Data Backup for Active Active two sites

[Joe_ab]

Hello,

We have a NetBackup solution consists of three nodes , two master servers at the main site and one standby server at the DR site. The issue is that some operations are taking place at the DR site and backup need to be taken for the data at the secondary site,  but the link between the two sites are not enough to cater for moving the backup across the link to the primary master servers , so what is the best practices to take the backup at the DR site and retain the backup catalog consistency at the primary site ?

I was thinking of taking the backup for the DR ( Secondary site) by using the NetBackup server in that site , but that will affect the DR functionality and result and inconsistency for the DB between the two sites  (the NetBackup catalog DB I mean)

Thanks,

[Marianne]

Please tell us more about your " two master servers at the main site and one standby server at the DR site". Is this a 2-node cluster with global cluster option replicating to one-node cluster at DR site? Meaning that the node at DR is only standby for production site? If this is the case, you cannot use the master at DR site unless in site failover situation. If you are backing up to dedupe disk/appliance, you can have independent, online master servers at each site and config AIR for image replication in both directions. More info about your config and backup devices will help to provide better advice.

[RiaanBadenhorst]

Hi,

The easiest solution is to add a media server in the secondary site (DR). This media server will be the target for backups in the secondary site (DR). It will still be configured in the current NetBackup domain.

Alternative options involve more effort.

[Joe_ab]

Hi Marianne,

Yes 2 node cluster and the 3rd is stand by and cannot be accessed unless a failover is initiated  , but if required might isolate the setup to have 2 in the production and the 3rd server standalone to be out of the cluster but i need the best scenario to perform this backups

[Joe_ab]

may you provide the alternatives ?

[RiaanBadenhorst · Accepted solution]

The alternative is to start a new domain in the DR site. This would require a new master to be installed. You

can either provision a new master and create a new domain

or

remove the current master from the HA-DR cluster it is in, and then create a new domain.

Depending on your requirement (and environment) you could then use that master as a media server, or add a media server to it.

You will then have two independent domains in terms of clients, policies, backup and restore capability. Without technology like AIR you'll not be able to restore data from primary site in the DR site.