apache Posts

HowTo: Transfer huge websites with Apache mod_proxy

I was wondering how I should manage the transfer of several huge websites that are regulary updated from one server to another one so the downtime is minimal and the transfer is transparant for users.

Finaly, it came the idea to use the power of Apache mod_proxy and rsync. The downtime of the page could then be minimal and I could ask the customer to change their DNS config before the website is entirely transfered.

Requirements:

  • A website (in this example: www.example.com)
  • Two servers
    • Source should work with rsync
    • Target should run with Apache2 and mod_proxy enabled
  • Good knowledges/understanding of Apache/DNS/Linux