Version 3.1-en Solaris 10 Container Guide - 3.1 3. Use Cases Effective: 30/11/2009
3.5. Multi-network backup
Requirement
[dd] A company has several different networks that are separated in different stages either by
firewalls or by routers. Different computers are installed in the individual networks. The backup is to
be simplified by allowing direct system backups in the individual networks to be performed from one
location without having to connect the networks by routing.
Solution
[dd] A server with backup server software is installed. Several zones are created on this server that
have a network connection to each network. Backup clients are started in the zones that
communicate with the backup server in the global zone via the internal network or that write directly
on an available backup device as a backup server. The following details are used in particular:
• Sparse root zones, that is, the zones inherit everything possible from the global zone.
• The backup client or backup server software is installed separately for each zone.
• A device is provided from the global zone to a local zone.
• Network setup to connect from the global to the local zone.
Assessment
[dd] This use case has the following characteristics:
• The operating division's expenses for creating the zones are low.
• Backup and restore can be organized and carried out from one central location.
• Higher backup speeds can be achieved by direct backup. Routers or firewalls are not burdened
by backup data.
• Possibly, licensing costs are saved for backup software.
• Backup hardware is shared among departments and networks.
It has, unfortunately, turned out so far that some software manufacturers have not yet released
backup server software for application in zones. Therefore, this use case is applicable with some
restrictions only. Backup clients have already been released for application in zones here and there.
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Figure 11: [dd] Use case: Multi-network backup
Network C
Network B
Network A
Global Zone
System 1
Backup
Client
A
Backup
Client
B
Backup
Client
C