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February 11th, 2014 06:00
Avamar proxy VMs and multi-home config
Hello folks,
Can i configure proxy VMs with multiple vNICs that are on different subnets ? Here is my scenario:
1) Is this a supported configuration ?
2) How does the process work with a proxy VM (forgive me as i am new to Avamar). So vCenter takes a snapshot of my VM (CBT is enabled), takes that snapshot and then mounts it on this proxy server and then this proxy VM uses DDBoost to send it to Data Domain ?
3) Can you see any gotchas/pitfalls with this configuration ? Goal is to keep backup traffic to a dedicated backup VLAN (layer 2, same as DD).
Thank you
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ionthegeek
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February 12th, 2014 08:00
I hate to keep beating the RPQ dead horse but you should work with your account team to submit an RPQ for this configuration. Multiple NICs aren't supported out of the box but adding NICs is a reasonably common request. I don't know of any specific pitfalls with this configuration but be sure to have them mention the VLANs in the RPQ and include your diagram so the folks reviewing the RPQ know what you're trying to accomplish and can help identify any possible issues.
Regarding the workflow:
A snapshot request is sent from Avamar to vCenter. In version 6.1 and older, this request would be sent by the Avamar Administrator Server (also called the MCS) running on the utility node. There was some talk about having the proxies themselves take over some or all of the responsibility for communication with the vCenter but I don't recall if this was implemented in 7 or not.
In any case, the agent on the proxy picks up the backup workorder and spawns the VMware image plug-in "avvcbimage". A snapshot is taken, then the original VMDKs are mounted to the proxy (the VM continues to run from the snapshot). The VMware image plug-in backs up the disks one at a time, spawning a new avtar process for each one. The avtar binary uses the Boost libraries to send the data to Data Domain. Metadata are sent to the Avamar GSAN as normal. When all the disks and VM configuration data have been backed up, a backup record is created on the Avamar server.
Edit: Forgot to mention that we dismount the VMDKs and send a snapshot removal request to vCenter once the backup wraps up.
This is a simplified workflow but that's the gist of it.
ionthegeek
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February 12th, 2014 08:00
If there's no special configuration required on the proxy side (and it sounds like there isn't), this RPQ should breeze right through the RPQ process. Like I said, it's a reasonably common request.
You're welcome!
dynamox
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February 12th, 2014 08:00
Avamar Gurus where are you at
..any feedback ?
dynamox
9 Legend
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20.4K Posts
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February 12th, 2014 08:00
Thanks Ian,
in this case avamar proxy VMs would not be doing any VLAN tagging, simply add another virtual NIC to get connectivity to backup network. I have my VAR looking into supportability.
Makes sense on the original VMDK being backup up.
Thanks