Introduction to NetBackup
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During a backup or archive, the client system sends a backup data stream
across the network to a NetBackup server that has the right type of storage for
the client. The storage requirement is specified during NetBackup
configuration (for example, 4 mm tape).
During a restore, users can browse and then select the files and directories that
they want to recover. NetBackup finds the selected files and directories and
restores them to the disk on the client system.
The remaining topics in this chapter provide an overview of other concepts
and terminology that will be useful when configuring and managing
NetBackup.
Media Manager
The software that manages the removable media and storage devices for
NetBackup is called Media Manager. This software is part of NetBackup and is
installed on every NetBackup server. The NetBackup administration interface
contains utilities for configuring and managing Media Manager.
For detailed information on administering Media Manager, see the Media
Manager System Administrator’s Guide - Windows NT Server.
Storage Units
The device that stores the backup data for NetBackup is called a storage unit.
A storage unit is a logical grouping of one or more storage devices of a specific
type and density. The storage devices can be tape drives or a directory on a
magnetic disk. Tape drives can be robotic or standalone.
The devices in a tape storage unit must attach to a NetBackup master or slave
server and be under control of Media Manager. The NetBackup administrator
first sets up Media Manager to use the drives, robots, and media and then
defines the storage units.
If the storage unit is on magnetic disk, NetBackup sends the backup to the file
path specified during configuration of the storage unit. Media Manager is not
involved.
Storage units simplify administration because once they are defined, the
NetBackup configuration refers to a storage unit rather than to the individual
devices that it contains.
NetBackup 3.2 System Administrator's Guide for Windows NT
NetBackup 3.2 System Administrator's Guide for Windows NT