Server Independent Restores

This section explains how to restore files by using a NetBackup server other than the one that was used to write the backup. This is called a server independent restore and allows easier access to data for restores in master and media server clusters and also provides better failover and disaster recovery capabilities.

NetBackup has a master and media server architecture that allows storage devices to be located on multiple servers (can be either separate storage devices or a shared robot). For successfully completed backups, the NetBackup image catalog stored on the master server contains an entry that defines the server (master or media server) to which each backup was written. In addition, information specific to the backup media is held within both the master server image catalog (in the attribute file for each backup) and in the media catalog on the master or media server that was used during the backup.

Due to the existence of the media catalog on each server where backups are written, restoring data through a device on another server is more involved than other restores but can be accomplished by using the methods described in this section. These methods do not require you to expire and import backup images; although, that can be useful in some instances.

In the above figure, the following assumptions are made:

• A single, shared Media Manager volume database exists on the NetBackup master server.
• The NetBackup master server is available at time of restore.
• Robotic control is on a NetBackup server that is available at the time of the restore.

Click the thumbnail above to view full-sized image. NetBackup Servers Sharing Robotic Peripherals">

Click the thumbnail above to view full-sized image.

NetBackup Servers with Separate Non-shared Peripherals

In the above figure, the following assumptions are made:

• The media is made physically accessible through an available NetBackup server and the Media Manager volume database is updated to reflect this move.
• A single, shared Media Manager volume database exists on the NetBackup master server.
• The NetBackup master server is available at time of restore
• Robotic control (if applicable) is on a NetBackup server that is available at the time of the restore.