it is important to note at this point that professional syncing software is considerably less likely to cause conflicts than the traditional method of overwriting files manually, especially because the human error factor is reduced. But let us analyze the main reasons why sync issues occur in a network.
Firewalls are not properly configured
Firewalls are designed to stop infiltration of a computer system and sometimes your firewall can be set up to block synchronization software by default. This means that sync issues will occur whenever you try to connect a new device to the network. Therefore, the way to resolve this issue is to set your firewall to accept the device you are trying to sync with the network as an exception, or simply disable the feature of automatically blocking all syncing actions. However, keep in mind that it is safer to simply add every device as exceptions, especially if the work network harbors sensitive data for the company.
Trying to sync devices that are part of different subnets
Large networks are typically divided into smaller parts in order to facilitate their management. However, when you attach a device to a different subnet, sync issues will occur. Therefore, if your computer is unable to sync with the device you installed, make sure that they are part of the same sub network. Alternatively, you can ask the network manager to enable you access to the device.
The classical on/off method
Chances are that neither of the aforementioned methods are to blame and not even the network administrator can tell you why two devices are having sync issues. However, as simple as it may sound, turning the router off and back on again has proven to work in this case as well. The effectiveness of the method in fixing a vast array of computer related issues is already proverbial and here is yet another example. The on/off method works in the situation when you have respected the syncing instructions to the letter but for some reason the network simply needs a reboot in order to acknowledge the change.
In order to diagnose the type of sync issues correctly, it often helps to isolate the problem by systematically creating peer-to-peer subnets and testing the connectivity. Therefore, in the eventuality that you have finished connecting every computer in a peer-to-peer subnet and it seems to work fine, the sync issues are related to the settings of the network. On the other hand, the problem is most likely related to the settings of a firewall or ultra responsive antivirus software. Therefore, do not forget to add the software to the exceptions list too.