Network latency recommendations for NetWorker and Data Domain solutions

• Intermittent errors or failures during backup, cloning, or recovery
• Latency or performance issues during backup, cloning, or recovery
• Unpredictable disconnections between NetWorker and Data Domain during operations
• Unmounting of Data Domain devices

DD Boost devices do not differentiate between different TCP/IP network types. They require networks where packet loss is strictly 0% and latency is less than 20 ms to successfully operate.

Recommendations:

• Ensure that NetWorker servers, Storage Nodes, and Clients are configured with recommended TCP and Kernel optimizations: NetWorker: Best practices for networking configuration
• Use a minimum of two separate IP network connections to the Data Domain system: A management IP for administration and NetWorker server/node communications, and at least one IP for client connections.
• If there are two Data Domains, and cloning occurs between them, at least one IP Data Domain to Data Domain replication. This will not be visible to or referenced by NetWorker.
• Aggregated IPs and TCP endpoints on the Data Domain should be used to maximize throughput to the Data Domain, and can be set up using the ifgroup command.

Management IP
This is a dedicated 1 GbE data connection from the storage node directly to the Data Domain system. This connection provides a private, high-bandwidth data connection and avoids the latency and complexity of a shared data IP connection. 

Data transfer IP
Two or more Network Interface Cards (NIC) on the Data Domain system with 1 GbE or 10 GbE connections, which are aggregated together by using the Data Domain ifgroup command. This grouping provides increased data capacity and can improve resiliency. The Data Domain system provides automatic Advanced Load Balancing and Link Failover for NIC connections.

Replication IP
If Data Domain replication occurs, either outside of NetWorker or replicating using NetWorker Clone-Controlled Replication (CCR), a separate dedicated connection between the Data Domains is required to maximize throughput and minimize external competition for bandwidth.

If different clients access the same Data Domains using different networks, advanced configuration may be required.