MODULE 7 DATA

PROTECTION WITH
REPLICATION AND
COURSE COMPLETION

PARTICIPANT GUIDE

PARTICIPANT GUIDE
 Module 7 Data Protection with Replication and Course Completion

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Table of Contents

Replication Overview ................................................................................................. 5

Replication Overview ........................................................................................................... 6
Asynchronous Local Replication Overview........................................................................... 8
Remote Replication Overview .............................................................................................. 9
Creating Replication Sessions ........................................................................................... 11
NAS Server and File System Remote Replication .............................................................. 12

Synchronous Replication Overview ....................................................................... 13

Synchronous Replication Architecture................................................................................ 14
Synchronous Remote Replication Topologies .................................................................... 16
Synchronous Replication Process – 7 Steps ...................................................................... 17
Animation - Synchronous Replication Process ................................................................... 22
Synchronous Replication States ........................................................................................ 23
Synchronous Replication of File Snapshots ....................................................................... 25
Synchronous Replication Capabilities ................................................................................ 27

Synchronous Replication Configuration ............................................................... 28

Synchronous Replication Creation Process ....................................................................... 29
Synchronous Remote Replication Communication............................................................. 31
Determining Synchronous FC Ports ................................................................................... 32
Replication Interfaces – Synchronous ................................................................................ 34
Replication Connections – Synchronous ............................................................................ 36
Verifying Synchronous Replication Communications ......................................................... 37
Synchronous Session – Resource Creation Wizard ........................................................... 38
Synchronous Session – Resource Properties .................................................................... 39
Synchronous Session – Destination Resources ................................................................. 41
Synchronous Session – Summary ..................................................................................... 42
Synchronous Session – Results......................................................................................... 43
Synchronously Replicated Snapshot Schedules ................................................................ 44

Asynchronous Replication Overview ..................................................................... 45

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 Asynchronous Local Replication Architecture .................................................................... 46
Asynchronous Remote Replication Architecture ................................................................ 47
Asynchronous Remote Replication Topologies .................................................................. 48
Asynchronous Replication Process - 8 Steps ..................................................................... 50
Animation - Asynchronous Replication Process ................................................................. 57
Asynchronous Replication of Snapshots ............................................................................ 58
Architecture for Asynchronous Replication of Snapshots ................................................... 60
Asynchronous Replication Capabilities .............................................................................. 62

Asynchronous Replication Configuration ............................................................. 63

Asynchronous Replication Creation Process...................................................................... 64
Asynchronous Remote Replication Communication ........................................................... 65
Replication Interfaces – Asynchronous .............................................................................. 67
Replication Connection – Asynchronous ............................................................................ 68
Verifying Replication Communications ............................................................................... 70
Asynchronous Session – Resource Creation Wizard ......................................................... 71
Asynchronous Session – Resource Properties .................................................................. 73
Asynchronous Session – Destination Resources ............................................................... 75
Asynchronous Session – Summary ................................................................................... 76
Asynchronous Session – Results ....................................................................................... 77

Replication Operations ............................................................................................ 78

Unisphere Resource Filtering ............................................................................................. 79
System Level Replication Operations................................................................................. 82
System Level Pause and Resume ..................................................................................... 83
System Level Failover ........................................................................................................ 86
Session Operations............................................................................................................ 88
Source and Destination Operations.................................................................................... 90
Replication and NAS Server Interfaces .............................................................................. 92
Grouped NAS Server and File System Session Operations ............................................... 93
Replication Operations - Failover with Sync ....................................................................... 94
Replication Operations - Failover with Sync Process ......................................................... 95
Replication Operations - Planned Failover ......................................................................... 98

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 Replication Operations - Planned Failover Process ........................................................... 99
Replication Operations - Unplanned Failover ................................................................... 102
Replication Operations - Unplanned Failover Process ..................................................... 103
Replication Operations - Resume .................................................................................... 105
Replication Operations - Resume Process ....................................................................... 106
Replication Operations - Failback .................................................................................... 109
Replication Operations - Failback Process ....................................................................... 110
Demonstration: Synchronous Remote Replication ........................................................... 113

Replica Access ....................................................................................................... 114

Block Resource Remote Replica Data Access ................................................................. 115
File Resource Remote Replica Data Access .................................................................... 116
Create a Proxy NAS Server for Replica File Data Access ................................................ 118
Data Protection with Replication Key Points..................................................................... 119
You Have Completed This Content .................................................................................. 123

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 Replication Overview

Replication Overview

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Replication Overview

Replication Overview

This topic provides an overview of the Dell Unity XT Replication feature. The
architectures of Asynchronous and Synchronous Replications are discussed and
the benefits and capabilities are listed.

Replication

Replica
Storage Resource

Synchronized storage resource replica

• Replicates storage resource

− Synchronized redundant data
− Within same or remote system
• Synchronous replication
− Distance limited

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 Replication Overview

o Recommended 100 KMs/60 mile limit

o Distance increases latency
o Recommend latency below 10 ms
− Provides zero data loss DR solution
− Available on physical systems
• Asynchronous replication

− Long-distance replication
o Does not impact latency
− DR solution using Recovery Point Objective
o Data amount measured in units of time
− Available on physical and virtual systems
Dell Unity XT Replication is a data protection feature that replicates storage
resources to create synchronized redundant data. With replication, it is possible to
replicate storage resources within the same system or to a remote system. The
replication feature is included in the Unity XT licensing at no additional cost.

There are two replication types available; synchronous and asynchronous.

Synchronous replication is only available to replicate data to a remote system.
Asynchronous replication can replicate data within the same system or to a remote
system.

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Replication Overview

Asynchronous Local Replication Overview

Asynchronous

Pool A Pool B

• Replicates storage resource between pools on a system

− Balance capacity
− Change disk type
• Supported storage resources

− LUNs
− Consistency Groups
− Thin Clones
− VMware vStorage VMFS datastores
− VMware NFS datastores
− File systems
− NAS servers

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Remote Replication Overview

Asynchronous

Synchronous

Site A Site B

• Replicates storage resource between systems

− Forms DR solution based on RPO1
− Provides data access during planned down time
• Supported storage resources for synchronous and asynchronous replication

− LUNs
− Consistency Groups
− Thin Clones

1 RPO is an amount of data, which is measured in units of time to perform

automatic data synchronization between the source and remote systems. The RPO
for synchronous replication is set to zero. The RPO for asynchronous replication is
configurable. The RPO value represents the acceptable amount of data that may
be lost in a disaster situation. The remote data is consistent with the configured
RPO value. The minimum and maximum RPO values are 5 minutes and 1440
minutes [24 hours].

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Replication Overview

− VMware VMFS datastores

− VMware NFS datastores
− File systems
− NAS servers

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Creating Replication Sessions

Replication sessions are created for

block, file, and the VMware storage
resources. All are performed in a
similar manner. Asynchronous
• For block, the replication is
created on a LUN or a group of Synchronous
LUNs that make up a Consistency
Group, or a Thin Clone.
• For file, the replication is
configured on a NAS server and
file systems.
• For VMware, the storage resource is either going to be a LUN-based VMFS
datastore or a file system-based NFS datastore.

Replication is configured when the resource is created or manually created from

the resource properties page.
• Unisphere provide a wizard for the creation of the storage resources. Each
wizard provides an option to automatically create the replication on the
resource. Each resource replication creation is nearly identical to the other
resources.
• For storage resources already created, replications can be created manually
from their Properties page. As with the wizard, the replication creation from the
resource Properties page is nearly identical to the other resources.

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Replication Overview

NAS Server and File System Remote Replication

Because file system access depends on a NAS server, to remotely replicate a file
system, the associated NAS server must be replicated first.

File systems depend on NAS server

1. NAS server replicated first
2. Associated file systems replicated next

NAS Server NAS Server

Site A Site B

When a NAS server is replicated, any file systems that are associated with the NAS
server are also replicated.

The system creates separate replication sessions; a session for the NAS server
and a session for each associated file system.

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 Synchronous Replication Overview

Synchronous Replication Overview

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Synchronous Replication Overview

Synchronous Replication Architecture

System connectivity Write Intent Logs (WIL)

Data replicated on replication Small SPA and SPB structures hold
Interfaces (FC connections) persistent fracture log
Management on Replication Track writes if destination resource is
Connection unavailable

Synchronous session

Resource Resource

WIL WIL WIL WIL

Data

Management

Source Destination
Site A Site B

The architecture for Dell Unity XT synchronous replication is shown here.

Synchronous replication only supports remote replication and does not support
local replication. Fundamental to remote replication is connectivity and
communication between the source and destination systems. A data connection to
carry the replicated data is required. The connection is formed using Fibre Channel
connections between the replicating systems. A communication channel is also
required to manage the replication session. For synchronous replication, part of the
management is provided using Replication Interfaces. These IP-based interfaces
are configured on SPA and SPB using specific Sync Replication Management
Ports. The management communication between the replicating systems is
established on a Replication Connection. It defines the management interfaces and
credentials for the source and destination systems.

Synchronous replication architecture uses Write Intent Logs (WIL) on each of the
systems that are involved in the replication. These logs are internal structures and
are created automatically on each system. There is a WIL for SPA and one for SPB
on each system. During normal operations, these logs are used to maintain
synchronization of the source and the replica. The Write Intent Logs hold fracture
logs, designed to track changes to the source storage resource should the
destination storage resource become unreachable. When the destination becomes

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 Synchronous Replication Overview

reachable again, synchronization between the source and replica automatically

recovers using the fracture log.

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Synchronous Replication Overview

Synchronous Remote Replication Topologies

One-Directional

Bi-Directional

For synchronous replication, two topologies can be used, either One-Directional or

Bi-Directional replication.

One-Directional replication is typically deployed when only one of the systems is

used for production I/O. The second system is a replication target for all production
data and sits idle. If the need arises, the DR system can be placed into production
and provide production I/O. In this scenario, mirroring the production system
configuration, including the number of drives and pool layout, on the DR system is
suggested. Each system would have the same performance potential.

The Bi-Directional replication topology is typically used when production is spread

across multiple systems or locations. With this replication topology, production I/O
from each system is mirrored to the peer system. If there is an outage, one of the
systems can be promoted as the primary production system, and all production I/O
can be sent to it. After the outage is resolved, the replication configuration can be
changed back to its original configuration. This replication topology ensures that
both systems are in use by production I/O simultaneously.

A storage resource can only be replicated to a single storage resource on a remote

system. This capability is regardless of how many replication connections are
configured on the system. It is not possible to synchronously replicate a single
storage resource to multiple destination resources. Only one replication connection
used for synchronous replication can be configured on a Dell Unity XT system.
Therefore, only a single source and destination pair can use synchronous
replication on Dell Unity XT.

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Synchronous Replication Process – 7 Steps

Initial State

The synchronous replication of a storage resource has an initial process, and then
an ongoing synchronization process. The starting point is a data populated storage
resource on the source system that is available to production and has a constantly
changing data state.

Initial process Synchronization process

Primary Secondary

Resource

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

1-Create Dest. Resource

The first step of the initial process for synchronous replication is to create a storage
resource of the exact same capacity on the destination system. The system creates
the destination storage resource automatically. The new destination resource
contains no data.

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Initial process Synchronization

1. Create destination resource

Primary Secondary

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

2-Create WILs

In the next step, SPA, and SPB Write Intent Logs are automatically created on the
source and destination systems.

Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource
2. Create Write Intent Logs

Primary Secondary

Resource Resource

WIL WIL Data WIL WIL

Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

3-Initial Copy

Initial synchronization of the source data is then performed. It copies all the existing
data from the source to the destination. The source resource is available to
production during the initial synchronization, but the destination is unusable until
the synchronization completes.

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Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource
2. Create Write Intent Logs
3. Initial copy of source to destination

Primary Secondary

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

4-Host Writes
to Source

After the initial synchronization is complete, the process to maintain

synchronization begins. When a primary host writes to the source, the system
delays the write acknowledgement back to the host.

Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource 4. Host writes to source
2. Create Write Intent Logs
3. Initial copy of source to destination

Primary Secondary

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

5-Write Replicated to Dest.

The write is replicated to the destination system.

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Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource 4. Host writes to source
2. Create Write Intent Logs 5. Write replicated to destination
3. Initial copy of source to destination

Primary Secondary

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

6-Dest. Ack.

After the destination system has verified the integrity of the data write, it sends an
acknowledgement back to the source system.

Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource 4. Host writes to source
2. Create Write Intent Logs 5. Write replicated to destination
3. Initial copy of source to destination 6. Destination acknowledges source

Primary Secondary

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

7-Source Ack. Host

At that point, the source system sends the acknowledgement of the write operation
back to the host. The data state is synchronized between the source and
destination. Should recovery be needed from the destination, its RPO is zero.

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Should the destination become unreachable, the replication session is out of

synchronization. The source Write Intent Log for the SP owning the resource tracks
the changes. When the destination becomes available, the system automatically
recovers synchronization using the WIL.

Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource 4. Host writes to source
2. Create Write Intent Logs 5. Write replicated to destination
3. Initial copy of source to destination 6. Destination acknowledges source
7. Source acknowledges host

Primary Secondary

Resource Resource

WIL WIL WIL WIL

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

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Animation - Synchronous Replication Process

This animation describe the process of Synchronous Replication between two

storage systems.

Movie:

The web version of this content contains a movie.

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Synchronous Replication States

Session States Sync States

Active In Sync

Syncing
Paused
Out of Sync

Failed Over
Consistent

Lost Sync Communications

Inconsistent

Synchronous replications have states for describing the session and its associated
synchronization.

An Active session state indicates normal operations and the source and
destination are In Sync.

A Paused session state indicates that the replication has been stopped and has
the sync state of Consistent. This state indicates that the WIL is used to perform
synchronization of the destination.

A Failed Over session has one of two sync states. It can show an Inconsistent
state meaning the sync state was not In Sync or Consistent before the Failover. If
the sync state was In Sync before the Failover, it will be Out of Sync after session
Failover.

A Lost Sync Communications session state indicates that the destination is

unreachable. It can have any of the following sync states: Out of Sync,
Consistent or Inconsistent.

A sync state of Syncing indicates a transition from Out of Sync, Consistent or

Inconsistent. The Syncing state is due to the session changing to an Active state

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from one of its other states. For example, if the system has been recovered from
the Lost Sync Communications state.

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Synchronous Replication of File Snapshots

• Synchronous replication of file

snapshots
− Primary storage resource must
already be synchronously Synchronous
replicated
o Supports file system and
VMware NFS datastore
snapshots
− Read-only file snapshots
o Scheduled or user created
snapshots
− Replica retention policies can be customized
− Changes to source snapshot replicated to destination
• Snapshot Schedule Replication

− Consistent schedule for the resource

− Changes replicated to peer
− Schedule inactive on destination
Dell Unity XT Replication provides the ability to synchronously replicate read-only
file snapshots to a remote system. The replication of snapshots ensures that
consistent snapshots for the resource are present at the source and destination
sites. Synchronous replication of snapshots for file systems and VMware NFS
datastores are supported. NAS servers do not support snapshots and thus are not
replicated. Read-write snapshots are not replicated. Any read-only snapshot
created after the primary resource replication is automatically replicated. User
created, or schedule created snapshots are supported for replication. Snapshots
created prior to the primary resource replication are not replicated. A replicated
snapshot has the same properties as the source snapshot such as retention policy
and snapshot name. The destination snapshot can later be customized with a
different retention policy than the source as necessary. Any change to the retention

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policy of the source snapshot automatically updates the retention policy of

destination snapshot, even if it was previously modified.

Synchronous replication also supports replication of snapshot schedules for the

supported file resource. It ensures a consistent schedule for the resource on both
the source and destination systems. Snapshot schedule replication uses the same
replication management connection as synchronous replication. Making changes to
a replicated snapshot schedule, whether on the source or destination system,
automatically makes the same change to the peer system. Replicated snapshot
schedules are inactive on the destination. They become active if the parent
resource is failed over. In other words, the schedule becomes active when the
resource is no longer a destination of replication.

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Synchronous Replication Capabilities

Dell Dell Dell Dell

Unity Unity XT Unity XT Unity XT
380/380F 480/480F 680/680F 880/880F

Max replication sessions 1000 1000 1500 2000

(Synchronous + Asynchronous)

Max synchronous replication 500 750 1000 2000

sessions

Max Consistency Group 64 64 64 128

replication sessions

Max LUNs in a replicated 32 32 32 32

Consistency Group

Max remote systems 1 1 1 1

The table details the various maximum capabilities for synchronous replication that
are based on specific Dell Unity XT models. The maximum replication sessions
include all replication sessions on the system, which include both synchronous and
asynchronous replication sessions, local or remote. The replication destination
storage resources count towards the system maximums, even though they are not
host accessible as a destination image. In Dell Unity XT, only one replication
connection that is used for synchronous replication, or synchronous and
asynchronous replication, can be created. Only one pair of systems can replicate
synchronously with each other.

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Synchronous Replication Configuration

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Synchronous Replication Creation Process

1. Identify Synchronous FC Ports for establishing FC connectivity for data

2. Create Replication Interfaces using Sync Replication Management Ports on source and destination
3. Create Replication Connection on source or destination
4. Verify and Update on peer system
5. Create/select storage resource to replicate
6. Define replication settings
7. Create the session

Synchronous session
Resource Resource

WIL WIL WIL WIL

Data

Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

The steps for creating remote replication sessions are different depending upon the
replication mode; either asynchronous or synchronous. Synchronous remote
replication steps are covered here. Before a synchronous replication session is
created, communications must be established between the replicating systems.

The first step is to identify the Synchronous FC Ports on the source and destination
systems for use to establish FC connectivity. This connectivity forms the
connections that carry the data between the two replicating systems.

Next, create Replication Interfaces on both the source and destination systems.
The interfaces must be created on the Sync Replication Management Ports and
form a portion of the management channel for replication.

A Replication Connection between the systems is created next. This step is

performed from either the source or the destination. It establishes the management
channel for replication.

After the connection is created, verify it can be seen on the peer system.

Communications are now in place to create a replication session for a storage

resource. A storage resource can now be selected for replication. It can be

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selected during the resource creation wizard. Or if the storage resource already
exists, it can be selected from the storage resource Properties page.

Next, configure the replication settings which define the replication mode and
destination system. The system automatically creates a destination resource and
the Write Intent Logs on both systems.

The replication session is established.

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Synchronous Remote Replication Communication

Before you create a synchronous remote replication session, you must configure
active communications channels between the two systems. The active
communications channels are different for the two replication modes, synchronous
is shown here.

1. Synchronous FC connections

FC-based connectivity
between source and
destination SPs

Carries replicated
data
Data
Management
2: Replication
Source Interfaces [sync] Destination
3: Replication
Connection

Mode of replication
Channel for management

1. The first communication configuration required for synchronous replication is

the Fibre Channel connections between the corresponding SPs of the source
and destination systems.
− The Fibre Channel connectivity can be zoned fabric or direct connections.
− This connectivity carries the replicated data between the systems.
2. The Replication Interfaces are configured next. These interfaces are IP-based
connections configured on specific Sync Replication Management Ports on the
SPs of each system.
− These interfaces are part of the replication management channel.
3. The Replication Connection is configured next.

− The connection defines the replication mode, the management interface,

and credentials for both replicating systems.
− The Replication Connection completes the configuration of the management
channel.

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Determining Synchronous FC Ports

One of several Fibre Channel ports on each SP of the Dell Unity XT system is
configured and used for synchronous replication. If available, the system uses
Fibre Channel Port 4 of SPA and SPB. If not available, and then the system uses
Fibre Channel Port 0 of I/O module 0. If that is not available, and then Port 0 of I/O
module 1 is used.

After the Synchronous FC Ports on the replicating systems are verified, the Fibre
Channel connectivity is established between the corresponding SP ports on each
system. Direct connect or zoned fabric connectivity is supported.

Although the Synchronous FC ports can also support host connectivity, Dell
recommends that they be dedicated to synchronous replication.

Unisphere

In Unisphere, navigate to the System View page for the rear view of the DPE to
identify the Synchronous FC Ports. In the example, the SPA FC Port 4 is selected
and its Replication Capability lists Sync replication.

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UEMCLI

The UEMCLI command /remote/sys show –detail is available to verify the

Fibre Channel port that the system has specified as the Synchronous FC Ports on
the SPs. In the abbreviated example output, the system specifies Fibre Channel
Port 4 as the Synchronous FC port for SPA and SPB.

Ordering of SPA/SPB
Synchronous FC Ports:
1. FC Port 4
2. Module 0 FC Port 0
3. Module 1 FC Port 0

Verify Synchronous FC Ports using CLI console

Unisphere CLI> uemcli /remote/sys/show -detail

Storage system address: 192.168.1.30
Storage system port: 443
HTTPS connection
~ Output abbreviated ~

Health details "Communication with the replication

host is established. No action is required."

Synchronous FC ports = spa_fc4, spb_fc4

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Replication Interfaces – Synchronous

The Replication Interfaces for synchronous replication are created first.

1. To create replication interfaces, select Interfaces from the PROTECTION &
MOBILITY section in Unisphere.
2. Select + (ADD) from the Interfaces page.
3. Select the physical ports for the replication interfaces on both the SPs.

− Synchronous replication requires that the Interfaces be created on the Sync

Replication Management Port of each SP.
− The Sync Replication Management Port is a virtual device that uses the
same physical network connection as the SP Management port.
− An IP address and subnet mask must be provided for both SPs. Gateway
addressing is optional, and a VLAN ID configuration is also provided if
needed.
− The interfaces are configured on the same network as the SP Management
or are configured on a different network if VLANs are used.

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Important: The Replication Interfaces must be configured on both the

source and destination systems. This action must be repeated on the
peer system.

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Replication Connections – Synchronous

After the Replication Interfaces are created, a Replication Connection is created

between the two systems.

The Replication Connection creation is performed from either the source or

destination system.
1. Select Replication from the PROTECTION & MOBILITY section in Unisphere.
2. Select the Connections tab.
3. Select + (ADD) from the Connections page.
4. The requirements of the connection include the remote system management IP
address and its management credentials.
− The local system management password is also required.
5. Finally, a replication mode must be selected from the drop-down list. Choices
are Asynchronous, Synchronous or Both.

− For synchronous replication, the Mode must be set Synchronous or Both.

− If Both is selected, synchronous, and asynchronous sessions can be
configured between the two systems.

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Verifying Synchronous Replication Communications

After the Replication Connection between systems has been created, the
connection is verified from the peer system using the Verify and Update option.
This option is also used to update Replication Connections if anything has been
modified with the connection or the interfaces. The updated connection status is
displayed.

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Synchronous Session – Resource Creation Wizard

A synchronous replication session is created as part of the wizard that creates the
storage resource.

From the LUN creation wizard example, the Replication step within the wizard is
shown.
1. Checking the Enable Replication option exposes the Replication Mode and
Replicate To fields required to configure the session.
2. The mode must be set to Synchronous to create a synchronous replication
session.
3. A Destination Configuration link is also exposed to provide information
concerning the destination resources used for the session.

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 Synchronous Replication Configuration

Synchronous Session – Resource Properties

1. A synchronous replication session is also created from an existing storage

resource Properties page.
2. From the LUN Properties page example, the Configure Replication button is
presented to create a replication session. It starts a wizard with several steps to
configure the replication session.
3. The Replication Settings step requires the Replication Mode and Replicate
To settings for the session. The mode must be set to Synchronous to create a
synchronous replication session.

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Important: The example shows the configuration of synchronous

replication of a block storage resource. However, synchronous
replication is also supported for NAS servers and associated file
systems. In the case of file storage resources, the replication settings
also include the option to automatically search user snaps on the
replication destination when the Reuse destination resource option is
selected. The selection enables the replication to synchronize source
and destination data using system or user snaps as the common base,
and avoid a full synchronization.

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Synchronous Session – Destination Resources

The next step defines what resources on the destination system the replicated item
will use. The Name and Pool settings are required. More options are available
based on the destination system. In this example, the destination is a Hybrid model
that supports Data Reduction.

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Synchronous Session – Summary

The wizard presents a Summary screen for the configured replication. In the
example, the session settings for the replication and destination are displayed.

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Synchronous Session – Results

The creation Results page displays the progress of the destination resource
creation and the session creation. When it is complete, the created sessions can
be viewed from the Replications page by selecting the Sessions tab.

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Synchronously Replicated Snapshot Schedules

During the creation of Snapshot Schedules, there is an option to synchronously

replicate the schedule. Schedules can be created in Unisphere from the Snapshot
Schedule page of the PROTECTION & MOBILITY section. When synchronous
replication is configured the Synchronize snapshot schedule to remote system
option becomes available for selection. When selected, the created schedule is
replicated synchronously to the peer system. When a schedule is selected to apply
to a resource, it has (Sync Replicated) appended to its name. Synchronously
replicated schedules are not active on replication destinations.

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Asynchronous Replication Overview

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Asynchronous Local Replication Architecture

The architecture for asynchronous local replication is shown here. The difference
between the local and remote architecture that was seen previously is that the local
architecture does not require the communications to a remote peer. The
management and data replication paths are all internal within the single system.
Otherwise, local replication uses Snapshots in the same manner. Local replication
uses source and destination objects on the two different pools similar to how
remote replication uses source and destination on two different systems.

Rep
Rep
Snap 2
Snap 2

Delta

Rep Rep
Snap 1 Snap 1

Resource Asynchronous session Resource

Pool Pool
Data
Management

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Asynchronous Remote Replication Architecture

Rep System connectivity Snapshots

Corresponding source and Rep
Snap Data replicated on
destination pairs Snap 2
2 replication Interface
Management on Replication Alternate based on RPO and form
Connection common base

Delta

Rep
Rep
Snap 1
Snap 1

Asynchronous session
Resource Resource

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

The architecture for Dell Unity XT asynchronous remote replication is shown here.
Fundamental to remote replication is connectivity and communication between the
source and destination systems. A data connection is needed for carrying the
replicated data, and it is formed from Replication Interfaces. They are IP-based
connections that are established on each system. A communication channel is also
needed for management of the replication session. The management channel is
established on Replication Connections. It defines the management interfaces and
credentials for the source and destination systems.

Asynchronous replication architecture uses Snapshots. The system creates two

snapshots for the source storage resource and two corresponding snapshots for
the destination storage resource. The system created snapshots cannot be
modified. Based on the replication RPO value, the source snapshots are updated in
an alternating fashion to capture the source data state differences, which are
known as deltas. The data delta for the RPO timeframe is replicated to the
destination replica resource, and the corresponding destination snapshot is
updated. The two corresponding snapshots capture a common data state, which is
known as a common base. The common base can be used to restart a stopped or
interrupted replication session.

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Asynchronous Remote Replication Topologies

One-to-Many

One-Directional

Many-to-One

Bi-Directional

The Dell Unity XT asynchronous replication feature is supported in many different

topologies. While a system can replicate to multiple destination systems, an
individual block storage resources can only replicate to a single destination block
storage resource.

One-Directional replication is typically deployed when only one of the systems is

used for production I/O. The second system is a replication target for all production
data and sits idle. If the need arises, the DR system can be placed into production
and provide production I/O. In this scenario, mirroring the production system
configuration on the DR system is suggested, as each system would have the
same performance potential. For physical systems, this configuration would mean
mirroring the drive configurations and the pool layout. On Dell UnityVSA systems,
this configuration would mean using similar virtual drives and pools.

The Bi-Directional replication topology is typically used when production I/O is

spread across multiple systems or locations. When this replication topology is
used, production I/O from each system is mirrored to the peer system. If there is an
outage, one of the systems can be promoted as the primary production system,
and all production I/O can be sent to it. After the outage is resolved, the replication

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configuration can be changed back to its original configuration. This replication

topology ensures that both systems are in use by production I/O simultaneously.

The One-to-Many replication topology is deployed when production exists on a

single system, but replication must occur to multiple remote systems. This
replication topology can be used to replicate data from a production system to a
remote location to provide local data access to a remote team. At the remote
location, Dell Unity XT Snapshots can be used to provide host access to a local
organization or test team.

The Many-to-One replication topology is deployed when multiple production

systems exist, and replicating to a single system to consolidate the data is required.
This topology is useful when multiple production data sites exist, and data must be
replicated from these sites to a single DR data center. One example of this
configuration is Remote Office Branch Office (ROBO) locations. A Dell UnityVSA
may be deployed at each ROBO site, and all replicate back to a single All-Flash or
Hybrid system. Using Dell UnityVSA at ROBO locations eliminates the need for a
physical Dell Unity XT system at each site.

For the One-to-Many and Many-to-One replication topology examples, the One-
Directional replication is depicted. One-Directional replication is not a requirement
when configuring the One-to-Many and Many-to-One replication topologies. Each
individual Replication Connection can be used for the Bi-Directional replication
between systems, which enables more replication options than depicted here.
Again, a single storage resource can only be replicated to a single destination
storage resource.

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Asynchronous Replication Process - 8 Steps

Initial State

The asynchronous replication process is the same for local and remote replication.
Shown here is remote replication. The asynchronous replication of a storage
resource has an initial process and an ongoing synchronization process. The
starting point is a data populated storage resource on the source system that is
available to production and has a constantly changing data state.

Initial process Synchronization process

Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

1-Create Dest. Resource

The first step of the initial process for asynchronous replication is to create a
storage resource of the exact same capacity on the destination system. The
system automatically creates the destination storage resource. The destination
storage resource contains no data.

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Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

2-Create Rep Snapshot Pairs

In the next step, corresponding snapshot pairs are created automatically on the
source and destination systems. They capture point-in-time data states of their
storage resource.

Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource
2. Create rep snapshot pairs

Rep Rep
Snap 2 Snap 2

Rep Rep
Snap 1 Snap 1

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

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3-Source Rep Snap 1 Copied to Dest.

The first snapshot on the source system is used to perform an initial copy of its
point-in-time data state to the destination storage resource. This initial copy can
take a significant amount of time if the source storage resource contains a large
amount of existing data.

Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource
2. Create rep snapshot pairs
3. Source Rep Snap 1 copied to destination

Rep Rep
Snap 2 Snap 2

Rep Rep
Snap 1 Snap 1

Copy

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

4-Dest. Rep Snap 1 Updates

After the initial copy is complete, the first snapshot on the destination system is
updated. The data states that are captured on the first snapshots are now identical
and create a common base.

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Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource
2. Create rep snapshot pairs
3. Source Rep Snap 1 copied to destination
4. Destination Rep Snap 1 updates

Rep Rep
Snap 2 Snap 2

Rep Rep
Snap 1 Snap 1

Copy

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

5-Source Rep Snap 2 Updated

Because the source storage resource is constantly changing, its data state is no
longer consistent with the first snapshot point-in-time. In the synchronization
process, the second snapshot on the source system is updated, capturing the
current data state of the source.

Initial process
Synchronization process
1. Create destination resource 5. Source Rep Snap 2 updated
2. Create rep snapshot pairs
3. Source Rep Snap 1 copied to destination
4. Destination Rep Snap 1 updates
Rep
Rep Snap 2
Snap 2

Rep Rep
Snap 1 Snap 1

Copy

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

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6-Delta Copied to Dest.

A data difference or delta is calculated from the two source system snapshots. A
delta copy is made from the second snapshot to the destination storage resource.

Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource 5. Source Rep Snap 2 updated
2. Create rep snapshot pairs 6. Delta copied to destination
3. Source Rep Snap 1 copied to destination
4. Destination Rep Snap 1 updates

Rep Rep
Snap 2 Snap 2

Delta Copy

Rep Rep
Snap 1 Snap 1

Copy

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

7-Dest. Rep Snap 2 Updated

After the copy is complete, the second snapshot on the destination system is
updated to form a common base with its corresponding source system snapshot.

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Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource 5. Source Rep Snap 2 updated
2. Create rep snapshot pairs 6. Delta copied to destination
3. Source Rep Snap 1 copied to destination 7. Destination Rep Snap 2 updated
4. Destination Rep Snap 1 updates

Rep Rep
Snap 2 Snap 2

Delta Copy

Rep Rep
Snap 1 Snap 1

Copy

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

8-Cycle Alternates at RPO Between Rep Snaps

The cycles of delta copies continue for the session by alternating between the first
and second snapshot pairs that are based on the RPO value. The first source
snapshot is updated, the data delta is calculated and copied to the destination. The
first destination snapshot is then updated forming a new common base. The cycle
repeats using the second snapshot pair upon the next RPO synchronization time.

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Initial process Synchronization process

1. Create destination resource 5. Source Rep Snap 2 updated
2. Create rep snapshot pairs 6. Delta copied to destination
3. Source Rep Snap 1 copied to destination 7. Destination Rep Snap 2 updated
4. Destination Rep Snap 1 updates 8. Cycle alternates at RPO between Rep Snaps

Rep Rep
Snap 2 Snap 2

Delta Copy

Rep Rep
Snap 1 Snap 1

Copy

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Site A (Source) Site B (Destination)

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Animation - Asynchronous Replication Process

This animation describe the process of Asynchronous Replication between two

storage systems.

Movie:

The web version of this content contains a movie.

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Asynchronous Replication of Snapshots

• Asynchronous replication of
snapshots
− Primary storage resource must
also be replicated Asynchronous
− Unattached block and read-
only file snapshots
− Scheduled or user created
snapshots
• Primary storage resource
snapshots can be:
− LUNs
− Consistency Groups
− Thin Clones
− VMware VMFS datastores
− VMware NFS datastores
− File systems
• Replica retention policies can be customized

− Cost savings
− Compliance
With the Dell Unity XT replication feature, it is also possible to asynchronously
replicate a snapshot of a primary storage resource. They can be replicated either
locally or remotely. Also referred to as “Snapshot Shipping,” snapshot replication
requires that the primary storage resource is replicated. Block-based unattached
snapshots and file-based read-only snapshots are supported. The snapshots can
either be user created or created by a schedule.

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Snapshot replication can be enabled on all resources that support asynchronous

replication, including LUNs, Consistency Groups, Thin Clones, VMware VMFS
datastores, VMware NFS datastores, and file systems.

The snapshot replicas can have retention policies that are applied to them that are
different from the source. The feature has multiple use case scenarios, one is cost
savings. With snapshots that are replicated to a lower-end system on the
destination site, the source snapshots can be deleted off the higher-end production
source site system. Therefore, saving capacity and its associated costs on a
production system. Another use case is for compliance needs. The retention policy
on the snapshot replicas can be tailored to any compliance needs, such as for
medical or governmental storage requirements.

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Architecture for Asynchronous Replication of Snapshots

Rep
Rep
Snap 2
Snap 2

Asynchronous session
Delta
User User
Snap Snap Rep
Rep Snap 1
Snap 1
Asynchronous session

Resource Resource

Data
Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

The architecture for snapshot asynchronous replication is shown here. This

example illustrates remote replication. It uses the asynchronous remote replication
architecture that was seen earlier with the addition of a user snapshot of the
storage resource. As shown, the storage resource itself is being replicated.

A snapshot of that resource is taken and is selected to be replicated. A data delta is

then calculated between the user snapshot and the latest common base replication
snapshot. That data delta is then replicated to the destination storage resource at
the next RPO synchronization time. A snapshot of that resource is then created on
the destination system, capturing the identical data state of the source snapshot.

Snapshot replication is similar to the replication of the storage resource itself. On

the source side, the difference for a user snapshot is that the data delta calculation
uses a replication snapshot and the user snapshot. On the destination side, the
difference is a snapshot of the updated resource is made to a user snapshot rather
than to refresh a replication snapshot. A point to note is that there is an efficiency of
data replication between the snapshot and the storage resource. The snapshot
replication delta occurs first, and then the storage resource delta is processed as
part of its ongoing RPO-based synchronization cycle. If there is common data in
both deltas, that data is only replicated to the destination with the snapshot delta. It
is not re-replicated with the storage resource delta. Another notable point is that

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since the snapshot data does not change, it is only replicated a single time. After
that, it is not part of any RPO-based synchronization cycle that is needed for the
replicated primary storage resource.

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Asynchronous Replication Capabilities

The table details the various maximum capabilities for asynchronous replication
that are based on specific Dell Unity XT models. The maximum replication sessions
include all replication sessions on the system, which include both synchronous and
asynchronous replication sessions, local or remote. The replication destination
storage resources count towards the system maximums, even though they are not
host accessible as a destination image.

Dell Dell Dell Dell Dell

UnityVSA Unity XT Unity XT Unity XT Unity XT
380/380F 480/480F 680/680F 880/880F

Max replication 16 1000 1000 1500 2000

sessions
(Synchronous +
Asynchronous)

Max concurrent 8 256 256 256 256

replication sessions

Max LUNs per 50 50 50 50 50

replicated Consistency
Group

Max replicated NAS 4 90 128 128 256

servers

Max initial replication 4 32 32 32 32

syncs

Max target systems 16 16 16 16 16

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Asynchronous Replication Configuration

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Asynchronous Replication Creation Process

1. Create Replication Interfaces on source and destination

2. Create Replication Connection on source or destination
3. Verify and Update on peer system
Rep 4. Create/select storage resource to replicate
Snap 1 Rep
5. Define replication settings Snap 1

6. Create the session

Rep Rep
Snap 2 Snap 2
Asynchronous session

Resource Resource

Data

Management
Source Destination
Site A Site B

The steps for creating remote replication sessions are different depending upon the
replication mode; either asynchronous or synchronous. Asynchronous remote
replication steps are covered here. Before an asynchronous replication session can
be created, communications must be established between the replicating systems.
1. Create Replication Interfaces on both the source and destination systems. The
interfaces form the connection for replicating the data between the systems.
2. Create a Replication Connection between the systems. This step is performed
on either the source or the destination. It establishes the management channel
for replication.
3. Verify the connection from the peer system. Communications are now in place
for the creation of a replication session for a storage resource.
4. Define a session for a storage resource during the resource creation or, select a
source for replication if the storage resource already exists.
5. Define the replication settings which include the replication mode, RPO, and the
destination. The system automatically creates the destination resource and the
Snapshot pairs on both systems.
6. Create the replication session.

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Asynchronous Remote Replication Communication

Before you create an asynchronous remote replication session, you must configure
active communications channels between the two systems. The active
communication channels are different for the two replication modes,
asynchronous is shown here.

1. Replication Interface:

IP-based connectivity
between source and
destination SPs

Carries replicated
data
Data
Management
2: Replication
Source Connection Destination

Pairs Replication
Interfaces
Mode of replication
Channel for management

1. The first communications configuration that is required for asynchronous

replication is to create Replication Interfaces on the source and destination
systems.
− The interfaces are dedicated IP-based connections between the systems
that carry the replicated data.
− The interfaces are defined on each SP using IPv4 or IPv6 addressing.
− The interfaces form the required network connectivity between the
corresponding SPs of the source and destination systems.
2. A Replication Connection is created between the systems next. The Replication
Connection forms the management channel for the remote replication between
the systems.

− The connection pairs together the Replication Interfaces between the source
and destination systems.

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− It also defines the replication mode between the systems; asynchronous,

synchronous or both.
− The connection is also configured with the management interface and
credentials for both replicating systems.

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Replication Interfaces – Asynchronous

The creation of Replication Interfaces for remote asynchronous replication is

covered here. Replication Interfaces are not required for local asynchronous
replication.
1. From Unisphere, the PROTECTION & MOBILITY section include an interfaces
option.
2. From the Interfaces page, new Replication Interfaces are created.
3. On the creation screen, an available Ethernet Port from the system must be
selected.

− An IP address and subnet mask must be provided for both SPs. Gateway
addressing is optional, and a VLAN ID configuration is also provided if
needed.
Replication Interfaces must be created on both of the replicating systems. The
creation of Replication Interfaces must be repeated on the peer system.

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Replication Connection – Asynchronous

After the Replication Interfaces are created, a Replication Connection is created

between the two systems for remote asynchronous replication and is not required
for local replication.

The Replication Connection is only created on one of the replicating systems.

1. Select Replication from the PROTECTION & MOBILITY section in Unisphere.
2. Select the Connections tab. Select + (ADD) from the Connections page.
3. The requirements of the connection include the remote system management IP
address and its management credentials.
− The local system management password is also required.
4. Next, a replication mode must be selected from the drop-down list:
− Choices are Asynchronous, Synchronous or Both.
− For asynchronous replication, the Mode must be set to Asynchronous or
Both.

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− If Both is selected, synchronous, and asynchronous sessions can be

configured between the two systems.
5. Throttling is set at the Replication Connection level. Asynchronous replication
traffic can be throttled to reduce the rate at which data is copied to a destination
system.

− A bandwidth schedule includes maximum bandwidth (KB/s), days of the

week, and start and end hour.
− Setting a throttle only controls data being replicated to a remote system, not
from a remote system.
− To throttle data received from a remote system, it must be throttled on that
remote system.

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Verifying Replication Communications

After the Replication Connection between systems has been created, the
connection is verified from the peer system using the Verify and Update option.
This option is also used to update Replication Connections if anything has been
modified with the connection or the interfaces. The updated connection status is
displayed.

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Asynchronous Session – Resource Creation Wizard

Asynchronous replication sessions can be created as part of the wizard that

creates any storage resource.

From the NAS Server creation wizard example, the Replication step within the
wizard is shown.
1. Checking the Enable Asynchronous Replication option exposes the
Replication Mode, RPO, and Replicate To fields required to configure the
session.
− The mode must be set to Asynchronous to create an asynchronous
replication session.

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− To create a remote replication session, select the remote system from the
Replicate To drop down. Select Local if configuring a local replication
session.
2. A Destination Configuration link is also exposed to provide information
concerning the destination resources used for the session.

− Reuse destination resource automatically searches for a resource with the

same name on the destination and replicate to it if found.
− If one does not exist, Unisphere creates a new destination resource.
− The replica name, the destination pool, and Storage Processor are
configurable in the window.
− There is also a Used as backup onlyoption unique to file resources
available to select for the replica. If that option is selected, the replica can
only be used for backup and cannot be used for replication failover.
As noted before; there is a dependency between a NAS server and a file system.
The NAS server must be replicated before any associated file system.

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Asynchronous Session – Resource Properties

1. An asynchronous replication session is also created from an existing storage

resource Properties page.
2. From the NAS server Properties page example, the Configure Replication
button is presented to create a replication session. It starts a wizard with several
steps to configure the replication session.
3. The Replication Settings step requires the Replication Mode, RPO, and
Replicate To settings for the session. The mode must be set to Asynchronous
to create an asynchronous replication session.
4. If the existing storage resource includes snapshots, there are options that are
presented to replicate them as well.
− For this NAS server file system example, the Support Asynchronous Snap
Replication option is presented.

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− When selected, the Replicate all existing snapshots option and the
Replicate scheduled snapshots options becomes available.
5. When the Reuse destination resource option is selected, the system
automatically searches for a resource with the same name on the destination
and replicate to it if found. If one does not exist, it creates a new destination
resource.

− When Automatically search user snap as common base is selected, the

system attempts to locate a snapshot in common on both resources to use
as a common base.
− If matching snapshots are not found or this option is not enabled the system
performs a full sync.

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Asynchronous Session – Destination Resources

The next step defines what resources on the destination system the replicated item
will use and how the replica is configured. For the NAS server example, the Name,
the Pool, and Storage Processor settings are required. By default, the system
configures the replica as close as possible to the source. The user can choose to
customize the replica configuration as needed.

In the NAS server example shown, the NAS server has an associated file system
and a separate replication session is created for it. The table details the destination
resources that are used for the file system. The user can select the file system and
edit its destination configuration to customize the resources that the replica uses.

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Asynchronous Session – Summary

The wizard presents a Summary screen for the configured replication session. In
the example, sessions for the NAS server and its associated file system are
configured for creation.

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Asynchronous Session – Results

The creation Results page displays the progress of the destination resource
creation and the session creation. When it is complete, the created sessions can
be viewed from the Replications page by selecting the Sessions tab.

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Replication Operations

Replication Operations

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Unisphere Resource Filtering

When replication is in place on systems, resources that are being replicated are
displayed on various Unisphere pages. Unisphere resource filtering provides a
method for administrators to identify system resources as replication source or
destination resources. The Source, Destination, and All resource filter buttons are
on Unisphere pages for administrators to filter the displayed resources. Block
storage LUNS and Consistency Groups pages include resource filter buttons. File
storage File Systems, NAS Servers, NFS Shares, and SMB Shares pages
include resource filter buttons. VMware storage Datastores and Datastore Shares
pages include resource filter buttons. The Replication Sessions page includes
resource filter buttons.

For resources being replicated locally, the Sessions page displays those sessions
in all three views. Click through each tab to see the filtered views. The
FASTVP_CG resource is being locally replicated and is seen in all views.

Source

With the Source button selected, the page displays only source resources.

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Replication Operations

Destination

With the Destination button selected, the page displays only destination
resources.

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 Replication Operations

All

With the default All button selected, source, destination and any resources not
replicated are displayed.

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Replication Operations

System Level Replication Operations

System level replication operations are available for Pause, Resume, andFailover
of replicated resources. The system level operations are run on replication
sessions for specified replication connections to remote systems. If multiple
replication sessions exist, the system level operation impacts all sessions for the
specified remote systems to reduce discrete administrative tasks.

In Unisphere, the system level operations are available from the Replication
Connections page when a replication connection is selected.

System level
operations

Unisphere system level failover

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System Level Pause and Resume

Replication Connection

System level Pause and Resume operations are performed from the Replication
Connections page.
• Select the remote system with replication sessions that you want to perform the
operation on.

− Single or multiple remote system selections are supported.

UnityB-400

LUN

NAS Server and file

systems

Asynchronous
session
Synchronous
session

UnityA-300F UnityVSA-1

Replication Connections

Pause Operation

More Actions lists the operations.

1. Select the Pause operation.
2. If a connection supports asynchronous and synchronous replication, select the
session type to perform the operation on.

UnityB-400

LUN

NAS Server and file

systems

Asynchronous
session

Synchronous
session

UnityA-300F UnityVSA-1

Pause operation

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Replication Operations

Pause Results

• Source and destination sessions for selected remote systems are paused.

− Supports block and file replication sessions.

UnityB-400

UnityA-300F UnityVSA-1

Pause operation results

Resume Operation

The Resume operation is performed in the same manner as the Pause operation.
Only paused session support the resume operation.
1. From More Actions, select the Resume operation.
2. If a connection supports asynchronous and synchronous replication, select the
session type to perform the operation on.

UnityB-400

UnityA-300F UnityVSA-1

Resume operation

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Resume Results

• Source and destination sessions for selected remote systems are resumed.

− Supports block and file replication sessions.

UnityB-400

UnityA-300F UnityVSA-1

Resume operation results

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Replication Operations

System Level Failover

The system level Failover operation is designed for unplanned failover. It is run
from the destination system. The single operation fails over all file replication
sessions to the destination system.

Replication Connection

• The system level Failover operation is performed from the Replication

Connections page.

− Only single remote system connection is supported.

NAS Server and UnityB-400
file systems

Asynchronous session

Synchronous
session

UnityA-300F UnityVSA-1

Replication Connection

Failover Operation

1. From More Actions, select Failover.

a. Failover is not available when multiple remote connections are selected.
2. Select the Skip pre-checks on replication connection option to force a
failover if connection to source system is not alive.

UnityB-400

UnityA-300F UnityVSA-1

Failover operation

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Failover Results

• Replication sessions for the selected remote system are failed over.

UnityB-400

Sessions
failed over

UnityA-300F UnityVSA-1

Failover results

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Replication Operations

Session Operations

Block Storage Resources

Replication session operations for block resources can be performed within

Unisphere from two areas.
1. The Replications page Sessions tab provides a list of all the replication
sessions.
2. When a specific session is selected, it can be deleted, edited or by using the
More Actions drop-down list various replication operations that can be
performed.
3. Similar operations of a session can also be performed from the Properties
page of the replicated block resource. The Replication tab displays information
about the session.
4. The Replication tab also provides certain editable fields and buttons to delete
or perform various replication operations.

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File Storage Resources

Replication session operations for file resources can be performed within

Unisphere from two areas.
1. The Replications page Sessions tab provides a list of all the replication
sessions.
2. When a specific session is selected, it can be deleted, edited or by using the
More Actions drop-down list various replication operations that can be
performed
3. Similar operations of a session can also be performed from the Properties
page of the replicated file resource. The Replication tab displays the replication
session for the file resource.
4. Selecting the session enables the More Actions drop-down where operations
can be selected.

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Replication Operations

Source and Destination Operations

Replication sessions can be performed from the source or destination systems.

The possible operations differ between source or destination. The operations also
differ based on the type of replication, asynchronous, or synchronous, and the state
of the session.

Asynchronous
Unplanned
Planned
Synchronous

Source Destination

The example compares operations from healthy asynchronous and synchronous sessions on their
source and destination systems.

Operations relating to failover can be performed either from the source or

destination system.

Planned failover operations are performed from the source system when both
systems are available.
• Planned failover would be run to test the DR solution or if the source site was
scheduled to be down for maintenance.

Unplanned failover operations are performed from the destination system when
the source system is not available.
• For example, if the source site is affected by a power outage or natural disaster.
The Failover operation would make data available from the destination site.

From the source, it is also possible to perform session Pause or Sync operations.

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From the destination, it is only possible to perform a session Failover operation.

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Replication Operations

Replication and NAS Server Interfaces

Because a NAS server has networking associated with it, when the server is
replicated its network configuration is also replicated.

During replication, the source NAS server interface is active and the destination
NAS server interface is not active. Having the source and destination NAS server
interfaces the same is fine for sites that share common networking.

For sites where the source and destination have different networking, it is important
to modify the network configuration of the destination NAS server. The modification
is needed to ensure correct NAS server operation in a failover event.

NAS Server NAS Server

Source Destination

The modification is performed from the NAS server Properties page on the
destination system.
• Select the Override option and configure the destination NAS server for the
networking needs of the destination site.

Because the NAS server effectively changes its IP address when failed over,
clients may need to flush their DNS client cache. The client is then able to connect
to the NAS server when failed over.

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Grouped NAS Server and File System Session Operations

Because of the dependence between a NAS server and its associated file systems,
certain NAS server replication session operations are also performed on its file
systems.

Operations grouped to NAS server level Operations not grouped to NAS server level

- Failover - Create
- Failover with sync - Sync
- Failback - Delete
- Pause - Modify
- Resume

NAS Server NAS Server

Failover

Grouped operation

Site A Site B

Discrete file system replication session operations permitted

In the example shown, if a failover operation is performed on the NAS server, its two associated file
systems also failover.

Grouped operations are only available to sessions that are in a healthy state.
• Grouped operations are prohibited if a NAS server is in the paused or error
state.
• Grouped operations skip any file system sessions that are in paused, error, or
non-replicated states.

The operations capable of being grouped are: Failover, Failover with sync,
Failback, Pause, and Resume.

The Create, Sync, Delete, and Modify replication operations are not grouped and
are performed discretely per session. Discrete operations are also permitted on file
system replication sessions.

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Replication Operations

Replication Operations - Failover with Sync

Failover with sync is an operation available to asynchronous replication sessions. It

is used for a planned event, either scheduled maintenance or disaster recovery
testing when both the primary and secondary sites are available. It provides data
availability from the secondary site.

The next page illustrates the process of the operation.

Supported only on Asynchronous Replication Sessions

Primary and secondary sites are available

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

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Replication Operations - Failover with Sync Process

Select Action

The process starts with issuing the Failover with sync operation from site A which
is the primary production site.

Failover with sync process

1. Issue Failover with sync from site A

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

Remove Source Access

The operation removes access to the replicated object on site A.

Failover with sync process

1. Issue Failover with sync from site A
2. Access to site A object removed

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

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Replication Operations

Sync Storage Objects

A synchronization from the site A object to the site B object happens next.

Failover with sync process

1. Issue Failover with sync from site A
2. Access to site A object removed
3. Sync site B object

Sync

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

Pause Replication

After the sync process completes, the replication session is then paused.

Failover with sync process

1. Issue Failover with sync from site A
2. Access to site A object removed
3. Sync site B object
4. Replication paused

Sync

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

Enable Destination Access

The site B object is and then made available for access to complete the operation.

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Failover with sync process

1. Issue Failover with sync from site A
2. Access to site A object removed
3. Sync site B object
4. Replication paused
5. Access to site B object allowed

Sync

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

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Replication Operations

Replication Operations - Planned Failover

Planned Failover is an operation available to synchronous replication sessions and

is performed from the replication source. It is used for a planned event, either
scheduled maintenance or disaster recovery testing when both the primary and
secondary sites are available. It provides data availability from the secondary site
and restarts the replication session in the reverse direction. Before performing this
operation, quiesce I/O to the source storage resource.

The next page illustrates the process of the operation.

Supported only on Synchronous Replication Sessions

Primary and secondary sites are available

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

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Replication Operations - Planned Failover Process

Select Action

The process starts with issuing the Failover operation from site A which is the
primary production site.

Planned Failover process

1. Issue Failover from site A

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

Remove Site A Access

The operation removes access to the replicated object on site A.

Planned Failover process

1. Issue Failover from site A
2. Access to site A object removed

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

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Replication Operations

Sync Storage Objects

The ongoing synchronous replication session synchronizes the data state of the
site B object to the site A object.

Planned Failover process

1. Issue Failover from site A
2. Access to site A object removed
3. Sync site B object

Sync

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

Reverse/Restart Session

The existing synchronous replication session reverses direction and restarts,

replicating the site B object to the site A object.

Planned Failover process

1. Issue Failover from site A
2. Access to site A object removed
3. Sync site B object
4. Session reversed and restarted

Reverse

Sync

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

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 Replication Operations

Enable Site B Access

The site B object is and then made available for access to complete the operation.

Planned Failover process

1. Issue Failover from site A
2. Access to site A object removed
3. Sync site B object
4. Session reversed and restarted
5. Access to site B object allowed

Reverse

Sync

Site A Site B

Planned event: maintenance/testing

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Replication Operations

Replication Operations - Unplanned Failover

Unplanned Failover is an operation available to replication sessions of either mode;

asynchronous or synchronous. It is used for an unplanned event when the primary
production site is unavailable. It provides access to the replicated data from the
secondary site.

The next page illustrates the process of the operation.

Supported on Asynchronous or Synchronous

Replication Sessions

Site A Site B
Unplanned event: Primary production site unavailable

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Replication Operations - Unplanned Failover Process

Primary Site Unavailable

The primary production site becomes unavailable and all its operations cease. Data
is not available, and replication between the sites can no longer proceed.

Unplanned Failover process

1. Site A unavailable, operations cease

Site A Site B

Unplanned event: Primary production site unavailable

Select Action

A Failover operation is issued from site B which is the secondary production site.

Unplanned Failover process

1. Site A unavailable, operations cease
2. Issue Failover from site B

Site A Site B

Unplanned event: Primary production site unavailable

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Replication Operations

Pause Replication

The operation pauses the existing replication session so that the session does not
start again should site A become available.

Unplanned Failover process

1. Site A unavailable, operations cease
2. Issue Failover from site B
3. Session paused

Site A Site B

Unplanned event: Primary production site unavailable

Enable Secondary Site Access

The site B object is made available for production access to complete the
operation.

Unplanned Failover process

1. Site A unavailable, operations cease
2. Issue Failover from site B
3. Session paused
4. Access to site B object allowed

Site A Site B

Unplanned event: Primary production site unavailable

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Replication Operations - Resume

Resume is an operation available to replication sessions of either mode;

asynchronous or synchronous. It is used to restart a Paused replication session.
For sessions manually paused by the user, or paused by the system due to an
error, the Resume operation is available from the replication source. For sessions
paused from an unplanned failover operation, the Resume operation is available
from the site that the object is failed over to. When a failed over session is resumed
from its paused state, the direction of replication is reversed.

The next page illustrates the process of the operation.

Supported on Asynchronous or Synchronous

Replication Sessions

Site A Site B
Replication resumes in reversed direction

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Replication Operations

Replication Operations - Resume Process

Primary Site Available

The Site A replicated object must be available before the replication session can be
resumed.

Resume process
1. Site A becomes available

Site A Site B

Replication resumes in reversed direction

Select Action

The Resume operation is issued from site B.

Resume process
1. Site A becomes available
2. Resume issued from site B

Site A Site B

Replication resumes in reversed direction

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 Replication Operations

Reverse/Restart Session

The operation restarts the paused session in the reverse direction.

Resume process
1. Site A becomes available
2. Resume issued from site B
3. Paused session is reversed and restarted

Site A Site B

Replication resumes in reversed direction

The operation updates the site A object with any changes that may have been
made to the site B object during the failover. The replication session then resumes
in the reverse direction and returns to a normal state. For asynchronous file
replication sessions, there is an option available to perform a synchronization of the
site A data to site B. The option overwrites any changes that are made to site B
during the failover. After the overwrite synchronization, replication is then restarted
in the reverse direction; from site B to site A in this example.

The Resume operation is preferred over Failback in situations where large amounts
of production change have accumulated due to long session pauses.

Resuming a failed over synchronous replication session starts a full

synchronization to the original source. The Resume operation restarts the
replication and returns synchronization to the sites while maintaining production
I/O.

The Failback operation interrupts production I/O to perform the resynchronization of

data. If a long resynchronization is needed, production is impacted proportional to
the resynchronization time. To return production to the site A object requires a
session Failover operation, followed by another Resume operation.

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Replication Operations

Important: If the replication session was configured to reuse

destination resource, and the storage resource user snaps, a full
synchronization can be avoided after an unplanned failover. When
the original source system becomes available, the system can use
system or user/scheduled snapshots to establish a common base
image, and only copy deltas.

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Replication Operations - Failback

Failback is an operation available to replication sessions that have failed over,

either asynchronous or synchronous. As its name implies, it is used to return a
replication session to its state before the failover operation.

The next page illustrates the process of the operation.

Supported on Asynchronous or Synchronous

Replication Sessions

Site A Site B
Replication returns to the state before Failover

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Replication Operations

Replication Operations - Failback Process

Primary Site Available

The site A replicated object must be available before the Failback operation can be
initiated on a session.

Failback process
1. Site A becomes available

Site A Site B

Replication returns to the state before Failover

Select Action

The Failback operation is issued from site B.

Failback process
1. Site A becomes available
2. Failback issued from site B

Site A Site B

Replication returns to the state before Failover

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 Replication Operations

Sync Storage Objects

The operation removes access to the site B object and synchronizes the site A
object to the data state of the site B object.

Failback process
1. Site A becomes available
2. Failback issued from site B
3. Sync from site B to site A

Sync

Site A Site B

Replication returns to the state before Failover

For asynchronous file replication sessions, there is an option available to perform a

synchronization of the site A data to site B. The option overwrites any changes that
are made to site B during the failover.

Failing back a failed over synchronous replication session starts a full

synchronization to the original source. It is important to note that this operation may
be lengthy if the replication session needs to synchronize a large amount of data to
the original source object.

Important: If the replication session was configured to reuse

destination resource, and the storage resource user snaps, a full
synchronization can be avoided after an unplanned failover. When
the original source system becomes available, the system can use
system or user/scheduled snapshots to establish a common base
image, and only copy deltas.

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Replication Operations

Enable Access to Primary Site

The operation then enables access to the site A object for production.

Failback process
1. Site A becomes available
2. Failback issued from site B
3. Sync from site B to site A
4. Access to site A object allowed

Sync

Site A Site B

Replication returns to the state before Failover

Replication Restarts

Replication is restarted using the site A object as a source and the site B object as
a destination. This single operation returns the object’s replication state as it was
before the failover.

Failback process
1. Site A becomes available
2. Failback issued from site B
3. Sync from site B to site A
4. Access to site A object allowed
5. Replication restarts from site A to site B

Sync

Site A Site B

Replication returns to the state before Failover

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Demonstration: Synchronous Remote Replication

This demo covers the synchronous remote replication of a LUN, and the
synchronous remote replication of a NAS Server and file system.

Movie:

The web version of this content contains a movie.

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Replica Access

Replica Access

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 Replica Access

Block Resource Remote Replica Data Access

Remote replica data access Replica read/write access restricted

- No impact to production system resources - Create user snapshot of replica
- No impact to replication session - Attach host to snapshot
- Data backup/recovery - Host access read-only or read/write
- Application testing/data mining

- DR testing

User snap

Block Replica
resource resource

Source Destination

When block resources are replicated remotely, there are many benefits of being
able to access the replica data. One benefit of replica data access is that there is
no impact on the source system resources that are used for production. Another
positive aspect of accessing replica data is to have no impact on the existing
remote replication session. With replica access to data, backup and recovery of
data are possible. Testing and data mining are also possible with replica data
access. Having access to the replica data is also a valid way to test and validate
the remote replication DR solution.

Access to the replica block data on the destination system is not performed directly
to the replicated block resource. The remote replica is marked as a destination
image by the system and blocks read/write access to it. Access to the data is
accomplished through a user snapshot of the resource and attaching a host to the
snapshot. The snapshot can be a replicated user snapshot from the source. Or it
can be a user created snapshot of the replica resource on the destination system.

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Replica Access

File Resource Remote Replica Data Access

Remote replica data access Replica NAS Server production access

- No impact to production system resources inactive
- No impact to replication session - Create user snapshot
- Data backup/recovery - Create replica NAS Server Backup & Test
- Application testing/data mining interface
- Create Proxy NAS Server
- DR testing

User snap

NAS Proxy
Server NAS NAS
Server Server
File
resource Replica
resource

Source Destination

When file resources are replicated remotely, there are many benefits of being able
to access the replica data. One benefit of replica data access is that there is no
impact on the source system resources that are used for production. Another
positive aspect of accessing replica data is to have no impact on the existing
remote replication session. With replica data access, backup and recovery of data
are possible. Testing and data mining are also possible with replica data access.
Having access to the replica data is also a valid way to test and validate the remote
replication DR solution.

Access to the replica file data is not achieved as directly as access to the source
file resource. File data is accessed through the NAS server that is associated with
the file system data. But a replicated NAS server has its production interfaces
inactive. The recommended method of accessing replica file data is to have a user
snapshot of the file resource. Access of replica file data can be done several ways.
A user snapshot of the resource could be made on the source system and
replicated to the destination system for access. A Read-only or Read/Write user
snapshot can also be made from the replica resource on the destination.

Once the user snapshot is on the destination system, there are several methods for
gaining access to its data. One way is to create a Backup and Test IP interface on
the replica NAS server. If a Read/Write snap is made, an NFS client can access a

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 Replica Access

share that is configured on the snapshot through the replica NAS server Backup
and Test IP interface. Another method for replica file data access is to create a
Proxy NAS server on the destination system. The Proxy NAS server is created in
the same manner as any NAS server. It becomes a Proxy NAS server by running a
CLI command to associate it to the replica NAS server. The Proxy NAS server must
be created on the same SP as the replica NAS server. If the replica NAS server is
configured for SMB, the Proxy NAS server must also have the same SMB
configuration. Read-only administrative access to the replica data is provided
through the Proxy NAS server. SMB client Read/Write access to the replica data is
also supported with the Proxy NAS server. For Read/Write access, the user
snapshot must be Read/Write and have a share that is configured on the Proxy
NAS server with the share path that is configured to the Read/Write user snapshot.

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Replica Access

Create a Proxy NAS Server for Replica File Data Access

Create a NAS Server on destination system Configure proxy settings to replicated NAS Server

- On same SP as replicated NAS Server - Via SSH and service command

- Supports multitenancy - Associates proxy NAS Server to replicated NAS Server
- Supports one or multiple NAS Server's data access
- NFSRoot option used to define NFS root client access

svc_nas -proxy -help

Syntax:
svc_nas -proxy_share -help

spa:~> svc_nas nas02_Proxy -proxy -add nas02 -NFSRoot ip=192.168.1.115

nas02_Proxy : commands processed: 1

command(s) succeeded Example configures a proxy NAS Server named "nas02_Proxy" for a
output is complete
replicated NAS Server named "nas02" and root access to an NFS client.
Command succeeded

To create a proxy NAS server for accessing replica file data, a new NAS server is
created on the destination system. The new NAS server that is the proxy NAS
server must be created on the same storage processor as the replicated NAS
server. It must be configured with the same access protocols that are used on the
replicated NAS server. A similar multitenancy configuration is needed for the proxy
NAS server as the replicated NAS server. A proxy NAS server can support multiple
NAS servers file data access.

The new NAS server is then configured with the proxy settings for the replicated
NAS server. This configuration is performed with the service command svc_nas
over a secure shell connection to the destination system. Use the svc_nas -proxy
-help to view the command syntax to configure a proxy NAS server. Use the
svc_nas -proxy_share -help to view the command syntax to configure an SMB
share for proxy access to a file system on another NAS server. The example
configures a proxy NAS server that is named nas02_Proxy for a NAS server that is
named nas02 and gives a specific NFS client root access.

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 Replica Access

Data Protection with Replication Key Points

1. Replication Overview
a. The Dell Unity XT Replication feature creates synchronized redundant data
replicas of storage resources within the same system or remote system.
b. Synchronous replication is a data protection solution for limited distances.
- The operation ensures zero data loss between local source and remote
replica.
- Each block data written is saved to the local and remote system at the
same time.
c. Asynchronous replication is primarily used to replicate data over long
distances.
- The write operations to the source are not instantly replicated to the
remote replica.
- All writes are tracked on the source and the deltas (data difference) are
replicated to the destination during the synchronization cycles.
d. The Dell Unity XT platform supports the asynchronous local replication of
supported storage resources between pools.
e. The Dell Unity XT platform supports asynchronous or synchronous remote
replications of supported storage resources between storage systems.
f. Supported synchronous remote replication topologies are One-Directional,
and Bi-Directional. The supported asynchronous remote replication
topologies are One-Directional, Bi-Directional, One-to-Many, and Many-
to-One.
g. The synchronous replication session states are: Active, Paused, Failed
Over, or Lost Sync Communications. Depending on the session state, the
sync states are In Sync, Syncing, Out of Sync, Consistent, or
Inconsistent.
2. Replication Configuration Process
a. Replication is configured when the supported storage resource is created or
manually created from the resource properties page.

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Replica Access

– Supported block storage resources are LUNs or LUNs which are

members of a Consistency Group.
– Supported file storage resources are NAS server and associated file
systems. (A session for the NAS server and a session for each
associated file system are created.)
– Supported VMware storage resources are VMFS and NFS datastores.
b. Before you create a remote replication session, you must configure active
communications channels between the two systems.
- Asynchronous replications use an IP-based connectivity between the
source and destination SPs.
- Synchronous replications use FC-based connectivity between source
and destination SPs.
3. Asynchronous Replication Configuration
a. The configuration of an Asynchronous replication session between Dell
Unity XT systems involve the following procedures.
– Configuration of replication interfaces on source and destination
systems.
– Create a replication connection between the storage systems, and
validate the connection from peer system.
– Define the source and replication settings (mode, RPO, destination), and
create the replication session.
4. Synchronous Replication Configuration
a. The configuration of a Synchronous replication session between Dell Unity
XT systems involve the following procedures.
– Identify the Sync Replication Management FC ports on source and
destination, and create replication interfaces.
– Create a replication connection between the storage systems, and
validate the connection from peer system.
– Select the source, define the replication settings, and create the
replication session.
5. Replication Operations

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a. Replication session operations can be performed within Unisphere from two

areas.
– Select a session from the Replication > Sessions page and an option
from the More Actions menu.
– The same More Actions menu options are available from the Replication
tab on the storage resource properties page.
b. Replication session operations can be performed from the source or
destination systems, depending on the type of replication (asynchronous or
synchronous) and the state of the session.
- Session planned Failover (Synchronous) and Failover with sync
(Asynchronous) operations can be performed from the source system
when both systems are available.
- Session Pause,or Sync (Asynchronous) operations are also possible
from the replication source.
- Session Resume operations are available from the source when paused
by user or system. The operation is available from the destination system
for sessions paused from an unplanned failover operation.
- Session unplanned Failover operations can be performed from the
destination system when the source systems is not available.
- Session Failback operations are performed from the destination system
when the original source system becomes available.
c. NAS servers replicas on the destination might require network interfaces re-
configuration to ensure correct operation after a session failover.
d. NAS server replication session operations are also performed on the
associated file systems.
6. Replica Access

a. Block storage resource replica read-write access is restricted.

– The access to the data is accomplished through a user snapshot of the
resource, and attaching a host to the snapshot.
b. Replica NAS server production access is inactive

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Replica Access

- The access to the data is accomplished through a user snapshot or by

creating a proxy NAS server and associating with the replica NAS server.

For more information, see the Dell Unity: Replication

Technologiesand the Dell Unity: MetroSync white paper on the
Dell Unity Info Hub site.

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