Backing up a volume snapshot to a cluster running Element software

You can back up a volume snapshot that resides on a cluster running NetApp Element software to a remote Element cluster.

Before you begin

You must create a volume on the destination cluster of equal or greater size to the snapshot you are using for the backup.

About this task

When backing up or restoring from one cluster to another, the system generates a key to be used as authentication between the clusters. This bulk volume write key allows the source cluster to authenticate with the destination cluster, providing security when writing to the destination volume. As part of the backup or restore process, you need to generate a bulk volume write key from the destination volume before starting the operation.

Steps

From the vCenter that contains the destination cluster, select NetApp Element Management > Management.
Note: If two or more clusters are added, ensure that the cluster you intend to use for the task is selected in the navigation bar.
From the Volumes sub-tab, select the check box for the destination volume.
Click Actions.
In the resulting menu, click Restore from.
In the dialog box under Restore from, select NetApp Element.
Select an option under with the following data format:
- Native: A compressed format readable only by NetApp Element software-based storage systems.
- Uncompressed: An uncompressed format compatible with other systems.
Click Generate Key to generate a bulk volume write key for the destination volume.
Copy the bulk volume write key to your clipboard to apply to later steps on the source cluster.
From the vCenter that contains the source cluster, select NetApp Element Management > Protection.
Note: If two or more clusters are added, ensure that the cluster you intend to use for the task is selected in the navigation bar.
Select the check box for the snapshot you are using for the backup.
Click Actions.
In the resulting menu, click Backup to.
In the dialog box under Back up volume to, select NetApp Element.
Select the same option as the destination cluster under with the following data format:
Enter the management virtual IP address of the destination volume's cluster in the Remote cluster MVIP field.
Enter the remote cluster user name in the Remote cluster user name field.
Enter the remote cluster password in the Remote cluster user password field.
In the Bulk volume write key field, paste the key you generated on the destination cluster earlier.
Click OK.