Dell EMC Unity: How To How to perform Target Replication Data Content Check (User Correctable)

Summary: How to run a DR test without modifying replications state in Unity

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Instructions

  • DR Testing can be performed in Unity Systems without the need to initiate any disruptive operations.
  • This operation relays on the RW snap functionality however the capability of accessing the DR is limited to NFS only.
          (note -  the below screenshots demonstrates NFS client for windows available on Enterprise Editions - Right Click and Open in New Window in Chrome or View Image in FireFox for better visibility)
  • A pre requirement for this operation is a new ip interface to be used on the destination NAS Server.
  • A limitation of this functionality is for the NAS Server to be of type NFS or Multi-Protocol. SMB only NAS Server will not allow NFS access.
  • SMB Server with NFS capability , its filesystem can be exported to either CIFS or NFS but not both, so in turn the DR will not allow cifs only FS to be NFS exported.

Achieving this functionality is done through the Destination Unisphere in the following manner:

1. Establish/Ensure full NAS-Server replication and (residing) Filesystem syncs (if not already done) : 

kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_0

2. Add the new IP Interface on the destination NAS Server properties page ( + Button) :
    [Note the limitations on the right pane in the second window.]

kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_1
kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_2
3. Access the Filesystem[s] properties - Snapshots page and create a manual RW Snap per FS :
kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_3

4. Export the Snap through the NFS Export Page :
(note it will show exported to both PROD IP that is currently down on the DR as well as the newly created IP)

kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_4
Important Addition:
In case of Datastore Data Testing , you must perform the export from the NFS share wizard on the following page: (note that this option will appeared grayed out if the snap was not taken earlier)
kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_5
Make sure you choose the relevant DataStore and the previously created snap.
kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_6
Complete the wizard as required and move to confirm the export is available on the network.

Note on ESXi access : if you instead of this wizard rediscover the Vcenter/ESXi on the Hosts VMWARE interface,  you will end up with the snap auto exported and mounted on the ESXi's.
That step provides faster option as in fact the datastore gets auto-exported and auto-mounted.

5. Data Access Verification Step:
   Test and confirm ICMP works on the new interface,
    Run showmount to see if the previously exported NFS is visible on the interface:

kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_7
6. Mount the NFS from Linux or as shown in this example using Windows that has NFS client installed :
kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_8

7. Check data access and confirm the data matches the source side: (windows screenshot)
kA5j0000000fxbhCAA_1_9

Additional Information



      The above is a generic demonstration only, real DR testing should include actual replication graceful failover (with sync) 

      There will be a new procedure for Unity OE 4.3 that would introduce CIFS access capability.


Affected Products

Dell EMC Unity Family

Products

Dell EMC Unity Family
Article Properties
Article Number: 000022792
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 30 May 2024
Version:  5
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.