Post on 09-Apr-2018
transcript
Dell EMC Reference Architecture
Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-Converged Appliances Data Protection Reference Architecture
Abstract
Describes the use of Data Protection Management Console and its
integration with Avamar and Data Domain Systems in an XC Series
cluster.
January 2018
Revisions
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Revisions
Date Description
May 2017 Initial document
July 2017 Updated Networking images
January 2018 Added DPMC and updated for 14th generation servers.
The information in this publication is provided “as is.” Dell Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to the information in this
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Use, copying, and distribution of any software described in this publication requires an applicable software license.
© 2017- 2018 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. Dell, EMC, Dell EMC and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Dell believes the information in this document is accurate as of its publication date. The information is subject to change without notice.
Table of contents
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Table of contents
Revisions............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Table of contents ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Executive summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Objective ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Audience ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Terms .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
2 Technology overview .................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged appliances ............................................................................................ 9
2.1.1 XC Series architecture ...................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Avamar data protection software ...................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.1 Deduplication scenario results .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.2 Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) ........................................................................................................................... 18
2.3 Data Domain backup target .............................................................................................................................. 19
2.3.1 Cloud tier .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
2.4 Recommended Data Domain backup targets .................................................................................................. 22
2.4.1 Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD VE) ............................................................................................................... 22
2.4.2 Dell EMC Data Domain DD6300 for entry level and midrange data centers ................................................... 23
2.4.3 Dell EMC Data Domain DD6800 midrange enterprise solution ....................................................................... 23
2.5 Data Protection Management Console ............................................................................................................ 23
3 Solution reference architecture .................................................................................................................................. 25
3.1 Overview of the XC Series integrated with DPMC, Avamar and Data Domain with Hyper-V .......................... 26
3.1.1 Hyper-V solution components .......................................................................................................................... 27
3.2 Overview of the XC Series integrated with DPMC, Avamar and Data Domain with ESXi ............................... 28
3.2.1 VMware VSphere solution components ........................................................................................................... 29
4 Data protection scenarios ........................................................................................................................................... 30
4.1 Configuration of data protection ....................................................................................................................... 30
4.1.1 Managing Multiple XC Series Clusters with DPMC .......................................................................................... 30
4.1.2 Setting up data protection environment in Hyper-V .......................................................................................... 31
4.1.3 Setting up data protection environment in ESXi ............................................................................................... 32
4.1.4 Data Protection Management Console ............................................................................................................ 32
4.1.5 Avamar Administrator ....................................................................................................................................... 36
4.1.6 Data Domain System Manager ........................................................................................................................ 37
5 Best practice recommendations ................................................................................................................................. 39
5.1 Data Protection Management Console ............................................................................................................ 39
Table of contents
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5.2 Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) best practices .................................................................................................... 39
5.2.1 Optimizations for the AVE VM .......................................................................................................................... 39
5.3 Data Domain Virtual Edition (VE) best practices .............................................................................................. 40
5.4 Dell EMC XC Series best practices .................................................................................................................. 41
6 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................................. 42
7 Technical support and resources ............................................................................................................................... 43
8 Related resources ...................................................................................................................................................... 44
A Solution configuration details ..................................................................................................................................... 45
A.1 Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) and Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD VE) on XC Series in a Microsoft Hyper-V
environment ................................................................................................................................................................ 45
A.1.1 Primary system configuration ........................................................................................................................... 45
A.1.2 Data Domain Virtual Edition backup target configuration ................................................................................. 47
A.2 Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) and Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD VE) on XC Series in a VMware ESXi
environment ................................................................................................................................................................ 48
A.2.1 Primary system configuration ........................................................................................................................... 48
A.2.2 Data Domain Virtual Edition backup target configuration ................................................................................. 50
A.3 Network configurations ..................................................................................................................................... 50
A.3.1 Hyper-V network topology ................................................................................................................................ 51
A.3.2 ESXi network topology ..................................................................................................................................... 52
Executive summary
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Executive summary
This document provides the reference architecture (RA) for integrating Dell EMC XC Series (on 13th and 14th
Generation PowerEdge server technology) and Dell EMC data protection solutions (Data Protection
Management Console (DPMC), Avamar and Data Domain) to backup and protect Hyper-V and ESXi Virtual
Machines (VMs). Cloud tier integration is facilitated through Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD VE) and/or Data
Domain Systems to Microsoft Azure or Virtustream Cloud platforms allowing customers to leverage offsite
storage for cold data.
The Dell EMC XC Series is a hyper-converged solution that combines storage, compute, networking, and
virtualization using industry-proven Dell EMC PowerEdge™ servers and Nutanix software. By combining the
hardware resources from each server appliance into a shared-everything model for simplified operations,
improved agility, and greater flexibility, Dell EMC and Nutanix together deliver simple, cost-effective solutions
for enterprise workloads.
The XC Series appliance is hypervisor agnostic, and supports your choice of hypervisor. With a focus on
ease-of-use and the ability to rapidly deploy multiple virtualized workloads the XC Series is the preferred
platform for many enterprises and midmarket customers alike. The XC Series appliance uses the Nutanix
Distributed Storage Fabric (DSF) which delivers a unified pool of storage from all appliances across the
cluster, using techniques including striping, replication, auto-tiering, error detection, failover, and automatic
recovery. XC Series delivers storage through multiple protocols such as NFS, SMB, and iSCSI while
leveraging standard network infrastructure.
Introduction
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1 Introduction
This RA identifies how to integrate Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged Appliances with Dell EMC data protection offerings using both Hyper-V and ESXi hypervisors.
Data protection integration is accomplished by:
Deploying and configuring Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) with the XC Series
Providing a dedicated backup appliance built on Dell PowerEdge Server with Data Domain Virtual
Edition (DD VE) or Data Domain Systems
Deploying DPMC to simplify VM backups via Avamar
This also conveys key integration points between XC Series, Dell EMC Data Protection software, and cloud
tiered backup to the following providers:
Microsoft Azure
Virtustream
Key characteristics of this integrated data protection solution are:
Mission critical data protection for Hyper-V and VMware workloads on the XC Series cluster
Powerful and industry leading data protection software and hardware with hypervisor integration
Grow backup capacity as your needs evolve
Simple on-demand and scheduled VM backups with DPMC
Leverage scalable Data Domain tiering to cloud with Azure and Virtustream
Decrease your backup window with DDBoost
High-speed, image-level backup and recovery
Industry leading encryption and deduplication to protect data and maximize network efficiency
About DPMC:
A management console to facilitate automation of common backup management tasks and protect
new VMs by applying policies on the cluster level
A standalone framework (GUI) that has the same look and feel as Prism Central
Provides one click access to Avamar, Data Domain and DPMC status and logs
1.1 Objective This paper presents:
An overview of Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged appliances
An overview of how Dell EMC Avamar Virtual Edition integrates with the XC Series
An overview of how Dell EMC Data Domain integrates with the XC Series
An overview of how Dell EMC DPMC integrates with XC Series
An overview of how to leverage Cloud tier for backup purposes from Data Domain
Benefits of using DPMC, Avamar and Data Domain backup solutions with XC Series
High-level configuration of XC Series Cluster integrated with DPMC, AVE and DD VE (or Data
Domain Storage Systems)
Concluding thoughts on XC Series and backup/restore use cases
Introduction
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1.2 Audience This document is intended for decision makers, managers, architects, cloud administrators, backup
administrators, and technical administrators of IT environments who want a solution guide that demonstrates
backup of VMs based on Hyper-V and ESXi hypervisors. You must be familiar with Dell EMC XC Series
Hyper-converged appliances, Dell EMC Avamar and Data Domain technologies, VMware vSphere
technologies, Microsoft Hyper-V, and have a basic familiarity with storage, compute, and network
technologies.
Business and end-user readers of this document must be familiar with general IT, backup and cloud
technologies, and understand the relationships between their business, IT, and the backup requirements that
are part of multiple business units.
1.3 Terms Solution terminology
Term Description
Nutanix Distributed Storage Fabric (DSF)
DSF delivers a unified pool of storage from all appliances across the cluster, using techniques including striping, replication, auto-tiering, error detection, failover, and automatic recovery.
Automation and analytics Automation and analytics provide extensive automation and rich system-wide monitoring.
Change rate Change rate is the amount of data that changes in an environment. It is the percentage of a client file system that actually changes between backups.
Cloud tier Cloud tier automatically backs up files (typically inactive) to cloud storage for long term retention (LTR).
Deduplication Deduplication eliminates duplicate copies of repeating data.
Distributed Distributed means all data, metadata, and operations are distributed across the entire cluster.
DPMC Data Protect Management Console. A management console to simplify automation of common backup management tasks and protect new VMs by applying policies at the cluster level. Has the same look and feel as Prism Central. Combines access to Avamar, Data Domain and DPMC status and logs.
Hyper-converged Hyper-converged seamlessly integrates server and storage resources in a fully redundant solution.
Logical capacity Logical capacity represents the projected amount of storage that could be available for holding backup data given usable disk capacity.
Prism Prism is a Nutanix based software that enables simple, centralized infrastructure management powered by advanced data analytics and heuristics with built-in automation.
Prism Central Prism Central is a Nutanix based software that enables simple management of multiple Nutanix clusters.
Proxy VM Proxy VM, in the context of Avamar, is software running in a Linux VM, which is deployed using an appliance template file. Image backup and restore require deployment of the proxy VM within a vCenter environment.
Introduction
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Term Description
RA Reference Architecture (for example: this document)
Tiering Tiering stores data on various types of media based on performance, availability, and recovery requirements.
Throughput Throughput is the time taken for a storage system to perform an input/output operation per second from start to finish.
VSS Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) is a set of COM APIs that implements a framework to allow volume backups to be performed while applications on a system continue to write to the volumes.
XC Series cluster XC Series cluster is a hyper-converged infrastructure solution that consolidates compute and storage into a single integrated appliance and creates a distributed virtual computing platform. Each appliance in the cluster runs an industry standard hypervisor and all the appliances work together to form a cluster which is scalable.
XC Series container XC Series container is a logical segmentation of the storage pool and contains a group of VM or files.
Technology overview
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2 Technology overview Dell EMC customers benefit in leveraging this integrated solution for their primary workload data protection
needs. Protection for newly deployed and existing VMs. Usage of policies and best practices and the
consequent streamlining of the data protection workflow are the primary goals for this solution. This section
will provide an overview of the products used to validate the solution.
2.1 Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged appliances Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged Appliances start with the proven Dell 13th and 14th Generation
PowerEdge server platform and incorporate many of the advanced software technologies that power leading
scalable and cloud infrastructures. Backed by Dell EMC global service and support, these 1U and 2U
appliances are preconfigured for specific virtualized workloads, and are designed to maintain data availability
in case of node and disk failure.
The XC Series infrastructure is a scalable cluster of high-performance appliances, or servers, each running a
standard hypervisor and containing processors, memory, and local storage (consisting of solid state disk
(SSD) flash for high performance and high-capacity SATA disk drives). Each appliance runs virtual machines
just like a standard hypervisor host as displayed in Figure 1.
Standard hypervisor host.
Technology overview
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2.1.1 XC Series architecture Nutanix software provides a hyper-converged platform that uses DSF to share and present local storage to all
the virtual machines in the cluster. The general Nutanix architecture is shown in Figure 2.
Nutanix Architecture.
DSF virtualizes local storage from all appliances into a unified pool. DSF uses local SSDs and disks from all
appliances to store virtual machine data. Virtual machines running on the cluster write data to DSF as if they
were writing to shared storage. XC Series supports multiple hypervisors and provides choice to customer.
In addition, DSF virtualizes local storage from all appliances into a unified pool. DSF uses local SSDs and
disks from all appliances to store virtual machine data. Virtual machines running on the cluster write data to
DSF as if they were writing to shared storage.
XC Series offers customer choice of hypervisors without being locked-in. The hypervisors covered in this
reference architecture are:
VMware® ESXi®
Microsoft® Hyper-V®
In addition, the solution includes the Nutanix Controller VM (CVM), which runs the Nutanix software and
serves I/O operations for the hypervisor and all VMs running on that host. Each CVM connects directly to the
local storage controller and its associated disks thereby reducing the storage I/O latency. The data locality
feature ensures virtual machine I/Os are served by the local CVM on the same hypervisor appliance,
improving the VM I/O performance regardless of where it runs.
Technology overview
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2.2 Avamar data protection software
Avamar offers deduplication and backup software solutions.
Avamar offers deduplication and backup software solutions, which includes DDBoost software that provides
advanced integration between customer applications and Data Domain backup target systems.
Dell EMC Avamar backup and recovery software with global, source data deduplication delivers fast and
efficient protection for Hyper-V and ESXi environments. Avamar protects VMs by de-duplicating data at the
source, so that only new, unique sub-file variable length data segments are sent during daily full backups.
Deduplication ensures that each unique sub-file object is stored only once on the backup target
Duplicate objects are identified at the client (source)
Only objects that are not already stored on the backup target are sent across the network
Benefits include:
Less backup data
Less network traffic
Eliminating redundant data can significantly shrink storage requirements and improve bandwidth
efficiency
Lowers storage costs as fewer disks are needed
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Only new, unique files or data segments are sent during full daily backups.
Key features of Avamar are:
Delivers a software-only data protection solution
Supports VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V and Azure
Provides in-guest and image-level backup and recovery
Enables application-consistent recovery
Uses variable-length deduplication
Uses AES-256 encryption to secure data in flight or at rest is available by default
Supported backup levels:
Guest Level Backup and Restore
Image Level Backups and Restore
Application level Backup and Restore
2.2.1 Deduplication scenario results In the following scenarios, we are going to show how DDBoost reduces the use of network bandwidth during
backup and reduces the storage space used on Data Domain.
We do this by showing screenshots from EMC Data Domain System Manager for the following scenarios:
Back up a single VM.
Back up same VM with the equivalent of 7 days of activity (14 GiB of random data).
Back up same VM with no changes (same 14 GiB of random data).
Back up a clone of VM with same data (same 14 GiB of random data).
Back up a clone of VM with different data (different 14 GiB of random data).
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First, let’s look at the Data Domain statistics before doing any backups.
EMC Data Domain System Manager DD Boost > Storage Units screen
The highlighted values show that nothing was backed up in the last 24 hours.
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Next we backed up a single VM.
View of screen after a single VM has been backed up.
Notice that the pre-compression value (200.3 GiB) value is much greater than the post-compression (0.1GiB)
value. This is a savings of 200.2 GiB storage space. The compression is performed before the backup is sent
to Data Domain, so 200.2 GiB of network traffic was also saved.
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Next, we added some data to the VM and did the backup again.
View of same VM with an additional 14 GiB of random data after backup.
The pre-compression value shows that this VM was 214 GiB (414.3 GiB minus previously backed up VM of
pre-comp size 214.3 GiB), but only added an additional 0.1 GiB (0.2 GiB minus previously backed up VM of
postcomp size of 0.1GiB) of storage usage. There was also equivalent network traffic savings.
Technology overview
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Next, we backed up this same VM again with no changes.
Same VM with no changes is backed up.
The pre-compression value shows that this VM was 202 GiB, but only added an additional 0.1 GiB of storage
usage. There was also equivalent network traffic savings.
Note: We would expect that the pre-compression value would have shown the VM was again 214 GiB, but
operating system activity may have reduced size. Regardless, the amount of data stored and transmitted over
the network was greatly reduced.
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Next, we backed up a clone of this VM.
Statistics after a cloned VM is backed up.
The pre-compression value shows that this VM was 200 GiB, but only added an additional 0.7 GiB of storage
usage. There was also equivalent network traffic savings.
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Next, we backed up the cloned VM, but we changed the 14 GiB of data to be different from the original VM.
Statistics after a cloned VM with 14 GiB of different random data is backed up
The pre-compression value shows that this VM was 214 GiB, but only added an additional 0.4 GiB of storage
usage. There was also equivalent network traffic savings.
As you can see, DDBoost greatly reduces the network traffic and backup storage usage.
2.2.2 Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) AVE is a single-node server that runs as a virtual machine using Hyper-V Manager or VMware vCenter. For
this reference architecture, we are using AVE version 7.5 as part of the Dell EMC Data Protection Suite.
Consult a Dell EMC representative for the most up to date version and CPU socket based licensing options.
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AVE is not scalable to a multi-node Avamar server and resizing the virtual machine is not supported. You can
increase storage capacity by deploying additional AVE virtual machines and then divide backups among
them. In addition, you can:
Replicate the data to another Avamar server
Delete the smaller virtual machine
Create a larger virtual machine
Replicate the data back to the larger virtual machine
Note: Since we are using AVE with Data Domain, only metadata is stored on AVE. Backed up data is stored
on Data Domain.
2.3 Data Domain backup target
Data Domain systems reduce the amount of disk storage needed
Dell EMC Data Domain systems reduce the amount of disk storage needed to retain and protect data by
ratios of 10-30x and greater. Scale up to 150 PB of logical capacity managed by a single system with DD
Cloud Tier. With throughput up to 68 TB/hour, Data Domain systems make it possible to complete more
backups in less time and provide faster, more reliable restores. The Data Domain Operating System (DD OS)
is the intelligence behind Data Domain systems that makes them the industry’s most reliable and cloud-
enabled protection storage.
Data Domain offers the following in backup and archival of data:
Industry-leading scale and performance
Seamless integration
Reliable access and recovery
Efficient resource usage
Technology overview
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2.3.1 Cloud tier Most IT organizations must retain periodic backups for several years. Long term retention (LTR) backup files
are rarely accessed; however, IT must retrieve backups on demand as either full or incremental restores.
Cloud tier integration is facilitated through Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD VE) and/or Data Domain System
appliances to the following cloud offerings:
Microsoft Azure
Virtustream
Data Domain Cloud Tier moves data seamlessly from Data Domain to the cloud, with no separate cloud
gateway or virtual appliance required. There is no additional physical footprint or management overhead.
Simply set your data movement policy and data is automatically moved from the active Data Domain tier to
the cloud tier and sent to the cloud for long-term retention. When used with AVE, the Data Domain cloud
tiering policy is configured via Avamar administrator.
You can also easily leverage DD Cloud Tier in your current Data Domain environment as it can work in
conjunction with all the leading backup and enterprise applications supported by Data Domain. A variety of
public, private and hybrid clouds are also supported, including the Microsoft Azure and Virtustream Storage
Cloud providers.
Data Domain works with a variety of public, private and hybrid cloud solutions.
The Data Domain Cloud Tier ensures that only unique data is sent to and stored in the cloud, and that only
unique data is pulled when data is recalled from the cloud.
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Only unique data is moved.
Data moved to the cloud is encrypted and you have the choice to encrypt all data on your Data Domain
system or only the data being sent to the cloud. With DD Retention Lock, you can move files that are locked
on the active tier to the cloud. You can also lock files that are already in the cloud tier.
Choose whether to encrypt all data or only the data moved to the cloud.
Note: For help with deploying this solution, contact Dell EMC Customer Support.
Technology overview
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2.4 Recommended Data Domain backup targets
2.4.1 Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD VE) Dell EMC Data Domain VE solution offers software defined protection storage for entry level and Remote
Office Back Office (ROBO) for backup, archive, and disaster recovery. Data Domain VE has the following
features:
Scales from 0.5 - 96 TB per instance
Protects up to 4.8 PB logical capacity
Runs on industry-standard hardware
Supported by Dell PowerEdge servers
Like any Data Domain system, Data Domain
Virtual Edition (DD VE) is always paired with
backup software. DD VE runs the Data
Domain operating system (DD OS), and
provides the Data Domain OS command line
interface (CLI) and the Data Domain System
Manager graphical user interface (GUI) for
performing all system operations. Like a physical Data Domain system, DD VE ensures data integrity and
provides multiple levels of data compression, reliable restorations, and data replication.
The DD VE template does not include any storage, so you need to add data disks to the appliance.
DD VE provides the capabilities of a physical Data Domain system in a virtual machine template. DD VE is
available in the following resource configurations:
Up to 500 GB (evaluation version only)
Up to 4 TB
Up to 8 TB
Up to 16 TB
Up to 32 TB
Up to 48 TB
Up to 64 TB
Up to 96 TB
Data Domain Virtual Edition
Technology overview
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2.4.2 Dell EMC Data Domain DD6300 for entry level and midrange data centers The Dell EMC Data Domain DD6300 deduplication storage appliance offers reliable, cost-effective backup,
archive, and Data Recovery (DR) for entry to midrange data centers with the following features:
Up to 24 TB/hour throughput using Data Domain Boost software
Up to 8.9 PB of local logical capacity
Saves space and lowers cost with single-enclosure footprint: can be purchased with no external shelves
Works with leading backup, archive, and enterprise applications
Dell EMC Data Domain DD6300
2.4.3 Dell EMC Data Domain DD6800 midrange enterprise solution The Dell EMC Data Domain DD6800 midrange enterprise solution uses consolidates backup, archive, and
disaster recovery and offers the modern enterprise data center protection storage with the following features:
Up to 32 TB/hour throughput
Up to 43.2 PB of logical capacity support with Data Domain Cloud Tier
High availability configurations
Data Domain DD6800
2.5 Data Protection Management Console The DPMC integrates Dell EMC XC Series appliances with EMC data protection. DPMC simplifies VM
backups and system monitoring in both vCenter and Hyper-V XC Series environments.
Data Protection is accomplished through these approaches:
Integrating Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) and Data Domain with the XC Series hyper-converged appliance
Providing a backup target built on PowerEdge servers with Data Domain Virtual Edition (DDVE)
Using dedicated Data Domain Systems as required backup targets
Simple configuration of backup schedules with DPMC
Streamlined deployments and automation in the run-time environment with automated VM protection
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Cloud tiering based on policy (including cloud) facilitated through DDVE and/or Data Domain Systems to
Microsoft Azure and Virtustream.
Automated solution updates
The main integration points with Microsoft partner technology include:
Avamar running on primary workload XC Series Hyper-V clusters protecting Hyper-V VM workloads
Optional tiering to Microsoft Azure cloud services
DDVE running in VM on Hyper-V on PowerEdge servers as dedicated backup target
DPMC Web Interface
Note: When building a data protection solution with AVE (Avamar Virtual Edition) and DDVE (Data Domain
Virtual Edition) for Dell EMC XC Series HCI using 14th generation XC Series appliances contact your Dell
sales representative. There is an integrated Dell EMC solution available. The integrated solution includes
sizing as well as a comprehensive data protection management framework that automates backup tasks and
provides single pane of glass monitoring at no additional charge.
Solution reference architecture
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3 Solution reference architecture Dell EMC is advancing the robustness of Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged Appliance infrastructure
(HCI) environments by integrating our industry leading data protection components. DPMC helps
administrators reduce the complexity of their data protection environment while adhering to data protection
best practices.
Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged appliance data protection infrastructure.
The network topology used for this solution uses redundant switches, which allows for redundancy in the
network paths between components.
For an overview of the network topologies used,see Appendix A.3.
Solution reference architecture
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3.1 Overview of the XC Series integrated with DPMC, Avamar and Data
Domain with Hyper-V Overview of high-level integration and data flow between the XC Series Cluster with Hyper-V, DPMC,
Avamar, Data Domain, and cloud storage.
RA Solution – DPMC, AVE and DD VE on Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged appliances in a Microsoft Hyper-V environment
Solution reference architecture
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3.1.1 Hyper-V solution components Table 2 shows a list of key data protection components that must be deployed in a Hyper-V environment.
The key DPMC, Avamar and Data Domain components to deploy in a Hyper-V environment.
Item Description
Avamar Virtual Edition VM
This is imported as a self-contained VM in the form of a zipped folder. Dell EMC Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) is a single-node Avamar server that runs as a virtual machine in a Windows 2012/Windows 2012 R2 (Data Center) using Hyper-V Manager. AVE integrates the latest version of Avamar software with SUSE Linux as a Hyper-V virtual machine.
Avamar Client for Windows
The Avamar Client for Windows is installed in the Hyper-V management Operation System (OS). It includes the Avamar agent and the Avamar Plug-in for Windows File System. The Avamar agent is required for backups and restores with application plug-ins. You can use the Windows File System plug-in to back up operating system and application binary files, which are required for disaster recovery.
Avamar Proxy Cluster Client
The Avamar Proxy Cluster Client backs up any virtual machines that are a member of a Hyper-V failover cluster stored on a cluster shared volume (CSV) or, in the case of XC series, SMB 3.0 shares.
Avamar Plug-in for Hyper-V VSS
The Avamar Plug-in for Hyper-V VSS is installed in the Hyper-V management Operating System (OS). This plug-in enables you to back up and restore Hyper-V Virtual Machine. The installation steps also depend on whether you install the Granular Level Recovery (GLR) feature for file-level restores.
Data Domain Virtual Edition VM
This is imported as a self-contained VM in the form of a zipped folder. Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD VE) is a software protection appliance: a virtual deduplication appliance that provides data protection in the enterprise environment.
Data Protection Management Console
This is imported as a self-contained VM in the form of a zipped folder. DPMC provides an interface that simplifies cluster health monitoring and VM backup.
Prism Central This is imported as a self-contained VM in the form of a zipped folder. Prism Central is a multi-cluster manager responsible for managing multiple Nutanix clusters to provide a single, centralized management interface.
Solution reference architecture
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3.2 Overview of the XC Series integrated with DPMC, Avamar and Data
Domain with ESXi This section provides an overview of high-level integration and data flow between the XC Series cluster with ESXi, DOMC, Avamar, Data Domain, and cloud storage.
RA Solution – DPMC, AVE and DD VE on a Dell EMC XC Series hyper-converged appliances in a VMware ESXi environment
Solution reference architecture
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3.2.1 VMware VSphere solution components Table 3 shows a list of key Data Protection components that need to be deployed in an ESXi environment.
The key Avamar and Data Domain components to be deployed in an ESXi environment
Item Description
Avamar Virtual Edition VM This is imported as a self-contained VM in the form of an OVF file. Dell EMC Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) is a single-node Avamar server that runs as a virtual machine. AVE integrates the latest version of Avamar software with SUSE Linux as a virtual machine.
Avamar Proxy VM The Proxy VM is created as part of the Avamar VE and can be installed on the same or different container.
Data Domain Virtual Edition VM
This is imported as a self-contained VM in the form of an OVF file. Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD VE) is a software protection appliance: a virtual deduplication appliance that provides data protection in the enterprise environment.
Data Protection Management Console
This is imported as a self-contained VM in the form of an OVF file. DPMC provides an interface that simplifies Avamar proxy deployment (ESXi only), cluster health monitoring and VM backup.
Prism Central This is imported as a self-contained VM in the form of an OVF file. Prism Central is a multi-cluster manager responsible for managing multiple Nutanix clusters to provide a single, centralized management interface.
Data protection scenarios
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4 Data protection scenarios There are various types of data protection scenarios based on business requirements. The data protection
scenarios, which were validated as part of this solution are listed below.
Validated data protection scenarios
Item Description
Image level backup of VMs Backing up of the VM reflects full backup protection of the VM as well as the applications running in that VM.
Image level recovery of VMs The VMs stored on a Data Domain target are recovered back to an appliance.
Scheduled backup and recovery To backup VMs, use DPMC UI to configure the Avamar backup schedule created by DPMC. At the defined times, this triggers the VM backup. This applies to all VMs on the XC Series cluster(s).
For the initial release of DPMC, use the Avamar UI to restore VMs to the original server or to another server. This addresses several scenarios such as making VMs available on different servers for recovery purpose, moving VMs, or quickly restoring a backup even if the original server is unavailable.
4.1 Configuration of data protection The following sections describe the integration of Dell EMC data protection (DPMC, AVE, Data Domain) with
XC Series clusters. Previous of XC Series clusters is assumed.
4.1.1 Managing Multiple XC Series Clusters with DPMC The following sections are applicable to setting up DPMC and your backup environment for a single cluster or
the first of multiple clusters.
When setting up DPMC to manage multiple clusters, note the following:
Only a single DPMC, a single Prism Central and a single Data Domain are necessary to manage VM
backups for multiple XC Series clusters
DPMC discovers and has the ability to manage all Hyper-V and ESXi clusters registered with the
Prism Central
Managing the backup and recovery scenarios and scheduling is one of the key challenges faced by
customers. DPMC and Avamar make these tasks simple. The key components are:
Data Protection Management Console
Avamar Administrator
Data Domain
Data protection scenarios
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4.1.2 Setting up data protection environment in Hyper-V
Setting up DPMC environment in Hyper-V
Task Description
Install (or use existing) DD VE or Data Domain System
DD VE or Data Domain System will be used to store VM backup data.
Create containers in Prism Prior to creation of the Avamar VM, you must create a storage container in Prism called AVEContainer. This is a location to save all Avamar related data. Deduplication must be turned OFF for Avamar storage container. Other containers should be created for user VMs.
Create AVE VM Use Hyper-V to create an AVE VM on one of the appliances in the XC Series Cluster. The virtual hardware in the VM must be configured to the right resource reservations based on the amount of storage you have available.
Configure AVE VM hardware The virtual hardware in the VM must be configured to the right resource reservations based on the amount of storage you have available.
Install Avamar support on host Hyper-V servers.
To have a properly functioning Avamar system, both a Hyper-V VSS plug-in and a Windows client must be installed on every appliance. DPMC automates this step.
Install (or use existing) Prism Central VM Use Hyper-V to install the Prism Central VM. Prism Central allows simple management of multiple XC clusters.
Associate Prism with Prism Central Configure each cluster to be associated with Prism Central. DPMC uses Prism Central to manage multiple clusters.
Install (or use existing) DPMC VM Use Hyper-V to install the DPMC VM.
Associate Avamar with DPMC Configure DPMC to be associated with Avamar. DPMC simplifies the configuration of VM backups via Avamar.
Use DPMC in day-to-day operations Use DPMC to monitor data protection environment and define backup policies for VMs and cluster(s).
Restore VMs VM’s that were backed-up can be restored either to their original location or to a different location using the Avamar Administrator.
For help with deploying this solution, contact Dell EMC Customer Support.
Data protection scenarios
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4.1.3 Setting up data protection environment in ESXi
Setting up environment for AVE VM in VMWare
Task Description
Install (or use existing) DD VE or Data Domain System
DD VE or Data Domain System will be used to store VM backup data.
Create containers in PRISM Prior to creating an Avamar VM, a storage container must be created in PRISM to use as a location to save all Avamar related data. Deduplication must be turned OFF for the Avamar storage container. Other containers should be created for user VMs.
Create AVE VM Use vCenter GUI to download the AVE .OVF file.
Configure AVE VM hardware The virtual hardware in the VM must be configured to the right resource reservations based on the amount of storage you have available.
Install (or use existing) Prism Central VM
Use vCenter to install the Prism Central VM. Prism Central allows simple management of multiple XC Series clusters.
Associate Prism with Prism Central Configure each cluster to be associated with Prism Central. DPMC uses Prism Central to manage multiple clusters.
Install (or use existing) DPMC VM Use vCenter to install the DPMC VM.
Associate Avamar with DPMC Configure DPMC to be associated with Avamar. DPMC simplifies the configuration of VM backups via Avamar.
Use DPMC in day-to-day operations Use DPMC to monitor data protection environment and define backup policies for VMs and cluster(s).
Restoration of VMs VM’s that were backed-up can be restored either to their original location or to a different location using the Avamar Administrator.
For help with deploying this solution, contact Dell EMC Customer Support.
4.1.4 Data Protection Management Console DPMC provides the following features:
Central management of the backup environment for all clusters registered with Prism Central
Summary information for Avamar and any configured Data Domain systems
Ability to deploy AVE proxy VMs in an ESXi cluster
Combined DPMC, AVE and Data Domain Alert and Event information
Multiple cluster backup management by interfacing to Prism Central
Ability to launch Avamar Administrator
The XC Series Data Protection Management Console Administrator’s Guide contains a full list and
complete descriptions of all DPMC features.
Data protection scenarios
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Home Page of Data Protection Management Console
While using the default values for the backup schedule and retention policy may work for most users, DPMC
provides simple interfaces for configuring these items.
Backup Schedule Configuration (When to run automatic VM backups)
As shown in the figure above, to configure the backup schedule, from the DPMC web interface:
1. Select Backup Schedule from the Gear menu.
2. Change the Days of the Week and START TIME.
3. Click Save.
Data protection scenarios
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Retention Policy Configuration (How long to keep VM backups)
To create a retention policy, from the DPMC web interface:
1. Select Retention Policies from the Gear menu.
2. Select + New Retention from the pop-up.
3. Enter a NAME for the new policy.
4. Change the Retention Period or set an End date or No end date for a basic retention policy or
select Advanced Settings and specify a combination of daily, weekly, monthly and/or yearly
retention.
5. Click Save.
Data protection scenarios
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Retention Policy Advanced Settings
To set retention polices for daily, weekly, monthly or yearly backups:
1. Select Retention Policies from the Gear menu.
2. Select + New Retention from the pop-up.
3. Enter a NAME for the new policy.
4. Select Advanced Settings and specify a combination of daily, weekly, monthly and/or yearly
retention.
5. Click Save.
Enabling Automatic Backup of Virtual Machines
To enable automatic backups of newly created VMs, from the DPMC web interface:
Data protection scenarios
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1. Select Manage XC Series Clusters from the Gear menu.
2. Select NOTIFY AND AUTO-PROTECT from the pop-up.
3. Change the RETENTION POLICY if desired.
4. Click Save.
Note: NOTIFY AND AUTO-PROTECT feature only applies to VMs created after the feature is enabled and
does not retro-actively auto-protect previously existing VMs on the cluster. See XC Series Data Protection
Management Console Administrator’s Guide for details on adding existing VMs to backup schedule.
4.1.5 Avamar Administrator The Avamar Administrator provides the following features:
Central management of the backup environment including the ability to browse virtual machines.
Summary information for Avamar and any configured Data Domain systems.
Monitoring recent backup, restore, and validation activities by using the Activity Monitor
Avamar Administrator
Data protection scenarios
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Avamar Administrator showing successful backup of VMs.
Avamar Administrator showing successful recovery of VMs.
4.1.6 Data Domain System Manager The Data Domain System Manager provides the following components that can be administered:
System status, alerts, users, and statistics
File system and protocol management
File storage hardware, network and chassis
Licensing, logging, and remote access
Cloud storage tiering
Data protection scenarios
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View of Dell EMC Data Domain System Manager
Best practice recommendations
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5 Best practice recommendations
5.1 Data Protection Management Console Use the following best practices for DPMC.
Use a static IP address
Reverse DNS lookup defined
Do not install VMs on SATADOM (13th Generation PowerEdge) or BOSS (14th Generation
PowerEdge)
Have a separate Datastore for Avamar
Have one Avamar instance
Verify ESX and vCenter certificates
Use properly registered certificates from a trusted provider that match DNS names for ESX and
vCenter
Schedule backups during the server’s backup window so that the backups do not overlap with daily
maintenance
5.2 Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) best practices Use the following list for best practices for AVE.
Use Avamar Administrator to Investigate all failed backups, missing clients, and backups that
completed with exceptions
Protect the Avamar eco system from the Internet by providing full firewall protection
Change all factory default passwords
Enable the Email Home capability
Check the network bandwidth before adding a Data Domain system to an Avamar configuration
Install the Avamar 7.5.0.183 cumulative hotfix 289693
If using Hyper-V, install Hyper-V VSS plugin hotfix 288155 (DPMC will automatically install this hotfix)
Note: For this RA only the metadata is stored on the Avamar Virtual Edition system while the backed-up data
is stored on the Data Domain target server.
Check the Dell EMC Online Support (https://support.EMC.com) for the most current version of the Dell EMC
Avamar Operational Best Practices.
5.2.1 Optimizations for the AVE VM The following factors have the most direct impact on the long-term reliability, availability, and supportability of
the AVE virtual machine:
I/O performance capability of the AVE storage subsystem
Amount of data added daily to the AVE virtual machine (change rate)
Capacity used within the AVE virtual machine
AVE generally performs better when I/O performance is higher, and change rate and used capacity are lower.
To maximize the capacity the AVE virtual machine can use, the daily change rate of the data AVE protects
must be balanced with adequate I/O performance. The first AVE implementation step is to establish which
kind of customer environment AVE will use to protect from either a file server or mixed environment.
Best practice recommendations
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File server environments include file system data
Mixed environments include file system data and structured data (for example, database data).
5.3 Data Domain Virtual Edition (VE) best practices Use the following list for best practices for DD VE.
Dell EMC recommends and supports a thick provisioned storage solution for best performance and
stability for DD VE.
The replication setup for DR is best practice for Data Domain Virtual Edition.
Always use a dedicated datastore for the DD VE system. Sharing a datastore with other virtual
machines may degrade the performance of the DD VE system.
Preferable to use dedicated PowerEdge server to host DD VE.
Data Domain recommends that you enable the performance monitoring features of the DD VE
instance. If you ever need to troubleshoot a DD VE performance problem, you should begin by using
the performance monitoring software to detect and resolve any performance problems on the physical
storage layer.
Note: The DD VE template does not include any storage, so you need to add data disks to the system.
Depending on the amount of disk space, you may need to add memory to the virtual machine. Table 7 shows
the supported storage configurations and their virtual CPU and memory requirements.
Supported storage configurations and their virtual CPU and memory requirements
Virtual Hardware DD VE Configuration
4 TB 8 TB 16TB 32TB 48TB 64TB 96TB
vCPU 2 2 4 4 4 8 8
Memory Size 6GB 8GB 16GB 24GB 36GB 48GB 64GB
CPU At least 1.5GHz per core
System Disks One 250 GB root disk and 10 GB NVRAM disk
NVRAM simulation file size 2GB
Network Card Up to 4 Network Adapters
Storage controller Up to 4 SCSI controllers
Best practice recommendations
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5.4 Dell EMC XC Series best practices You can turn on the deduplication feature in XC Series cluster for the container supporting user VMs, but it
must be turned off for the container supporting the AVE VM. Dell EMC recommends that a minimum of two
(2) containers be created for the AVE deployment.
Avamar AVE deployment containers
Container Description
First XC Series container This is where the AVE VM related items are deployed.
Turn off deduplication for this container.
Second XC Series container This is where all the other primary VMs will be deployed: o Infrastructure VMs: DPMC, Prism Central o Application workload VMs
It’s okay to turn on deduplication and any other storage features you would like for this container.
Conclusion
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6 Conclusion The solution detailed in this paper shows that Dell EMC XC Series can be integrated with Dell EMC Data
Protection solutions (DPMC, Avamar Virtual Edition and Data Domain) to offer simple, robust backup and
recovery of VMs across both the Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware ESXi hypervisor eco systems. DPMC
provides the ability to monitor data protection environment and define backup policies for VMs and cluster(s).
This paper also references the capability of VMs backed up to Data Domain can then be backed-up to Cloud
Providers (such as Azure and Virtustream) for long-term retention purposes.
Technical support and resources
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7 Technical support and resources Dell.com/support is focused on meeting customer needs with proven services and support.
Dell EMC XC Series Family Technical Resource Center is where IT professionals have access to
numerous resources for Dell EMC XC Series Hyper-converged appliances.
Related resources
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8 Related resources See the following referenced or recommended resources related to this document:
Note: The links below are open to customers although some may require registration for access.
Nutanix Bible: http://nutanixbible.com/
Nutanix blog: http://longwhiteclouds.com/
Acropolis Block Services: http://go.nutanix.com/rs/031-GVQ-112/images/acropolis-block-services.pdf
Data Domain VE best practices: https://community.emc.com/thread/235551
Data Domain Data Protection: http://www.emc.com/en-us/data-protection/data-domain.htm
AVE install guide: https://www.emc.com/collateral/TechnicalDocument/docu85219.pdf
Other AVE install guides: https://support.emc.com/products/793_Avamar-Virtual-
Edition/Documentation/
Avamar product page: http://www.emc.com/data-protection/avamar.htm
Avamar community: https://community.emc.com/community/products/avamar
Dell EMC XC Series Family Technical Resource Center: https://www.dellemc.com/en-us/converged-
infrastructure/xcseries/technical-resources.htm
XC Series Manuals including DPMC Administration Guide: http://Dell.com/xcseriesmanuals
Solution configuration details
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A Solution configuration details
A.1 Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) and Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD
VE) on XC Series in a Microsoft Hyper-V environment
For help with deploying this solution, contact Dell EMC Customer Support.
A.1.1 Primary system configuration
Primary Hyper-V system configuration for XC630 based cluster
Primary Source configuration: hardware and software components
Description
XC Series 3x XC630-10
Firmware/BIOS: 2.5.5
Hypervisor: ESXi 6.0.0
AOS: 5.1.0.2
2 Intel Xeon® CPU E5-2650 v4 2.20 Ghz
256 GB RAM (16 x 16 GB DIMMS)
2 x 0.9TB SATA SSD drives
8 x 1.9TB SAS drives
1 x Intel ® X520
A single Avamar VM installs on one XC Series cluster. All VMs on an XC Series cluster can receive data protection and be backed up to a Data Domain target system.
AVE VM configuration 1 x AVE VM:
Hypervisor: MS Hyper-V v6.3.9600
VM version: 7.5.0-183 +
The AVE VM was imported as a zipped folder. XC Series container hosting AVE has deduplication feature turned OFF.
Avamar Windows Client Version: 7.5.0-183 Installed on Volume Group created from Nutanix Prism.
Avamar Hyper-V VSS Plug-in
Version: 7.5.0-183 Installed on Volume Group created from Nutanix Prism.
Primary VM configuration VM OS: Windows 2012 R2
2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM
CVM: 8 vCPUs, 20 GB RAM
XC Series container hosting primary VMs can have deduplication feature turned ON or OFF.
Network 2x Dell EMC Networking S4048-ON switches
Dual redundant switches were used for high availability
Monitoring DPMC
Nutanix Prism
Nutanix Prism Central
MS Hyper-V Manager
DPMC provides combined Alerts and monitoring information for multiple XC Series clusters, Avamar and Data Domain.
Solution configuration details
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Primary Source configuration: hardware and software components
Description
Avamar Administrator Monitoring for XC Series cluster is done using Nutanix PRISM and Microsoft Hyper-V Manager.
Avamar Administrator is used for managing and monitoring the AVE.
Primary Hyper-V system configuration for XC640 based cluster
Primary Source configuration: hardware and software components
Description
XC Series 3x XC640-10
Firmware/BIOS: 1.0.7
Hypervisor: ESXi 6.0.0
AOS: 5.1.1.2
2 Intel Xeon® CPU Gold 6134 3.2 Ghz
192 GB RAM (12 x 16 GB DIMMS)
2 x 1.8 TB SATA SSD drives
8 x 1.7 TB SAS drives
1 x Intel ® X520
A single Avamar VM installs on one XC Series cluster. All VMs on an XC Series cluster can receive data protection and be backed up to a Data Domain target system.
AVE VM configuration 1x AVE VM:
Hypervisor: MS Hyper-V v6.3.9600
VM version: 7.5.0-183 +
The AVE VM was imported as a zipped folder. XC Series container hosting AVE has deduplication feature turned OFF.
Avamar Windows Client Version: 7.5.0-183 Installed on Volume Group created from Nutanix Prism.
Avamar Hyper-V VSS Plug-in
Version: 7.5.0-183 Installed on Volume Group created from Nutanix Prism.
Primary VM configuration VM OS: Windows 2012 R2
2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM
CVM: 8 vCPUs, 20 GB RAM
XC Series container hosting primary VMs can have deduplication feature turned ON or OFF.
Network 2x Dell EMC Networking S4048-ON switches
Dual redundant switches were used for high availability
Monitoring DPMC
Nutanix Prism
Nutanix Prism Central
MS Hyper-V Manager
Avamar Administrator
DPMC provides combined Alerts and monitoring information for multiple XC Series clusters, Avamar and Data Domain.
Solution configuration details
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Primary Source configuration: hardware and software components
Description
Monitoring for XC Series cluster is done using Nutanix PRISM and Microsoft Hyper-V Manager.
Avamar Administrator is used for managing and monitoring the AVE.
A.1.2 Data Domain Virtual Edition backup target configuration
Backup Hyper-V system configuration
Backup configuration: hardware and software components Description
Target system PE R730xd-24:
Firmware/BIOS: 2.2.5
Hypervisor: vSphere 6.0
2 x Intel Xeon® CPU E5-2650 v3 2.30 Ghz
256 GB RAM (12 x 32 GB DIMMS)
2 x 800GB SATA SSD drives
22 x 1TB SATA drives
1 x Intel ® X520
A single Data Domain VE VM will installed on 1 PE R730xd-24 server.
DD VE VM configuration
1x DD VE VM:
Hypervisor: MS Hyper-V v6.3.9600
VM version: 6.0 - family
The DD VE VM was imported as a zipped folder.
Network 2x Dell EMC Networking S4048-ON switches
Dual redundant switches were used for high availability
Monitoring Data Domain System Manager
Hyper-V Manager
Data Domain System Manager was used for managing and monitoring the Data Domain VE.
Solution configuration details
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A.2 Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) and Data Domain Virtual Edition (DD
VE) on XC Series in a VMware ESXi environment
For help with deploying this solution, contact Dell EMC Customer Support.
A.2.1 Primary system configuration
Primary ESXi system configuration for XC630 based cluster
Primary Source configuration: hardware and software components
Description
XC Series 3x XC630-10
Firmware/BIOS: 2.5.5
Hypervisor: ESXi 6.0.0
AOS: 5.1.0.2
Intel Xeon® CPU E5-2650 v4 2.20 Ghz
256 GB RAM (16 x 16 GB DIMMS)
2x 1.8TB SATA SSD drives
8x 1.9TB SAS drives
1x Intel ® X520
A single Avamar VM will installed on 1 XC Series Cluster. All VMs on an XC Series Cluster can receive data protection and be backed up to a Data Domain target system.
AVE VM configuration 1x AVE VM:
Hypervisor: VMware ESXi 6.0.0
VM version: 7.5.0-183
OVF version: 7.5.0-183
The AVE VM was imported as
an .OVF file.. XC Series
container hosting AVE has deduplication feature turned OFF.
Primary VM configuration VM OS: Windows 2012 R2
1 vCPUs, 4GB RAM
CVM: 8 vCPUs, 20 GB RAM
XC Container hosting Primary VMs have deduplication feature turned ON or OFF.
Network 2x Dell EMC Networking S4048-ON switches
Dual redundant switches were used for high availability.
Monitoring DPMC
Nutanix Prism
Nutanix Prism Central
MS Hyper-V Manager
Avamar Administrator
DPMC provides combined Alerts and monitoring information for multiple XC Series clusters, Avamar and Data Domain.
Monitoring for XC Series cluster is done using Nutanix PRISM and Microsoft Hyper-V Manager.
Solution configuration details
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Primary Source configuration: hardware and software components
Description
Avamar Administrator is used for managing and monitoring the AVE.
Primary ESXi system configuration for XC740 based cluster
Primary Source configuration: hardware and software components
Description
XC Series 3x XC740-12
Firmware/BIOS: 1.0.7
Hypervisor: ESXi 6.0.0
AOS: 5.1.1.2
Intel Xeon® CPU Gold 6134 3.20 Ghz
192 GB RAM (12 x 16 GB DIMMS)
2 x 1.8TB SATA SSD drives
8 x 3.7TB SAS drives
1 x Intel ® X710
A single Avamar VM will installed on 1 XC Series cluster. All VMs on an XC Series cluster can receive data protection and be backed up to a Data Domain target system.
AVE VM configuration 1x AVE VM:
Hypervisor: VMware ESXi 6.0.0
VM version: 7.5.0-183
OVF version: 7.5.0-183
The AVE VM was imported as
an .OVF file. XC Series
container hosting AVE has deduplication feature turned OFF.
Primary VM configuration VM OS: Windows 2012 R2
1 vCPUs, 4GB RAM
CVM: 8 vCPUs, 20 GB RAM
XC Container hosting Primary VMs have deduplication feature turned ON or OFF.
Network 2 x Dell EMC Networking S4048-ON switches
Dual redundant switches were used for high availability.
Monitoring DPMC
Nutanix Prism
Nutanix Prism Central
MS Hyper-V Manager
Avamar Administrator
DPMC provides combined Alerts and monitoring information for multiple XC Series clusters, Avamar and Data Domain.
Monitoring for XC Series cluster is done using Nutanix PRISM and Microsoft Hyper-V Manager.
Avamar Administrator is used for managing and monitoring the AVE.
Solution configuration details
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A.2.2 Data Domain Virtual Edition backup target configuration
Backup ESXi system configuration
Backup configuration: hardware and software components Description
Target System PE R730xd-24:
Firmware/BIOS: 2.2.5
Hypervisor: vSphere 6.0
2 x Intel Xeon® CPU E5-2650 v3 2.30 Ghz
256 GB RAM (12 x 32 GB DIMMS)
2 x 800GB SATA SSD drives
22 x 1TB SATA drives
1 x Intel ® X520
A single DD VE VM installs on one PE R730xd-24 server.
DD VE VM Configuration
1x DD VE VM:
Hypervisor: VMware ESXi 6.0.0
VM version: 6.0 - family
OVF version: 6.0.0.9
The DD VE VM was imported as an .OVF file.
Network 2x Dell EMC Networking S4048-ON switches Dual redundant switches were used for high availability.
Monitoring Data Domain System Manager
VMware vCenter
Data Domain System Manager was used for managing and monitoring the Data Domain VE.
A.3 Network configurations
Figures 27 and 28 shows the ideal network topology used for this solution. This solution uses a Dell
Networking S4048-ON switches.
A minimum of two 10 GbE interfaces are recommended for each host. Each host should connect to dual
redundant switches for network path redundancy.
Network components
Components Description
Data and management network 10 GbE switch
XC Series internode connection (VM traffic) 10 GbE switch
iDRAC inband network 1 GbE switch
Cabling SATA
Solution configuration details
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A.3.1 Hyper-V network topology
Network topology for Hyper-V environment.
Note: Figure above shows XC640 Series appliances that were used in this Reference Architecture. Other
valid XC Series appliances could also be used (XC430, XC630, XC6320, XC730, XC740).
Solution configuration details
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A.3.2 ESXi network topology
Network Topology for ESXi environment
Note: Figure above shows XC740xd appliances that were used in this Reference Architecture. Other valid XC
Series appliances could also be used (XC430, XC630, XC6320, XC730, XC730xd, XC640).