Research Lab Shared Data Securely Without Cloud

Cloud was prohibited, and other local tools were cumbersome

While conducting exoplanet research in the astronomy department, I handled large observation files including telescope CCD images, spectroscopic data, and time-series photometric data.

Just one night of observation could quickly accumulate hundreds of gigabytes, and when combined with dark frames, flat field corrections, and data reduction results, storage space and transfer time became constant burdens.

Before paper publication, observation data and analysis code couldn't be released externally, and with observation site location information and collaborating institutions' equipment specifications included, NDA conditions were strict.

Temporarily opening SFTP or using external hard drives resulted in long waiting times and scattered files, and it constantly took time to confirm which version was the latest reduced data.

Several tools introduced as local-based had complex account registration and permission settings, and exchanging opinions about data quality or analysis results separately via messenger made it difficult to follow the review flow at a glance.

SetFN made research lab PCs data hubs, achieving both security and speed

After installing SetFN, we started using internal workstations in the research lab as sharing hubs.

We designated only necessary folders and opened them to team members, ensuring observation data only moved within the research lab network and VPN, preventing external leakage.

Large FITS files and data reduction results moved at gigabit network speeds, dramatically reducing upload and download waiting times, and observers and analysts could simultaneously view the same images and quickly exchange calibration corrections.

Leaving comments right next to files and checking change history prevented mixing with messenger conversations, and recording core information like observation dates, target coordinates, filter information, exposure times, and data processing stages as document metadata made it easy to select and examine only observation sessions meeting specific conditions.

Starting with existing workstations without buying separate servers significantly reduced burden, and the assurance that observation data never left research lab boundaries allowed us to collaborate with peace of mind until paper publication.