MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Participant Guide v2

DELL AVAMAR CONCEPTS
PARTICIPANT GUIDE
PARTICIPANT GUIDE
MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide
© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page i

Table of Contents
Dell Avamar Concepts ............................................................................................................... 2
Explore Dell Avamar .................................................................................................. 3

Dell Avamar Overview ......................................................................................................... 4
Avamar System Components............................................................................................... 8
Exploring Dell Avamar User Interface - Simulation Activity................................................. 10
Examine Dell Avamar Architecture ..................................................................................... 11
Avamar Server Editions ..................................................................................................... 12
Systematic Fault Tolerance ................................................................................................ 16
Server Node Types and Configurations - Video ................................................................. 18
Integrating with Dell Avamar ................................................................................... 19

Avamar NDMP Integration ................................................................................................. 20
Avamar Integrated with PowerProtect DP Series Appliance ............................................... 21
Avamar and PowerProtect DD Integration ......................................................................... 22
Avamar Support for Virtual Machines ................................................................................. 24
Appendix ................................................................................................. 25
Page ii © Copyright 2022 Dell Inc.

Explore Dell Avamar
© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page 1

Explore Dell Avamar
Dell Avamar Concepts
Page 2 © Copyright 2022 Dell Inc.

Explore Dell Avamar
Explore Dell Avamar

Explore Dell Avamar
Dell Avamar Overview
What is Avamar
Avamar is a
comprehensive,
client/server backup and
restore solution which
addresses the data
protection challenges in
today’s IT environments.
Several components make
up the Avamar System
such as the Avamar
Server1, Avamar Client,
Avamar Administrator
Console, and Web
Console. A key feature of Avamar is its unique global data deduplication
technology, which ensures that data objects are only backed up once across the
backup environment.
In addition, the redundant data is identified at the source, meaning that duplicate
data is never even sent over the network if it exists on the Avamar Server. This
results in a dramatic reduction in the amount of data that is moved across the
network and stored in backup storage.
Attaching a PowerProtect DD series appliance with an Avamar allows the Avamar

to focus on directing backup and recovery operations and holding metadata.
1 An Avamar server is a logical grouping of one or more nodes that are used to
store and manage client backups. The server also provides processes and services
that are required for client access and remote system administration.

Explore Dell Avamar
Avamar Features
Dell Avamar is a comprehensive backup and recovery solution addressing data

protection backup challenges. Avamar capabilities include:
Capability Description
Global Reduces the backup storage needs by eliminating

Deduplication redundant or duplicate data. Deduplication is effective
because only one unique instance of the data across
multiple backups is stored in the repository. The redundant
data is stored, but not physically; it is simply replaced with a
pointer to the one unique data instance in the repository.
Minimal Scalable server architecture, flexible deployment, and no

Architecture need for a dedicated backup network.
Centralized Avamar Administrator and Avamar User Interface (AUI)

Management enable remote management and monitoring2 of Avamar
servers from a centralized location over Internet access.
Scalable Extra storage nodes can be added to an Avamar multi-

Architecture node server to accommodate increased backup storage
requirements. Also, attaching a PowerProtect DD appliance
enables effortless scalability. Based on the requirement,
Avamar can use dedicated, shared, or multiple
PowerProtect DD appliances.
2Avamar can also integrate with Data Protection Central for further monitoring and
management capabilities. Similarly, Avamar is integrated with Data Protection
Advisor for reporting purposes.

Explore Dell Avamar
Flexible Options include Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) and Avamar

Deployment Data Store (ADS). Avamar supports various client
Options operating systems and applications3.
Disk Storage The random-access nature of the disk makes deduplication

possible and provides speed and reliability. Similarly, the
PowerProtect DD can be used as primary storage when an
Avamar system is integrated with PowerProtect DD. You
can also store the backup data in the cloud environment4
as well.
Data Deduplication
Data Deduplication is one of the key features of an Avamar system5. During the
backups, the Avamar client software examines the client file system and applies a
source level data deduplication algorithm that uses variable block level
deduplication.
3 Including Windows, Linux, UNIX, NDMP, Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Exchange,

SharePoint, Hyper-V, VMware (virtualization environments), AWS and Azure
(Cloud environments), DB2, SAP, and Oracle.
4 This can be performed only if Avamar is integrated with a PowerProtect DD.
5 Deduplication feature reduces network traffic and provides greatly enhanced
storage efficiency on the Avamar server.

Explore Dell Avamar
Variable Block Level Deduplication: This is when file is scanned, and blocks are
cut whenever the data matches a pattern. The algorithm is used in the Avamar to
find the boundary points. If any data is changed, inserted, or deleted, the boundary
points do not change. The algorithm finds the same boundary points. Only the
block of data that has changed must be backed up and stored again.
The algorithm filters redundant data sequences and separates the file system into
variable length data segments. Each data segment is assigned a unique ID. The
client software then determines whether this unique ID has already been stored on
the Avamar server. If this object resides on the Avamar server, a link to the stored
object is referenced in the backup. Once an object is stored on the server, it is not
sent over the network again.

Explore Dell Avamar
Avamar System Components
Avamar has three main system components that define the Avamar system.
Optional components include NDMP Accelerator nodes, which may be physical or
virtual, depending on requirements. An Avamar server (multinode or single node)
can manage and direct backups to up to five PowerProtect DD appliances.
Avamar Backup Avamar Server7 Avamar Web User Interface or

Clients6 Avamar Administrator8
6 The Avamar Backup Clients communicate directly to the Avamar Server. Avamar
Client software is installed on each system or server that is being backed up. When
the target is a PowerProtect DD, backup data is written directly to the PowerProtect
DD and the metadata is backed up on to the Avamar server.
7 The Avamar Server stores client backups, and provides essential processes and
services that are required for client access and for remote system administration.
The server can be integrated with a PowerProtect DD which acts as a storage
platform. In this case, the backup data is stored on the PowerProtect DD and the
metadata in the Avamar Server.
8 Data that is stored in the Avamar Server or PowerProtect DD is administered
using either Avamar Administrator or AUI. AUI is a web-based application that is

used to administer an Avamar server. You can use the AUI to monitor backup and
restore operations and system-maintenance activities. It is also used to manage
backup policies, manage clients and user accounts, and configure other system
settings.

Explore Dell Avamar
Avamar server Integrated Avamar Web

with PowerProtect DD User Interface
(AUI)
Backup data
Avamar
Administrator
Avamar Backup Clients
Avamar System Components
Important: Data Domain is now PowerProtect DD. References to

PowerProtect DD series appliances in this training, Avamar
documentation, in the UI, and elsewhere in the product include
Data Domain or DD systems, PowerProtect DD, and older Data
Domain systems.

Explore Dell Avamar
Exploring Dell Avamar User Interface - Simulation Activity
The Online Course Contains an Interaction Here.
[Detailed description of the Interaction for Guides]

Explore Dell Avamar
Examine Dell Avamar Architecture

Explore Dell Avamar
Avamar Server Editions
Avamar Servers are available in two different editions:
Avamar Data Store (ADS)
About
• Often seen as Avamar Server or Avamar Grid
• Contains all components (utility node, storage
node, switches) for proper functionality of the
product
• Dell Trained personnel review the
environment and install the Avamar server
software.
• Deployment time at the customer site is
reduced.9
9Hardware stress tests and initial-benchmark tests are performed before the
hardware is shipped to the customer site.

Explore Dell Avamar
Types
• Multi-Node Configuration10
− Configured in RAIN architecture
− Expandable in single-node increments
− Shipped with two internal Dell switches11
− Supports 2.0 TB, 3.9 TB, or 7.8 TB
licensed storage capacity
• Single-Node Configuration
− Used in small business environment

− Supports 2.0 TB, 3.9 TB, 7.8 TB, or 7.8
TB Business Edition
− Nodes with 2.0 TB, 3.9 TB, and 7.8 TB
uses RAID 1 disk protection
Avamar Data Store (ADS)

with 13 storage nodes and a utility
node.
Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE)
AVE is a single-node non-RAIN Avamar server running as a virtual machine on a

virtualization host server.

Explore Dell Avamar
Advantages
• Supported on
VMware, Hyper-
V, Azure, AWS,
and KVM
environments
• Server and
storage sharing
helps in cost
reduction.
• Reduced
hardware support
and maintenance
• Customer self-
installation
• Benchmark Test12
10 ADS multinode configuration allows a minimum of four to a maximum of 18

nodes. Example 1: In the four-node configuration, there are three storage nodes,
one utility node, and a spare node which is optional. Example 2: In an 18-node
configuration, there are 16 storage nodes, one utility node, and a spare node.
11 Eliminates the switch as a single point of failure.
12 Benchmark test ensures that the server hardware and the virtual environment
meet expected I/O performance benchmarks. The benchmark tests also help to
determine the impact of AVE on other virtual machines running on the same
physical server.

Explore Dell Avamar
Supported License
Capacities
• 0.5 TB
• 1.0 TB
• 2.0 TB
• 4.0 TB
• 8.0 TB
• 16.0 TB

Explore Dell Avamar
Systematic Fault Tolerance
To ensure system integrity, Avamar provides systematic fault tolerance at the

following levels:
RAID
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) provides the following:
• A method of protection against disk failure or corruption.

• Capable of hot-swap with minimum system impact for highest failure rate
components.
RAIN
Redundant Array of Independent Nodes (RAIN) provides the following:
• A flexible, fault-tolerant architecture that enables an Avamar server to maintain

availability and preserve data storage if single nodes fail in an Avamar module.
• Data that is distributed across each storage node and parity data is used for
protection.
• Provides uninterrupted functionality during node failure, replacement, and
reconstruction.
HA Uplinks and Switches
In the event of a storage node failure, new backup data is written onto the
remaining nodes. The High Availability (HA) dual uplinks and switches provides the
following:
• Provide high availability in the event of hardware failure.

• Each node has dual connections to the customer switch.
• Avamar Data Store has two internal switches to provide hardware redundancy.

Explore Dell Avamar
Checkpoints
The use of checkpoints13 (CP) provides the following:
• Protects data that is stored in Avamar in the event of operational failures.

• Read-only snapshots of the Avamar server taken to facilitate rollbacks.
• Created using hard-links to all stripes.
• Regular checkpoint validation (auto-repair capability) is used to ensure data
integrity.
• Single-node servers and AVE servers allow Avamar to perform backups of
checkpoint data to PowerProtect DD.
13 Checkpoints provide redundancy across time. Checkpoints enable you to recover

from operational issues.

Explore Dell Avamar
Server Node Types and Configurations - Video
Avamar Data Store is divided into two types:

• Multi-Node
• Single-Node
This video describes both multi node systems and single node systems.
Movie:
The web version of this content contains a movie.

Integrating with Dell Avamar

Avamar NDMP Integration
Network Data Management (NDMP) Accelerator is a dedicated Avamar client that

is used as a part of an Avamar system. NDMP provides complete backup and
recovery solution for any supported Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems.
NDMP also provides support to NAS appliances by interfacing between filers and
the Avamar server. The NDMP was developed to support challenges14 while
backing up to a NAS device.
The NDMP Accelerator can be used to perform backups and restores from the
following NAS devices:
PowerMax PowerStore NetApp Oracle Unity VNX

ZFS
NDMP Accelerator is a special version of the Avamar client. This client acts as a
conduit15 from the NAS device to the Avamar server. The NDMP accepts data from
the NAS and performs deduplication and forwards the deduplicated data to the
Avamar.
In Avamar integration with PowerProtect DD series appliance, the data is sent

directly to the PowerProtect DD and metadata is stored in the Avamar server.
Tip: When performing backups of remote sites to a primary data

center, the recommended backup solution is to place an NDMP
Accelerator at each remote site.
14 Some of these challenges are they must store large number of files and most
native operating systems do not support backup software being installed.
15 No user data is ever stored in the NDMP accelerator.

Avamar Integrated with PowerProtect DP Series Appliance
Avamar server is seen as a Protection Software in the PowerProtect DP Series

Appliance.
The Protection Software panel shows the following information:
PowerProtect DP Series appliance Dashboard
• Component IP address
• Avamar version
• Total and available backup metadata storage
• License status of the backup server node
Tip: For more information about Protection Software, reference the

PowerProtect DP Series Appliance training material.

Avamar and PowerProtect DD Integration
Avamar server and data

store
OS level backup and metadata, backup

metadata, and log files
Avamar Client
Work order for backup and work order for

OS-level backup
DD Boost
PowerProtect DD system
Backup data
Avamar and PowerProtect DD solution architecture
A PowerProtect DD system performs deduplication through DDOS software. The

DD Boost library facilitates Avamar source-based deduplication to a PowerProtect
DD system.
Avamar uses the DD Boost protocol through API-based integration to access and
manipulate directories, and files contained on the PowerProtect DD Filesystem.
The DD Boost API gives Avamar visibility into some of the properties and
capabilities of the PowerProtect DD system. Avamar can manage backup images
that are stored on PowerProtect DD series appliances.
The diagram depicts a high-level architecture of the combined Avamar and

PowerProtect DD solution. Avamar and PowerProtect DD integration allows you to
specify whether specific datasets in an Avamar backup policy target an Avamar
server or a PowerProtect DD system.
Avamar as the Backup Target
When you select an Avamar server as the backup target, the Avamar client agent
on each host performs deduplication segment processing. Data and metadata are
stored only on the Avamar server.

PowerProtect DD as the Backup Target
When you select a PowerProtect DD series appliance as the backup target, the
Avamar client transfers its backup data to the PowerProtect DD16 series appliance.
The client sends its backup metadata to the Avamar server. The metadata17
enables the Avamar management system to perform restore operations directly
from the PowerProtect DD system.
Capacity Concerns
If the Avamar server is the backup target and the data redirects to a PowerProtect
DD system, then the PowerProtect DD stores subsequent incremental backup data
while the original backup data remains on the Avamar server. This scheme can
affect capacity because the incremental data remains on the Avamar server while
the PowerProtect DD stores the updated incremental data.
If Avamar server capacity is not a concern, then the system continues to backup
incremental backup data to the PowerProtect DD. Prior backup data remains on
the Avamar server until it expires. A full backup occurs only when the last backup
containing parts on the Avamar server expires. Dell Technologies recommends you
perform a controlled or scheduled full backup.
Best Practice: Best practice to use the Avamar as the metadata

storage and the PowerProtect DD for backups if the Avamar has
PowerProtect DD integrated into the environment.
16 The Avamar client uses the integrated DDBoost protocol to transfer to the
PowerProtect DD.
17 This metadata consists of hashes, filenames, and directory names.

Avamar Support for Virtual Machines
Avamar is ideally suited for protecting clients in virtual environments by reducing

the amount of backup data that is stored within and across virtual machines.
Avamar supports the following virtual environments:

• VMware
• Hyper-V
Avamar provides the flexibility of implementing a virtual machine backup solution

with guest level and image backups.
Avamar Administrator or Avamar Web User Interface (AUI)
Avamar provides a high level of integration with VMware for backing up virtual
environments. VMware backups can be centrally configured, scheduled, and
managed with the Avamar Administrator and Avamar Web User Interface (AUI).
Avamar Administrator or AUI also can browse the virtual machines in the
environment and display information for each machine. You can also perform file
level restore of a backup in case any file is deleted from the original location.
Avamar Plug-in for vSphere Web Client
The Avamar Plug-in for vSphere Web Client (Avamar plug-in through vSphere
Client) is an Avamar-integrated VMware plug-in that provides an easy to use
interface for backing up and restoring VMware image-level backups through a
vSphere Web Client instead of logging to Avamar interfaces.
The plug-in for vSphere Web Client supports image-level backup and restoration
for multiple vCenters.
Tip: For more information about VMware backups, see the Avamar
VMware User Guide on Dell Support.

Appendix

Appendix
Guest Level and Image Level Backups

Guest backup protects virtual machine data by installing Avamar client software on
the virtual machine as if it were a physical machine, then registering and activating
that client with an Avamar server. No special configuration is required.
Microsoft Exchange Oracle Windows Server Microsoft SharePoint
Avamar Client Agent
Virtual Inf rastructure
Guest Level Backups with Avamar
Image backup uses VMware vStorage API for Data Protection (VADP) to protect
virtual machine data. Image backup is fully integrated with vCenter Server to
provide detection of virtual machine clients, and enable efficient centralized
management of backup jobs.
Image backups and restores, require deployment of proxy virtual machines within
the vCenter. The Avamar image backup supports only the following types of virtual
disks:
• Flat (Version 1 and 2).

• Raw Device Mapped (RDM) in virtual mode only (version 1 and 2).
• Sparse (Version 1 and 2).

Appendix
vCenter Server
VM1
CLIENTS
VM2 vCenter
Proxy
VM1
VM4
VM2
VM4
Proxy (Av amar Cli ent Agent)
VM5
VM5
ESX Serv er
DataStor e
Image Level Backups with Avamar
Dell Avamar Concepts: Exploring

AUI- Example Word

Appendix
1. Exploring Dell Avamar User Interface
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Introduction

Appendix
1.3 User Name Log In
Correct (Slide Layer)
Hint Caption (Slide Layer)

Appendix
1.4 Password Log In
Correct (Slide Layer)

Appendix
Try Again (Slide Layer)
Hint Caption (Slide Layer)

Appendix
1.5 Log In
Rectangular Hotspot 1 (Slide Layer)

Appendix
1.6 Expanding Left Menu
Rectangular Hotspot 1 (Slide Layer)

Appendix
1.7 Dashboard Overview

Appendix
1.8 Backup Policy
Notes:
Click on each icon for more details.
1.9 Advanced Policy

Appendix
1.10 Replication Policy
1.11 Cloud Tier Policy

Appendix
1.12 Validation Policy
1.13 Setting

Appendix
1.14 Proxy Management
1.15 System

Appendix
1.16 Server
1.17 Actvity

Appendix
1.18 Event
1.19 Session

Appendix
1.20 END


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DELL AVAMAR CONCEPTS

© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page i

Dell Avamar Concepts ............................................................................................................... 2

Explore Dell Avamar .................................................................................................. 3

Integrating with Dell Avamar ................................................................................... 19

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

Page ii © Copyright 2022 Dell Inc.

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page 1

Dell Avamar Concepts

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

Page 2 © Copyright 2022 Dell Inc.

Explore Dell Avamar

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page 3

Dell Avamar Overview

Attaching a PowerProtect DD series appliance with an Avamar allows the Avamar

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

Page 4 © Copyright 2022 Dell Inc.

Dell Avamar is a comprehensive backup and recovery solution addressing data

Global Reduces the backup storage needs by eliminating

Minimal Scalable server architecture, flexible deployment, and no

Centralized Avamar Administrator and Avamar User Interface (AUI)

Scalable Extra storage nodes can be added to an Avamar multi-

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page 5

Flexible Options include Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) and Avamar

Disk Storage The random-access nature of the disk makes deduplication

3 Including Windows, Linux, UNIX, NDMP, Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Exchange,

5 Deduplication feature reduces network traffic and provides greatly enhanced

storage efficiency on the Avamar server.

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

Page 6 © Copyright 2022 Dell Inc.

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page 7

Avamar System Components

Avamar Backup Avamar Server7 Avamar Web User Interface or

using either Avamar Administrator or AUI. AUI is a web-based application that is

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

Page 8 © Copyright 2022 Dell Inc.

Avamar server Integrated Avamar Web

Avamar Backup Clients

Avamar System Components

Important: Data Domain is now PowerProtect DD. References to

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page 9

Exploring Dell Avamar User Interface - Simulation Activity

The Online Course Contains an Interaction Here.

[Detailed description of the Interaction for Guides]

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

Page 10 © Copyright 2022 Dell Inc.

Examine Dell Avamar Architecture

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide

© Copyright 2022 Dell Inc. Page 11

Avamar Server Editions

Avamar Servers are available in two different editions:

Avamar Data Store (ADS)

MR-1WN-AVAM - Dell Avamar Concepts - Student Guide