NetBackup catalog backups:  NetBackup catalog backups are different from regular backups and need special handling to restore. Not having the catalog available at the DR site means that every tape must be imported to build the catalog, which is impractical and is not considered a viable option. With the catalog in place at the DR site, the tapes can be loaded into the library, the library inventoried, and restores can commence in a short time frame. 

## 22.10.6 ProtecTIER disaster recovery with Symantec NetBackup 

Discuss the following key concepts with the NetBackup architects and senior administrators in the user organization: 

GLYPH<SM590000> In normal operation, back up to a local VTL. 

– Backing up to a local VTL provides quick backups and quick restores. 

– Because VTL replication is at the cartridge level, and only the deduplicated data is transferred, it reduces the bandwidth that is needed, as compared to traditional cross-site replication/backups. 

GLYPH<SM590000> Split servers for DR in to their RTO classifications. 

Have servers for DR (usually production servers) split into their RTO classifications and plan for separate volume pools and backup policies. For servers with low RTO requirements, consider individual volume pools and backup policies. 

GLYPH<SM590000> Turn off multiplexing (MPX) for all backups that require DR. 

Multiplexing is accomplished at either the storage unit level or backup policy level. Disable MPX for all backups that go to the ProtecTIER VTL. 

GLYPH<SM590000> Use large fragment sizes. 

Fragment sizes are configured at the storage unit level. Large fragment sizes improve the restore performance of whole file systems. 

GLYPH<SM590000> Disable storage checkpoints. 

Storage checkpoints have an adverse effect on the deduplication ratios. 

GLYPH<SM590000> Disable software compression. 

Software compression might reduce the efficiency of the ProtecTIER deduplication and affect its factoring ratio. 

## 22.10.7 Single domain versus two separate domains 

After your architects and administrators understand the main concepts, they need to decide whether to have one domain that spans both sites or two separate domains. 

## Single domain approach 

With a single domain approach, the same NetBackup catalog is shared across sites and is always updated with the whereabouts of all cartridges. 

## Replicating cartridges 

ProtecTIER replicates cartridges per the policies that are set by the user. Cartridges are copied on to a virtual shelf at the DR site. 

