7. Backup server
We have discussed a file server earlier. All file servers should have a backup policy in place. This may simply be using an attached tape streamer but an alternative is to use a dedicated backup server.
This can access the file servers on a regular basis to make a copy of every file. This has the benefit of off-loading this task from the file server themselves.
Backup server is usually scheduled to run at a quiet period such as work after-hours or overnight.
A large backup server may be handling a number of tape streamers for offline archiving. Perhaps even a robotic system to insert and remove data cassettes from its tape readers.
Advantages of a backup server |
Disadvantages of a backup server |
|---|---|
| Less load on the file servers as the backup overhead is taken up by the backup server | Increased network bandwidth as all backup data has to travel across the network |
| Faster than a file server with attached tape streamer | Can be expensive compared to a tape streamers |
| A single backup server can handle the contents of several file servers | Not cost-effective for simple networks - tape streamer is a better option |
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Click on this link: Backup server solution