POWERPROTECT DD

IMPLEMENTATION WITH
APPLICATION SOFTWARE

PARTICIPANT GUIDE

PARTICIPANT GUIDE
 PowerProtect DD Implementation with Application Software-Participant Guide

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Table of Contents

Implementation Concepts ......................................................................................... 2

Supported Applications and Protocols.................................................................................. 3
Concepts and Terms............................................................................................................ 4
Backup and Recovery Without PowerProtect DD ............................................................... 10
Backup and Recovery with PowerProtect DD .................................................................... 11
PowerProtect DD Implementation Advantages .................................................................. 13
Ethernet and Fibre Channel Environments......................................................................... 14
Ethernet and Fibre Channel Tradeoffs ............................................................................... 17
Implementation Workflows ................................................................................................. 18

CIFS and NFS Implementation Best Practices ...................................................... 24

CIFS Install and Configure ................................................................................................. 25
NFS Install and Configure .................................................................................................. 27
NFS Implementation with IBM Spectrum Protect................................................................ 30
CIFS Server Best Practices ............................................................................................... 34
CIFS Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................ 36
Tuning TCP/IP Performance Shares .................................................................................. 37

DD Boost Implementation ....................................................................................... 40

DD Boost Implementation - Configuration .......................................................................... 41

VTL Implementation ................................................................................................. 45

VTL Implementation Task List ............................................................................................ 46
Install and Configure Task List ........................................................................................... 49
VTL Administer and Operate Task List............................................................................... 50
VTL Multiplexing ................................................................................................................ 51
SAN and VTL Best Practices ............................................................................................. 52
Implementation as SAN or VTL with IBM Spectrum Protect Task List ................................ 53
Install and Configure Task List ........................................................................................... 54
Administer and Operate Task List ...................................................................................... 55
IBM Spectrum Protect Policies ........................................................................................... 56
Device Class Configurations .............................................................................................. 57

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 Implementation Concepts

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Implementation Concepts

Implementation Concepts

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 Implementation Concepts

Supported Applications and Protocols

The following table is an overview of several supported backup applications and the protocols they
support for backup and recovery operations. They combine backup software solutions that support
backups over Ethernet and Fibre Channel. The table shows the protocols that are supported on
PowerProtect DD appliances for each backup application.

For a complete listing of all backup applications PowerProtect DD supports, consult the Dell
Technologies e-Lab Interoperability Navigator.

Product CIFS NFS DD Boost DD Boost VTL

Ethernet Fibre Channel

Dell EMC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

NetWorker

Dell EMC No No Yes No No

Avamar

Veritas Yes Yes Yes No Yes

NetBackup

Veritas Yes No Yes No Yes

Backup Exec

Quest Yes No Yes No No

vRanger

IBM Spectrum Yes Yes Using No Yes

Protect BoostFS

CommVault Yes Yes Using No Yes

Simpana BoostFS

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Implementation Concepts

Concepts and Terms

PowerProtect DD

Metadata

Backup Server

Backup Data

PowerProtect DD
Storage Node
Backup Clients

Data Center

The diagram provides a brief review of basic terminology that is associated with the backup
environment. In all configurations, there are clients, backup management servers, and a read/write
server. In some environments, the backup management and read/write functions are performed on
a single server. Networking connectivity can be Ethernet LAN or Fibre Channel SAN.

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• Backup clients1

• Backup server2

• Storage node3

• PowerProtect DD4

1A node within a backup process that holds data to be backed up. A backup client
can be desktop, laptop, application server, file server, or a storage device in a
backup environment.

2The backup server is an application that schedules, manages, and operates data
backup processes on a backup client.

3The storage node is used with the backup manager in obtaining and storing
backup data. In some environments, the backup server and storage node functions
are performed on a single system.

4In a PowerProtect DD backup environment, the PowerProtect DD appliance is the

active tier storage that receives data from the backup clients.

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Implementation Concepts

Dell EMC Avamar

Avamar Clients

Backup Data

Avamar Data
Metadata Store

Avamar PowerProtect DD
Server
Backup Clients
Data Center

Avamar clients5 are the machines that contain the data to be backed up to the Avamar server.
Avamar Client software is installed and running on each client. Avamar provides client software for
various computing platforms.

Avamar Administrator is a user management console software application that is used to remotely
administer an Avamar system.

5Avamar clients backup clients accessing the Avamar server through an Ethernet
connection. Avamar clients are usually file servers and database servers in an IT
environment, or employee desktops and laptops.

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 Implementation Concepts

The Avamar Server stores backup metadata for restores and activity reporting, and provides
services that are required for client access and remote system administration.

Dell EMC NetWorker

NetWorker Clients
Client-Direct
NetWorker
Server

Metadata

Backup Server

NetWorker
Storage Node
Backup Data
Read/

PowerProtect DD
Storage Node

Backup Clients
Data Center

A NetWorker Data Zone is composed of a single NetWorker server, its storage nodes, and clients.
In a NetWorker Data Zone the NetWorker server, storage nodes, and clients can write backups to a
PowerProtect DD appliance. When a client writes backup data directly do a PowerProtect DD
appliance, bypassing the storage node, it is known as a Client-Direct backup.

Multiple NetWorker servers might back up the same NetWorker client. Clients may belong to
multiple data zones. NetWorker servers and storage nodes may belong to only one data zone.

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Veritas NetBackup and Backup Exec

Master Server

Metadata

Backup Server

Media Server

Backup Backup Target

Data

Storage Node PowerProtect DD

Backup Clients

Data Center

In Veritas NetBackup and Backup Exec environments, the server managing backups is called the
Master Server, and Media Servers write to and read from backup targets.

IBM Spectrum Protect

Client Nodes Spectrum

Protect Server

Metadata

Backup Server
Media
Agent
Storage Pool
Backup
Data

PowerProtect DD
Storage Nodes
Backup Clients

Data Center

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 Implementation Concepts

The diagram shows some product-specific terms that apply to IBM Spectrum Protect
implementations.

The main function of the Spectrum Protect server is to coordinate movement of the backup data
from the Client Nodes to the PowerProtect DD appliance.

The Spectrum Protect server holds the Spectrum Protect database. This database tracks each new
transaction in its recovery logs. If there was a sudden outage of the Spectrum Protect server,
recovery logs help revert changes to an operational state.

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Implementation Concepts

Backup and Recovery Without PowerProtect DD

Increasing the storage speed and capacity for the data that is generated along with the cost-
effectiveness is a perpetual challenge. One of the most expensive and resource-intensive tasks are
gathering, storing, and protecting data backups. Writing data to tapes and shipping them offsite for
storage is one of the largest financial and labor resource challenge in a conventional tape-centric
environment. The diagram illustrates the conventional tape-based process of handling backups.

Data Center Disaster Recovery

Site
Media
Server

Backup Restore Process

Server
Tape
Library

Backup Clients
Tape Transport

1. The conventional process of handling backups is through backup servers. The backup servers
preserve the data from backup clients on the media server then copying it to disk-based storage
or a tape library.
2. Tapes are physically transported and stored offsite for archival and disaster recovery purposes.
If there is a negative event in the data center, moving tapes offsite prevents the loss of backup
data.
3. Data recovery requires a manual process of transporting the tapes back to the data center.

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Backup and Recovery with PowerProtect DD

PowerProtect DD systems support several backup, archive, and enterprise applications.

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

1. When a PowerProtect DD appliance is added to a backup environment, backup clients may still
store data on the storage node. However, if NetWorker or Avamar are used to backup clients,
the clients may also back up data directly to the PowerProtect DD appliance.
2. If clients do not back up directly to the PowerProtect DD appliance, the backup servers store the
data on the PowerProtect DD appliance.
3. Deduplication greatly reduces the data footprint before the data is backed up.

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Implementation Concepts

4. The PowerProtect DD replication feature transfers only the unique changes6 across any IP
network.
5. The elimination of time-consuming handling of tape transforms the data recovery process. If
regulatory or corporate policies require tape backups, tape backups can be performed in parallel
to backups to a PowerProtect DD appliance.

6PowerProtect DD appliances use replication methods that require a fraction of the

bandwidth, time, and cost compared to traditional replication methods. RTO is
greatly reduced when compared to other replication methods.

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PowerProtect DD Implementation Advantages

Consider replacing some or all reliance on tape backups with deduplicated storage of data on disk.
By doing so, you reduce cost, complexity, and the risks associated with tape.

DD Boost

Data Replication

Backup Server

DD Boost DD Boost
DD Boost

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

The key advantages of implementing PowerProtect DD are:

• Reducing the number of tracked copies, reducing backup server database sizes while
increasing performance

• Reducing the overall size and scope of the backup and recovery infrastructure

• Increased speed of disaster recovery

• Elimination or reduction of the time and resources that are associated with physical tape

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Implementation Concepts

Ethernet and Fibre Channel Environments

PowerProtect DD

Ethernet: CIFS, NFS, and

DD Boost

Data Replication
Backup Server

Data Recovery

Fibre Channel: DD Boost

and VTL
Storage Node

Backup Clients
Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

PowerProtect DD appliances can perform backups over both Ethernet and Fibre Channel
concurrently. Flexibility in configuring a PowerProtect DD appliance affords a great number of
integration scenarios.

Over Ethernet, the backup software addresses the PowerProtect DD appliance through native NFS
mounts or CIFS shares.

Over Fibre Channel, prior investments in backup and recovery systems have been in tape.
Administrators familiar with Fibre Channel administration can adopt the PowerProtect DD appliance
as a Virtual Tape Library, or perform backups using DD Boost over Fibre Channel.

Dell EMC NetWorker

Ethernet: CIFS, NFS, and DD

Boost

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Fibre Channel: DD Boost and VTL

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

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In NetWorker, administrators already using NetWorker Advanced File Type Devices (AFTDs) can
adopt the PowerProtect DD appliance as a file system. Adopting the PowerProtect DD file system
can be done without significant infrastructure or mindset change. NetWorker AFTDs accept
concurrent streams, writing the streams into separate files in the directory structure of the AFTD.

For VTL implementations, use the NetWorker Device Manager drivers to interface with the VTL
library changer with minor changes.

Veritas NetBackup and Backup Exec

Ethernet: CIFS, NFS, and DD

Boost

Basic Device

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Fibre Channel: DD Boost and

VTL

Storage Node
RESTORER-L180 emulation DDVTL drive
emulation Minor policy change

Backup Clients
Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

For VTL implementations, use the RESTORER-L180 or DDVTL drive emulation. Drive emulation
enables the backup software to interface with the VTL Library changer. There are few policy and
procedural changes if the PowerProtect DD appliance is used to replace a physical tape library.

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Implementation Concepts

IBM Spectrum Protect

Ethernet: CIFS, NFS, and DD Boost

Configure file class device using CIFS or

NFS

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Fibre Channel: DD Boost and VTL

Storage Node
RESTORER-L180 emulation Primary or copy
pool target Minor policy change

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

For NAS configuration of IBM Spectrum Protect, configure FILE CLASS DEVICE through NFS
exports of CIFS shares from the PowerProtect DD appliance. You cannot use the DISK device class
type in Spectrum Protect with a PowerProtect DD appliance. Use FILE device class type.

In a VTL configuration, the PowerProtect DD appliance can be a primary or copy pool target and
uses L180 emulation.

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Ethernet and Fibre Channel Tradeoffs

This table shows trade-offs when the PowerProtect DD appliance is configured as a NAS compared
to SAN.

Ethernet (CIFS, NFS, and DD Boost) Fibre Channel (VTL and DD Boost)

The backup server does not require changer and Install and load a tested and supported changer
tape driver installation and loading. driver and tape driver on the backup server.

A Fibre Channel HBA is not required. Install a tested and supported Fibre Channel
HBA on the storage node.

Tape mounts, loads, labeling and other tape In the VTL environment, the backup software
emulation tasks are not needed. must perform tape mounts, loads, labeling and
other tape-emulation tasks.

Expired backup images are cleaned up on the In the VTL environment, expired backup images
PowerProtect DD appliance: are not cleaned up on the PowerProtect DD
Pro: Expired disk space recycles immediately appliance:
when garbage collection and cleaning kicks off. Pro: Backup software can start its tape import
Con: Backup software is not able to recover and procedure to quickly recover and restore backup
restore backup images as quickly. images.
Con: Expired disk space may not be reclaimed
when file system cleaning is performed.

On the backup server, configure CIFS or NFS There is no need to configure CIFS access or
mounts of the PowerProtect DD with the proper NFS access to the backup-to-disk (B2D) folder.
mount options.

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Implementation Concepts

Implementation Workflows

Administrative Console

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

There are five workflows in PowerProtect DD implementation with software applications:

• Installation and configuration

• Administration and operation

• DD Boost implementation

• BoostFS implementation

• VTL implementation

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Installation and Configuration

Administrative Console

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

PowerProtect DD implementations all follow a similar workflow. To successfully integrate the

PowerProtect DD appliance into a backup environment, perform the install and configure tasks that
are listed:
1. Install all application software as necessary on the clients, and read/write server.
2. Start the PowerProtect DD appliances, and perform the initial configuration.
3. Set up network access for clients and backup servers.
4. Create a backup user on the PowerProtect DD appliances.
5. Create directories, MTrees, and storage units to store backup data on the PowerProtect DD
appliances as needed.
6. Configure the backup management server with the necessary credentials, and other settings, as
necessary.

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Administration and Operation

Administrative Console

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

After the installation and initial configuration tasks are complete, you can begin administering the
implementation. Start by validating the implementation by creating, running, and verifying a backup
job.

1. Create a backup job using the administrative console in your backup system.
2. Run and monitor the backup job from the administrative console.
3. From the administrative console, you can recover backups and test a recovery to a client.
4. Monitor space usage and throughput on the PowerProtect DD appliance using the DD System
Manager (DDSM), command-line interface, or PowerProtect DD Management Center (DDMC).

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DD Boost Implementation

Administrative Console

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

To implement DD Boost, prepare the PowerProtect DD appliances, and the backup application.
1. Enable DD Boost on both the local and the disaster recovery PowerProtect DD appliances.
a. Set the DD Boost user for each system.
b. Create any storage units that might be needed7.
2. Using the administrative console, configure the backup software to use the PowerProtect DD
appliances as backup targets.
3. From the administrative console, configure backup and clone operations.
4. Perform and monitor backup and clone activity.

7When configuring them for DD Boost, Dell EMC Avamar and NetWorker will, by
default, create their own storage units on PowerProtect DD appliances.

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5. Check that the backup data on the local PowerProtect DD appliance is also available on the
disaster recovery PowerProtect DD appliance.
6. When needed, restore files using the administrative console from the disaster recovery
PowerProtect DD appliance.

BoostFS Implementation

DD Boost Filesystem (BoostFS) provides a general file-system interface to the DD Boost library.
BoostFS enables backup applications that do not natively support DD Boost to take advantage of
DD Boost features.

Administrative Console

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

The BoostFS plug-in resides on the storage node, presenting a standard file system mount point to
the backup clients. With direct access to a BoostFS mount point, the application can leverage the
storage and network efficiencies of the DD Boost protocol for backup. By using DD Boost
technology, BoostFS helps reduce bandwidth, can improve backup times, offers load-balancing, and
in-flight encryption.

BoostFS is supported on both Windows and Linux platforms. BoostFS supports physical
PowerProtect DD appliances, high-availability (HA) systems, and PowerProtect DD Virtual Edition.

Consult the Dell EMC BoostFS for Windows Configuration Guide or Dell EMC BoostFS for Linux
Configuration Guide for supported platforms and applications, and installation and configuration
instructions.

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VTL Implementation

Administrative Console

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

1. If it has not already been completed, install and configure and HBA card in the PowerProtect DD
appliance.
2. Configure Fibre Channel zoning for use with the PowerProtect DD appliance. Configure zoning
on the FC switch so that each initiator is configured for the needed Fibre Channel ports.
3. Configure the PowerProtect DD appliance for VTL.
a. License and enable the VTL service.
b. Create a VTL with its components and virtual tapes using the DD System Manager or
command-line interface.
4. Use the administrative console to discover the VTL on the PowerProtect DD appliance. Create
the configuration for the tape library, slots, and tapes.
5. Initiate a backup, monitor, and verify VTL backup jobs using the administrative console.

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CIFS and NFS Implementation Best Practices

CIFS and NFS Implementation Best Practices

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 CIFS and NFS Implementation Best Practices

CIFS Install and Configure

Data Replication

Backup Server

Data Recovery

Storage Node

Backup Clients

Data Center Disaster Recovery Site

To successfully integrate a PowerProtect DD appliance into a backup environment, review these

configuration steps.
1. Install backup software on the backup clients and backup server. Install application software as
necessary throughout the environment.
2. Verify the installation and initial configuration of the PowerProtect DD appliance for proper
network access by client systems and backup servers.
3. Configure the PowerProtect DD appliance with the appropriate networking and CIFS
parameters. Create a backup operator user and a CIFS share on the PowerProtect DD
appliance.
4. Configure the backup server with the necessary credentials or other settings as necessary.
Access the CIFS share created on the PowerProtect DD appliance.
5. Administer and operate the backup application software and PowerProtect DD appliance.

Install Backup Software

Start by installing the backup management server component. Optionally install any media server
that you may want to use. Lastly, install all the required backup client components.

1. All backup application software should have previously been installed. If necessary, complete all
installations. Install the backup server component first.
2. Install any required backup software on the read/write server.
3. Install any required backup client software on the client machines.

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CIFS and NFS Implementation Best Practices

Verify CIFS Access

Verify that the CIFS configuration of the PowerProtect DD appliance meets the basic requirements
enabling proper access. For example, backup systems could map a network drive to the
PowerProtect DD backup directory or an MTree.

• The PowerProtect DD appliance must use either Active Directory (AD) or Workgroup in
authentication mode.

• The PowerProtect DD appliance must have a valid CIFS user account that is configured as a
domain backup operator. If the account is part of a domain or Active Directory, it should have
local administrator permissions. If the account is in a workgroup, it must have at least, backup
operation group permissions.

• Assign a group or user and backup server name when setting the permissions to ensure that
CIFS is only accessed through backup server for security.

Administer and Operate

Verify communication between the backup environment and the PowerProtect DD appliance.
Validate the implementation in the following steps:
1. From the administrative console, create a configuration for your backup. Create a backup job
that can be run manually or automatically.
2. Run and monitor the backup job.
3. Recover from a backup for a client system.
4. Validate and analyze the backups within the DD System Manager, where you can view statistics
and reports.

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 CIFS and NFS Implementation Best Practices

NFS Install and Configure

Clients

Backup Management

WAN

Local PowerProtect DD Disaster Recovery PowerProtect DD

Servers

Read/Write Server

Establish communication between the PowerProtect DD appliance and the backup server in an NFS
environment.
1. If needed, install all application software and configure the PowerProtect DD appliance with an
initial configuration.
2. Establish communication between the PowerProtect DD appliance and the backup
management server in an NFS environment.
3. Configure the PowerProtect DD appliance for networking with NFS.
4. Configure the backup management server with NFS mounts. Create, configure, and mount the
backup directory or custom MTree.

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CIFS and NFS Implementation Best Practices

PowerProtect DD Networking with NFS

The listed steps are tasks for configuring the PowerProtect DD appliance for network connectivity
and enabling the backup transport protocol for NFS.
1. Establish an SSH session to the PowerProtect DD appliance.
2. Run config setup to launch the installation wizard.

3. Configure networking parameters based on your environment.

4. Configure NFS parameters and set the backup server list8.
5. Verify access to any directories or MTrees required for backup data or administration tasks
through an NFS mount.

Backup Server NFS Configuration

The following is an overview of creating a mount on a backup server and copying a test file to the
PowerProtect DD appliance.

1. Create the NFS directories (mount points).

2. Mount the PowerProtect DD directories or MTrees on the new mount points,
3. Modify the /etc/fstab to mount directories at every boot.

4. Create a backup directory on the backup server.

Once the NFS Mount procedure is completed, create and copy a file from the media server to the
PowerProtect DD appliance to validate functionality.

8 Setting a wildcard (*) enables any host on the network to connect to the
PowerProtect DD appliance using NFS. To restrict access to specific hosts, replace
the asterisk with a specific hostname or an IP Address.

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 CIFS and NFS Implementation Best Practices

Specific commands differ depending on the platform you are using. Look up
documentation for the specific commands for each platform.

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NFS Implementation with IBM Spectrum Protect

Install and Configure Administer and Operate

Install and Configure

1
1

Spectrum Protect Server (Backup Server)

PowerProtect DD
Media Agent (Storage
Node)

Client Nodes (Backup Clients)

The goal is to integrate the PowerProtect DD appliance using the NFS protocol to IBM Spectrum
Protect on a Linux server. To successfully integrate the PowerProtect DD appliance into the backup
environment, install and configure the IBM Spectrum Protect as explained.

1. Install the Spectrum Protect application.

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2. Configure the PowerProtect DD appliance for NFS networking.

3. Configure the Spectrum Protect server for backups with an NFS mount export. Create a
directory for the device class.

Device Class Configurations

IBM Spectrum Protect enables disk type device classes to be defined as either FILE or DISK type.
FILE device classes are commonly used in IBM Spectrum Protect for virtual volume management.
Most IBM Spectrum Protect administrators define disk storage pools using DISK device class
definitions and associate formatted *.dsm files as storage pool volumes.

FILE type device classes are recommended for use with a PowerProtect DD appliance. FILE device
classes enable IBM Spectrum Protect to perform sequential read/write activity to files within a file
system. The system writes incoming backup data to a file. When a file is filled, Spectrum Protect
creates a scratch file and fills the file with more incoming backup data.

Capacity planning and measurement ensure that the PowerProtect DD capacity is adequate for
each folder.

The default IBM Spectrum Protect MaxCapacity value for a FILE device class is 2 GB. Depending
on the operating system of the IBM Spectrum Protect server, maximum capacity parameters vary.
This parameter is sized from 200 GB to 400 GB for PowerProtect DD implementations. The default
Mount Limit value is 20 and the maximum value for this parameter is 4096. Up to 4096 individual
files can be opened at a single time. Each PowerProtect DD instance supports up to 20 concurrent
I/O threads, so the default Mount Limit value is recommended.

The following is a summary of device class configurations:

Device Class Configuration Details

Directory Create a separate folder for each Spectrum Protect device class
(FILE TYPE).
Create a separate file system mount point or folder for each
Spectrum Protect instance using the same PowerProtect DD
instance.

Maximum Capacity The Spectrum Protect MaxCapacity parameter should be sized

200 GB–400 GB for PowerProtect DD implementations (default
value is 2 GB).

Mount Limit The default Mount Limit value is 20 and is the recommended
value for PowerProtect DD instances.

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Administer and Operate

Once the communication between the backup environment and the PowerProtect DD appliance is
established, you can validate the implementation by performing operations.

2
3

Spectrum Protect Server (Backup Server)

PowerProtect DD
Media Agent (Storage
Node)

Client Nodes (Backup Clients)

1. Create a policy using the backup management software. For Spectrum Protect, do the following:
a. Define a FILE device class.
b. Define a primary pool.
c. Define a domain and policy.
d. Validate and activate the policy.
e. Register the new node (client).
2. Configure backup clients, and verify the node name for correct access.
3. Run and monitor a backup job from the Spectrum Protect administrative console.
4. You can also perform a data recovery for a client system. You can also validate and analyze the
backups using statistics and reports in the DD System Manager.

Policies

IBM Spectrum Protect policies are rules that determine how the client data is stored and managed.
The rules include where the data is initially stored, how many backup versions are kept, how long
archive copies are kept and so on.

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The following is an overview of the process:

1. A client initiates a backup, archive, or migration operation. The file in the operation is bound to a
management class. The management class is either the default or one specified for the file in
client options (the client's include-exclude list).
2. If the management class of the policy indicates that the file is a candidate for backup, the client
sends the file and metadata to the server.
3. The server checks the management class that is bound to the file. The check is to determine the
destination, and the name of the IBM Spectrum Protect storage pool where the server initially
stores the file. For backed-up and archived files, destinations are assigned in the backup and
archive copy groups, which are within management classes. For space-managed files,
destinations are assigned in the management class itself.
4. The server stores the file in the storage pool that is identified as the storage destination.

Spectrum Protect
Server
Storage Pools
Client Data

Backup Clients

Migration Backup or Archive

Database

Policy Domain

Policy Set

Management Class

Copy Group

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CIFS Server Best Practices

When using CIFS on a PowerProtect DD appliance, Dell Technologies recommends making

adjustments on Microsoft Windows Servers for session timeout values and TCP/IP parameters.

Session Timeout Tuning TCP/IP

Session Timeout

Certain internal activities on a PowerProtect DD appliance can take longer than the default CIFS
timeout on the servers. Longer times can cause error messages during a backup.

To avoid a timeout, Dell Technologies recommends changing the SESSTIMEOUT value from the
default 45 to 3600 seconds.

1. Open REGEDIT and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CURRENTCONTROLSE >

SERVICES > LANMANWORKSTATION > PARAMETERS.
2. In the Parameters folder, add a new DWORD value.

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3. Set the Value name to SESSTIMEOUT.

4. Set the Value data to 3600.

Tuning TCP/IP

If you are having problems with poor network performance and link utilization is under 100%, you
can increase the TCP window size on your server. Using the Registry Editor, create two new
registry entries, DefaultSendWindow and DefaultReceiveWindow. Also, create a
TCPWindowSize entry for the active network interface.

Steps are as follows:

1. Open REGEDT32 and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet >

Services > AFD > Parameters.
2. Create a DWORD value with the name DefaultSendWindow and set the value to 262144
(decimal).
3. Create a DWORD value with the name DefaultReceiveWindow and set the value to 262144
(decimal).
4. Navigate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CURRENTCONTROLSET > SERVICES >
Tcpip > Parameters > Interfaces.
5. A list of NIC IDs is displayed. To the active interface, create a DWORD value with the name
TCPWindowSize value to 262144 (decimal).
6. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services > Tcpip >
Parameters.
7. Add a new DWORD value with the name TcpWindowSize and set the value to 262144
(decimal).
8. Add a new DWORD value with the name GlobalMaxTcpWindowSize and set the value to
262144 (decimal).
9. Add a new DWORD value with the name Tcp1323Opts and set the value to 3.
10. Restart the Windows server.

For more information about configuring and managing CIFS on a PowerProtect DD appliance, see
the Dell EMC DDOS Administration Guide available from Dell EMC Support.

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CIFS Troubleshooting

Kerberos
Authentication

Backup Server/
Storage Node

Domain (AD)

In a CIFS Active Directory (AD) environment, a common issue occurs when the PowerProtect DD
appliance has trouble joining the AD domain. Another issue occurs when the backup server or
storage node are unable to access the PowerProtect DD appliance to perform a backup.

1. To troubleshoot issues with joining the AD domain, check physical and transport connectivity
between the two components. On the PowerProtect DD appliance, check to ensure that the
clock on the PowerProtect DD appliance is within 300 seconds (five minutes) of the AD server.
Verify that the backup user who is specified on the PowerProtect DD appliance is a valid user
on the AD domain with, at minimum, operator privileges.
The command, cifs troubleshooting list-users helps narrow down user validation.

2. To troubleshoot client access issues, check physical and transport connectivity between the
PowerProtect DD appliance and the backup server, mainly TCP connectivity.

On the PowerProtect DD appliance, check to ensure that the media server host is enabled as a
backup client. Also check to ensure that there are no stale Kerberos tickets.

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Tuning TCP/IP Performance Shares

Server tuning is recommended for new PowerProtect DD appliance implementations using NFS.
NFS mounting configurations depend on the NFS server type whether in an HP, Linux, AIX, or
Solaris environment. Also, Dell Technologies recommends hard-mounts to ensure availability of the
server after reboots or outages.

The following examples describe NFS tuning for Dell EMC NetWorker. For general about
configuring and managing NFS on a PowerProtect DD appliance, read the current Dell EMC DDOS
Administration Guide found at Dell EMC Support.

AIX 5.2 and Later

When mounting an NFS share on AIX 5.2 and later, use the nfso -o
nfs_use_reserved_ports=1mount –o timeo=600 {nfs_server}:/{export path}
/{mountpoint} command. This mount command does not persist across AIX reboots. For AIX 5.2
or later, use the -p option to mount the share permanently.

To show the list of file systems that PowerProtect DD appliance exports, use the nfs show
clients command.

To optimize TCP/IP performance on the AIX host, set large_send to no for each NIC interface.

Other commands that might increase TCP/IP performance:

• no -p -o sack=1

• no -p -o tcp_newreno=0

• chdev -l {ethernet_device_on_storage_node} -a rfc1323=1

• chdev -l {ethernet_device_on_storage_node} -a tcp_nodelay=1

• chdev -l {ethernet_device_on_storage_node} -a tcp_recvspace=262144

• chdev -l {ethernet_device_on_storage_node} -a tcp_sendspace=262144

• nfso –p -o nfs_rfc1323=1

HP-UX 11i

If you are using NFSv3, use the mount –F nfs –o rsize=32768,wsize=32768,hard

{nfs_server}:/{export path}/{mountpoint} command to mount the NFS share.

To show the list of file systems exported by the PowerProtect DD appliance, use the nfs show
clients command.

Other HP-UX NFS tuning parameters:

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• Add the following line to the /etc/rc.config.d/nfsconf file: NFS_CLIENT='1',

NUM_NFSIOD=24

• Stop and restart the NFS daemons with the /sbin/init.d/nfs.client stop and
/sbin/init.d/nfs.client start commands.

Set the TCP send and receive sizes for HP-UX 11.0 and 11i backup servers. To make the changes
persistent over system reboots, create a startup script that runs before the NFS automount. The
numbering in the script name and location depends on how startup scripts are set up on your
system.

The following is only an example of creating a file: /sbin/rc3.d/S99dd ndd -set /dev/tcp
tcp_recv_hiwater_def 262144ndd -set /dev/tcp tcp_xmit_hiwater_def 262144

Linux

Mount the NFS share using the mount -T nfs -o

hard,intr,nfsvers=3,tcp,rsize=32768,wsize=32768,bg {nfs_server}:/{export
path}/{mountpoint} command.

To show the list of file systems exported by the PowerProtect DD appliance, use the nfs show
clients command.

Solaris

Mount the NFS share using the mount -F nfs –o

hard,intr,vers=3,proto=tcp,rsize=32768, wsize=32768{nfs_server}:/{export
path}/{mountpoint} command.

To show the list of file systems that are exported by the PowerProtect DD appliance use the nfs
show clients command.

Solaris system settings to improve TCP/IP NFS performance:

• Create the file /etc/rc3.d/S90ddr and enter the following two lines:

1. –ndd -set /dev/tcp tcp_recv_hiwat 131072

2. –ndd -set /dev/tcp tcp_xmit_hiwat 131072

• In the file /etc/system, add the following lines:

1. set nfs:nfs3_max_threads=16

2. set nfs:nfs3_async_clusters=4

3. set nfs:nfs3_nra=16

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4. set rpcmod:clnt_max_conns=1

5. set fastscan=131072

6. set handspreadpages=131072

7. set maxpgio=65536

The SUN T-processors, which are known as "coolthreads" servers have poor NFS performance.
The only adequate resolution is to use jumbo frames.

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DD Boost Implementation

DD Boost Implementation

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DD Boost Implementation - Configuration

Local PowerProtect DD Disaster Recovery PowerProtect DD

Appliance Appliance

DD Boost

DD Boost DD Boost

DD Boost

Backup Server

Backup Clients

DD Boost

Storage Node

This topic covers options and procedures for PowerProtect DD implementation with the DD Boost
option in environments using several common backup applications.

1. Use the command line or the DD System Manager to enable the PowerProtect DD system for
storage operations with DD Boost devices. 9
2. Use the backup application console to configure the backup application for use with the
PowerProtect DD system10.

You can implement a similar configuration using an Avamar server.

Continue the DD Boost implementation by verifying backup and clone functionality.

9 On the PowerProtect DD system, enable DD Boost, set the DD Boost user, and
storage unit.

10Configure PowerProtect DD systems as devices for DD Boost.

Configure the local PowerProtect DD as the backup target.
Configure the disaster recovery PowerProtect DD as the backup clone.

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DD Boost Implementation

Configuration with Avamar

Data

DD Boost DD Boost

DD Boost
Local PowerProtect DD Disaster Recovery PowerProtect DD

DD Boost

Backup Clients

Metadata

Data

Avamar Disaster
Avamar Data Store
Recovery Data Store

DD Boost increases performance by distributing parts of the deduplication process to Avamar

clients.11

Avamar clients send most data directly to the PowerProtect DD appliance. Some datatypes are sent
to the Avamar data store.12

1. During a backup, the Avamar server sends a backup request to the Avamar client.
2. If the backup request includes the option to use a PowerProtect DD system as the target, the
Avamar client sends the backup data directly to the PowerProtect DD system. 13

11When the DD Boost library is integrated in Avamar clients, the client sends
unique data segments directly to the PowerProtect DD system.

12Sending some datatypes enables users to deploy the optimal approach to

deduplication and manage the entire infrastructure from a single interface.

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3. Metadata for the backup is sent from the backup client to the Avamar server 14.
4. The backup data is sent to and stored on the PowerProtect DD system.
5. Datatypes that are not suited for DD Boost processing, are sent to the Avamar data store.

Verification

Local
Disaster Recovery PowerProtect DD
PowerProtect DD

Backup Server

Clients

Storage Node

Follow these steps to verify DD Boost implementation by verifying backup and clone functionality.

1. Configure backup operations using the backup application console.

2. Monitor backup activity from the backup server console.

13The backup data is not staged on the Avamar server before it is sent to the
PowerProtect DD system.

14Sending and storing metadata to the Avamar server allows Avamar to manage
the backup even though the data is stored on a PowerProtect DD system.

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3. When the backup is complete, verify the presences of backed-up files on the PowerProtect DD
appliances.
4. Using the backup server console, restore files from the disaster recovery PowerProtect DD to
the client.

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 VTL Implementation

VTL Implementation

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VTL Implementation

VTL Implementation Task List

Administrative Console

Backup Server Local PowerProtect DD

System / DD VTL

Backup
Fibre Channel
Switch

Storage
Node

To implement PowerProtect DD as a Virtual Tape Library (PowerProtect DD VTL) using NetWorker

backup software, perform the listed steps.

In most environments, Fibre Channel zoning and HBA card installation and configuration are
already completed. These steps include configuration of the PowerProtect DD system, device
discovery, and configuration on the administrative console. The system administrator completes the
backup, monitoring, and validation operations.

1. Install and configure the HBA card. Installation and configuration are completed before system
operation.
2. Configure Fibre Channel zoning on the FC switch. FC zoning is also completed before system
operation.
3. Configure the PowerProtect DD and NetWorker for DD VTL. The local PowerProtect DD can be
linked to a second PowerProtect DD over WAN for archiving and disaster recovery.
4. From the administrative console, locate the FC zone that connects to the PowerProtect DD and
configure it in DD VTL.
5. From the administrative console, run, monitor, and validate the backup job.

Install and Configure DD VTL

The main steps required to prepare the FC network and the DD VTL for use with NetWorker on a
backup server (host) system are:

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Connect all cables between the FC switch, the

backup host, and PowerProtect DD.15

Configure the FC zoning.16

Create VTL libraries and groups on the

PowerProtect DD system.17

Discover and configure the VTL devices on the

NetWorker backup host.18

15The standard configuration uses a single dual-port FC adapter card in your

PowerProtect DD system. Three different speeds (2Gb, 4Gb, and 8Gb) of FC
adapter cards are available, depending on the PowerProtect DD model. Connect
these interfaces to the FC switch.

16Use a single backup host or filler HBA port in a zone with a single PowerProtect
DD system port. This technique is called the single-initiator single-target zoning. It
can reduce message traffic around the switch when configuration changes occur.

17 DD VTL supports a maximum of 64 libraries per system, that is, 64 concurrently

active virtual tape library instances on each PowerProtect DD system. You can
configure DD VTL default options when you add a license, create a library, or any
time thereafter.

18During library configuration, the NetWorker software automatically attempts to

detect if a library is a VTL.

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Configure NetWorker to recognize and operate

with DD VTL.19

19NetWorker requires an additional license for VTL operations. The EMC

NetWorker Licensing Guide provides information about NetWorker licensing
support for a Virtual Tape Library.

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Install and Configure Task List

PowerProtect DD Appliance

Backup
Management

Backup Clients

Read/Write Server

1. Make certain that all installations have occurred, including all application software on the backup
clients, backup management server, and read/write server.
2. Configure the PowerProtect DD appliance as a virtual tape library. This includes creating a
backup user, verifying all networking and FC settings, and creating all the necessary VTL
resources on the PowerProtect DD appliance.
3. Configure the backup management server with the necessary credentials and other settings
necessary to perform tape backups to the PowerProtect DD appliance.

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VTL Administer and Operate Task List

When the backup management server and PowerProtect DD appliance establish communication,
operations can begin. Run backup and recovery operations with the PowerProtect DD system:

1. Configure and create a backup job from the administrative console.

2. Run, monitor, and validate the backup job.
3. Perform data recovery from a backup stored on the local PowerProtect DD appliance for a
backup client.
4. Validate and analyze backup statistics and reports that are found on the PowerProtect DD
system and backup software.

Administrative Console

Local PowerProtect DD Appliance

Backup
Server

Backup Switch
Clients

Storage Node

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VTL Multiplexing

Multiplexing20 interleaves backup streams.

Multiplexing ensures that none of the clients sending save sets wait for the other
clients to finish. Multiplexing allows multiple data streams simultaneously to the same storage
device. It is often more efficient for the NetWorker server to multiplex multiple save sets to the same
device.

Multiplexing causes a significant impact 21 on deduplication efficiency when the PowerProtect DD

appliance is used as a virtual tape library (VTL).

Use the target sessions, max sessions, and pool parallelism attributes to limit the number of data
streams that NetWorker writes to a PowerProtect DD appliance to a single stream.

20The multiplexing process writes a portion of save set 1, and then a portion of
save set 2, and so on.

21Multiple backup streams interfere with the deduplication process from efficiently
identifying blocks of common data.

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SAN and VTL Best Practices

PowerProtect DD systems can be configured with two, or four 16-gigabit Fibre Channel (FC) ports.
All connections to these ports are made using a Fibre Channel switch. PowerProtect DD systems
also support direct attachment of devices to these ports. The following recommendations apply
when connecting the PowerProtect DD system to a backup server through a Fibre Channel switch.

Best Practices When Implementing PowerProtect DD with SAN and VTL

Three hops through fabric Limit Fibre Channel extended fabric (ISL link)
configurations to three hops between the backup
server/storage node and the PowerProtect DD
system.

Persistent binding Use persistent binding at the operating system

level. Persistent binding guarantees that the
operating system always uses the same SCSI
target ID for SAN devices, regardless of reboots
or other events.

Port zoning Since DD VTL provides LUN masking

capabilities, consider using port zoning on the
SAN switch.

Switch encryption Running PowerProtect DD systems with Dell

EMC NetWorker systems does not support
switch encryption.

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Implementation as SAN or VTL with IBM Spectrum Protect Task List

Adsministrative Console

Local PowerProtect DD
FC Switch System
Backup Server

Backup Clients

Storage Node

The following describes implementation as SAN or VTL with IBM Spectrum Protect™.

The workflow for a VTL implementation varies.

1. Install and configure the HBA card and all cables.

2. Configure Fibre Channel (FC) zoning on the FC switch.
3. Configure the VTL libraries and groups on PowerProtect DD appliance.
4. Discover and configure devices on the host.
5. Configure the backup application to recognize and operate with the VTL.

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Install and Configure Task List

Local PowerProtect DD Appliance

Backup Server

Backup
Clients

Storage Node

1. Install the Spectrum Protect application on the clients, the backup server, and the read/write
server.
2. Configure the PowerProtect DD appliance as a virtual tape library (VTL). This configuration
includes creating a backup user, verifying all networking and FC settings. It creates all the
necessary VTL resources and access groups on the PowerProtect DD appliance.
3. Configure the backup server with the necessary credentials and other settings necessary to
perform tape backups to the PowerProtect DD appliance.

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Administer and Operate Task List

Administrative Console

Local PowerProtect DD
Backup Management System

Clients

Read/Write Server

1. On the administrative console:

a. Define the FILE device class.
b. Define a primary pool.
c. Define the domain and policy.
d. Validate and activate the policy.
e. Register a new client node.
2. On the clients, configure and verify a node name for each client.
3. From the administrative console, run the backup job.
4. On the local PowerProtect DD appliance, validate the backup job contents.

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IBM Spectrum Protect Policies

Clients Server Client Data Storage Pools

Migration
Backup or Archive

Database

Policy Domain

Policy Set

Management Class

Copy Group

1. A client initiates a backup, archive, or migration operation. The file that is involved in the
operation is bound to a management class. The management class is either the default or one
specified for the file in the client's include-exclude list.
2. The system checks the file against information in the management class. If the file is a
candidate for backup, archive, or migration, the client copies the file and file information to the
server.
3. The server checks the management class that is bound to the file to determine the destination.
The server also checks the name of the Spectrum Protect storage pool where the server initially
stores the file.

• For backed-up and archived files, destinations are assigned in the backup and archive copy
groups within management classes.

• For space-managed files, destinations are assigned in the management class itself.
4. The server stores the file in the storage pool that is identified as the storage destination.

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Device Class Configurations

The following table describes considerations for configuring device classes when implementing IBM
Spectrum Protect with PowerProtect DD systems:

Device Class Detail

Configuration

Directory • Create a separate folder for each Spectrum Protect device class
(FILE type).

• Create a separate file system mount point or folder for each Spectrum
Protect instance using the same PowerProtect DD system instance.

Maximum Capacity The Spectrum Protect MaxCapacity parameter should be sized 200 GB–
400 GB for PowerProtect DD implementations (default value is 2 GB).

Mount Limit The default mount limit value is 20. The default mount limit is the
recommended value for PowerProtect DD system instances.

Spectrum Protect enables disk type device classes to be defined as either FILE or DISK type 22.

FILE type device classes are recommended for use with a PowerProtect DD system.23

22FILE device classes are commonly used in Spectrum Protect for virtual volume
management. Most Spectrum Protect administrators define disk storage pools
using DISK device class definitions and associate formatted *.dsm files as storage
pool volumes.

23FILE device classes enable Spectrum Protect to perform sequential read/write

activity to files within a file‐system. Incoming backup data is written to a file. When

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To ensure that the PowerProtect DD system capacity is adequate for each folder, plan appropriate
capacity24.

The default mount limit value is 20 and the maximum value for this parameter is 4096. 25

the file is filled, a new scratch file is automatically created and is filled with more
incoming backup data.

24The default Spectrum Protect MaxCapacity value for a FILE device class is 2
GB. Depending on the operating system of the Spectrum Protect server, maximum
capacity parameters vary. This parameter is sized from 200 GB to 400 GB for
PowerProtect DD implementations.

25 The maximum value means that up to 4096 individual files can be opened at a
single time. Each PowerProtect DD system instance supports up to 20 concurrent
I/O threads, so the default mount limit value is recommended.

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