Dell Avamar User Manual

Dell EMC Avamar

Administration Guide

18.1

Dell Inc.

June 2020

Rev. 04

Notes, cautions, and warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

© 2001 - 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

 

Contents

Figures..........................................................................................................................................

11

Tables..........................................................................................................................................

12

Preface.........................................................................................................................................

18

Chapter 1: Introduction..................................................................................................................

21

Avamar system overview....................................................................................................................................................

21

Avamar server.................................................................................................................................................................

21

Avamar clients................................................................................................................................................................

24

User interfaces...............................................................................................................................................................

25

Data Domain system support.......................................................................................................................................

26

Data deduplication...............................................................................................................................................................

27

Security and networking.....................................................................................................................................................

27

Encryption.......................................................................................................................................................................

27

IPv4 and IPv6 support...................................................................................................................................................

28

TSL 1.2 encryption protocol required..........................................................................................................................

28

SSH MAC algorithms....................................................................................................................................................

28

Chapter 2: Avamar Administrator...................................................................................................

29

Overview of Avamar Administrator...................................................................................................................................

29

Installing Avamar Administrator.........................................................................................................................................

29

Installing Avamar Administrator on Microsoft Windows...........................................................................................

29

Installing Avamar Administrator on Linux...................................................................................................................

30

Upgrading Avamar Administrator.......................................................................................................................................

31

Uninstalling Avamar Administrator.....................................................................................................................................

31

Editing Avamar Administrator client preferences............................................................................................................

31

Setting a session time-out for Avamar Administrator....................................................................................................

32

Starting Avamar Administrator..........................................................................................................................................

32

Avamar Administrator dashboard......................................................................................................................................

33

launcher link....................................................................................................................................................................

34

System Information panel.............................................................................................................................................

34

Activities panel...............................................................................................................................................................

36

Capacity panel................................................................................................................................................................

37

Critical Events panel......................................................................................................................................................

38

Avamar Administrator user interface elements...............................................................................................................

38

Status bar.......................................................................................................................................................................

38

Navigation tree features................................................................................................................................................

41

Mouse shortcuts.............................................................................................................................................................

41

Chapter 3: Client Management.......................................................................................................

42

Overview of Avamar clients...............................................................................................................................................

42

Client domains......................................................................................................................................................................

42

Contents 3

Creating a domain..........................................................................................................................................................

43

Editing domain information...........................................................................................................................................

44

Deleting a domain..........................................................................................................................................................

44

Client registration................................................................................................................................................................

44

Client-side registration..................................................................................................................................................

45

Registering a client in Avamar Administrator.............................................................................................................

45

Batch client registration................................................................................................................................................

45

Activating a client................................................................................................................................................................

47

Re-activating a client.....................................................................................................................................................

47

Client paging.........................................................................................................................................................................

48

Pageable clients.............................................................................................................................................................

48

Non-pageable clients.....................................................................................................................................................

48

Editing client paging settings.......................................................................................................................................

49

Editing client information....................................................................................................................................................

49

Viewing client properties....................................................................................................................................................

50

Enabling and disabling a client...........................................................................................................................................

50

Moving a client to a new domain.......................................................................................................................................

51

Retiring a client.....................................................................................................................................................................

51

Deleting a client....................................................................................................................................................................

51

Chapter 4: User Management and Authentication............................................................................

53

Overview of Avamar user accounts..................................................................................................................................

53

User authentication.............................................................................................................................................................

54

How Avamar authenticates users and assigns roles.................................................................................................

54

Avamar internal authentication..........................................................................................................................................

54

Directory service authentication.......................................................................................................................................

54

LDAP directory service authentication.......................................................................................................................

55

OpenLDAP directory service authentication..............................................................................................................

60

Adding an NIS directory service..................................................................................................................................

65

Error messages during directory service configuration............................................................................................

65

Adding an LDAP map....................................................................................................................................................

66

Editing the role for an LDAP map................................................................................................................................

67

Deleting an LDAP map..................................................................................................................................................

67

Editing the time-out value for directory service processes.....................................................................................

67

Enabling backward compatibility with Enterprise Authentication.................................................................................

68

Roles......................................................................................................................................................................................

69

Administrator roles........................................................................................................................................................

69

Operator roles................................................................................................................................................................

69

User roles........................................................................................................................................................................

70

Adding a user to a client or domain....................................................................................................................................

71

Editing user information......................................................................................................................................................

72

Deleting a user......................................................................................................................................................................

72

Chapter 5: Backup.........................................................................................................................

73

Performing on-demand backups.......................................................................................................................................

73

Performing an on-demand backup of a client............................................................................................................

73

Performing an on-demand group backup...................................................................................................................

74

Scheduling backups.............................................................................................................................................................

74

Datasets..........................................................................................................................................................................

74

4 Contents

Schedules........................................................................................................................................................................

79

Rules................................................................................................................................................................................

83

Retention policies...........................................................................................................................................................

84

Groups.............................................................................................................................................................................

88

Enabling scheduled backups........................................................................................................................................

95

Monitoring backups.............................................................................................................................................................

95

Canceling backups...............................................................................................................................................................

95

Managing completed backups...........................................................................................................................................

96

Finding a completed backup to manage.....................................................................................................................

96

Validating a backup........................................................................................................................................................

96

Changing the expiration date for a backup................................................................................................................

97

Changing the retention type for a backup.................................................................................................................

98

Viewing backup statistics.............................................................................................................................................

98

Deleting a backup..........................................................................................................................................................

99

Migrating backups...............................................................................................................................................................

99

Chapter 6: Restore and Recovery..................................................................................................

100

Restoring data from a backup..........................................................................................................................................

100

Finding a backup..........................................................................................................................................................

100

Restoring to the original location...............................................................................................................................

102

Restoring to a different location................................................................................................................................

102

Restoring to multiple locations...................................................................................................................................

103

Monitoring restores...........................................................................................................................................................

104

Canceling restores.............................................................................................................................................................

104

Windows client system recovery.....................................................................................................................................

104

Red Hat and CentOS Linux system recovery................................................................................................................

105

Reconstructing the partition table.............................................................................................................................

105

Preparing the target recovery client.........................................................................................................................

106

Performing system recovery of a Red Hat or CentOS Linux client......................................................................

106

Troubleshooting system recovery of a Red Hat or CentOS Linux client..............................................................

109

SUSE Linux system recovery...........................................................................................................................................

109

Reconstructing the partition table.............................................................................................................................

109

Preparing the target recovery client..........................................................................................................................

110

Performing system recovery of a SUSE Linux client................................................................................................

111

Troubleshooting system recovery of a SUSE Linux client.......................................................................................

113

Oracle Solaris system recovery.........................................................................................................................................

114

Preparing for Oracle Solaris system recovery...........................................................................................................

114

Performing system recovery of an Oracle Solaris client..........................................................................................

115

Chapter 7: Server Administration...................................................................................................

117

Server shutdown and restart............................................................................................................................................

117

Administering the Avamar subsystems......................................................................................................................

117

Powering off or restarting the server........................................................................................................................

119

Suspending and resuming server activities.....................................................................................................................

121

Suspending and resuming backups and restores......................................................................................................

121

Suspending and resuming scheduled operations......................................................................................................

121

Suspending and resuming maintenance activities....................................................................................................

121

Managing client sessions...................................................................................................................................................

121

Monitoring client sessions............................................................................................................................................

121

Contents 5

Viewing a detailed client session log..........................................................................................................................

122

Creating a Zip file for Avamar Support......................................................................................................................

123

Canceling a client session............................................................................................................................................

123

Resetting a client..........................................................................................................................................................

123

Managing client agents and plug-ins...............................................................................................................................

124

Adding a build record...................................................................................................................................................

124

Editing version or build records..................................................................................................................................

124

Deleting a build record.................................................................................................................................................

125

Disabling all client initiated activations.......................................................................................................................

125

Disabling all client initiated backups...........................................................................................................................

125

Backup and maintenance windows.................................................................................................................................

125

Editing the backup and maintenance windows........................................................................................................

127

Checkpoints........................................................................................................................................................................

127

Creating a checkpoint..................................................................................................................................................

127

Deleting a checkpoint..................................................................................................................................................

128

Rolling back to a checkpoint.......................................................................................................................................

128

Clearing a data integrity alert......................................................................................................................................

129

Activating the Avamar software and installing a server license...................................................................................

129

Activating the Avamar software................................................................................................................................

129

Installing and activating a license...............................................................................................................................

130

Managing services.............................................................................................................................................................

130

Information on the Services Administration tab........................................................................................................

131

Changing server passwords and OpenSSH keys............................................................................................................

131

MCS configuration settings..............................................................................................................................................

132

Backing up MCS data..................................................................................................................................................

133

Restoring MCS data....................................................................................................................................................

134

Reverting to the default MCS configuration settings.............................................................................................

134

Using network address translation (NAT)......................................................................................................................

135

Solutions for common NAT problems.......................................................................................................................

135

Editing network settings for a single-node server.........................................................................................................

136

Adding a custom security notification for web browser logins....................................................................................

136

Viewing and editing server contact information............................................................................................................

136

Chapter 8: Server Monitoring.......................................................................................................

138

Recommended daily server monitoring...........................................................................................................................

138

Monitoring activities..........................................................................................................................................................

138

Activity Monitor details................................................................................................................................................

139

Monitoring server status and statistics...........................................................................................................................

140

Server Monitor tab.......................................................................................................................................................

141

Server Management tab.............................................................................................................................................

143

Event monitoring................................................................................................................................................................

151

Event notifications........................................................................................................................................................

151

Event profiles................................................................................................................................................................

153

Viewing events in the Event Monitor........................................................................................................................

157

Viewing the event catalog..........................................................................................................................................

158

Acknowledging system events...................................................................................................................................

158

Customizing error events............................................................................................................................................

158

Server monitoring with syslog..........................................................................................................................................

158

Configuring local syslog...............................................................................................................................................

159

Configuring remote syslog..........................................................................................................................................

160

6 Contents

Server monitoring with SNMP.........................................................................................................................................

163

Configuring server monitoring with SNMP...............................................................................................................

163

Viewing Avamar server log files.......................................................................................................................................

165

Audit logging.......................................................................................................................................................................

166

Viewing the Audit Log.................................................................................................................................................

166

Automatic notifications to Avamar Support...................................................................................................................

166

Usage Intelligence........................................................................................................................................................

166

Email Home...................................................................................................................................................................

168

ConnectEMC................................................................................................................................................................

168

Verifying system integrity..................................................................................................................................................

172

Chapter 9: Capacity Management.................................................................................................

173

Capacity utilization information........................................................................................................................................

173

Capacity limits and thresholds..........................................................................................................................................

173

Capacity forecasting..........................................................................................................................................................

174

Customizing capacity limits and behavior.......................................................................................................................

174

Editing capacity settings for Avamar Administrator................................................................................................

174

Chapter 10: Replication................................................................................................................

176

Overview of Avamar replication.......................................................................................................................................

176

Types of replication......................................................................................................................................................

176

Replication scheduling..................................................................................................................................................

177

Replication authentication...........................................................................................................................................

177

Location of replicas on a destination Avamar system..............................................................................................

177

Replicas at Source........................................................................................................................................................

178

Retention of replicas....................................................................................................................................................

180

Replication with Data Domain systems.....................................................................................................................

180

Enabling Replicas at Source..............................................................................................................................................

181

Configuring policy-based replication................................................................................................................................

181

Replication destinations...............................................................................................................................................

182

Replication groups........................................................................................................................................................

183

Performing on-demand replication..................................................................................................................................

187

Performing on-demand replication from the Replication window.........................................................................

187

Performing on-demand replication from the Policy window..................................................................................

188

Performing command line replication..............................................................................................................................

188

Command reference....................................................................................................................................................

188

CLI examples.................................................................................................................................................................

196

Monitoring replication........................................................................................................................................................

197

Monitoring replication in Avamar Administrator.......................................................................................................

197

Canceling a replication task..............................................................................................................................................

197

Restoring by using a replica on a destination system....................................................................................................

198

MCS configuration parameters to support Replicas at Source...................................................................................

199

Changing the configuration of Replicas at Source.................................................................................................

200

Chapter 11: Server Updates and Hotfixes.......................................................................................

201

Overview of the Avamar server software update process..........................................................................................

201

Avamar Downloader Service......................................................................................................................................

201

AvInstaller and Avamar Installation Manager...........................................................................................................

202

Installing and configuring the Avamar Downloader Service.........................................................................................

203

Contents 7

Configuring the Avamar Downloader Service..........................................................................................................

203

Downloading new packages from the EMC repository................................................................................................

204

Downloading and installing packages on the Avamar server.......................................................................................

204

Viewing a list of installation packages on the Avamar server......................................................................................

205

Uploading installation packages to the Avamar server...........................................................................................

205

Repository tab headings.............................................................................................................................................

206

Deleting packages from the Avamar server..................................................................................................................

206

Viewing the history of installations..................................................................................................................................

207

Installation history information...................................................................................................................................

207

Using the legacy Avamar Downloader Service..............................................................................................................

208

Legacy Avamar Downloader Service installation requirements.............................................................................

208

Downloading the legacy Avamar Downloader Service software..........................................................................

208

Installing the legacy Avamar Downloader Service software..................................................................................

209

Enabling HTTPS..........................................................................................................................................................

209

Configuring the legacy Avamar Downloader Service..............................................................................................

210

Updating the legacy Avamar Downloader Service software...................................................................................

211

Uninstalling the legacy Avamar Downloader Service...............................................................................................

211

Downloading new packages from the EMC repository............................................................................................

211

Viewing a list of packages available for download...................................................................................................

212

Verifying connectivity with the EMC repository......................................................................................................

212

Monitoring Avamar Downloader Service status.......................................................................................................

212

Stopping and starting the Avamar Downloader Service monitor...........................................................................

213

Troubleshooting Avamar Downloader Service issues....................................................................................................

213

Chapter 12: Avamar Client Manager...............................................................................................

215

Overview of Avamar Client Manager..............................................................................................................................

215

Connection security.....................................................................................................................................................

215

Apache web server authentication............................................................................................................................

215

Editing the session time-out period...........................................................................................................................

215

Increasing the JavaScript time-out period................................................................................................................

216

Avamar Client Manager configuration properties....................................................................................................

217

Starting Avamar Client Manager......................................................................................................................................

218

Login page.....................................................................................................................................................................

218

Global tools.........................................................................................................................................................................

218

Adding an Avamar server............................................................................................................................................

218

Removing an Avamar server.......................................................................................................................................

219

Changing the settings for an Avamar server............................................................................................................

219

Selecting a server........................................................................................................................................................

220

Filters............................................................................................................................................................................

220

Viewing details.............................................................................................................................................................

225

Exporting data.............................................................................................................................................................

225

Setting the entries per page limit..............................................................................................................................

225

Viewing tool tips..........................................................................................................................................................

226

Overview............................................................................................................................................................................

226

Server Summary..........................................................................................................................................................

226

Dashboard.....................................................................................................................................................................

227

Clients.................................................................................................................................................................................

229

Client and server tools................................................................................................................................................

229

Add Clients...................................................................................................................................................................

234

Registered Clients.......................................................................................................................................................

238

8 Contents

Activated Clients.........................................................................................................................................................

239

Failed Clients.................................................................................................................................................................

241

Idle Clients.....................................................................................................................................................................

241

Upgrade Clients............................................................................................................................................................

241

Policies................................................................................................................................................................................

244

Adding clients to a group............................................................................................................................................

244

Removing clients from a group..................................................................................................................................

244

Viewing the dataset policy of a group......................................................................................................................

245

Viewing the retention policy of a group....................................................................................................................

245

Viewing the schedule policy of a group....................................................................................................................

245

Queues................................................................................................................................................................................

245

Canceling a task...........................................................................................................................................................

246

Logs.....................................................................................................................................................................................

246

Viewing the client log after upgrading an Avamar client........................................................................................

247

Clearing all log entries in a section.............................................................................................................................

247

Chapter 13: Avamar Desktop/Laptop.............................................................................................

249

Overview of Avamar Desktop/Laptop...........................................................................................................................

249

Requirements for Avamar Desktop/Laptop..................................................................................................................

250

Client computer requirements...................................................................................................................................

250

Web browser requirements........................................................................................................................................

251

Network requirements................................................................................................................................................

252

Avamar client software installation.................................................................................................................................

252

Supported systems management tools....................................................................................................................

252

Push installation on Windows computers.................................................................................................................

253

Push installation on Macintosh computers..............................................................................................................

253

Local client installation................................................................................................................................................

254

Avamar client software uninstall...............................................................................................................................

254

Avamar Desktop/Laptop user authentication...............................................................................................................

255

Pass-through authentication.....................................................................................................................................

255

LDAP authentication...................................................................................................................................................

255

Avamar authentication................................................................................................................................................

257

Mixed authentication..................................................................................................................................................

258

Avamar Desktop/Laptop user interfaces.......................................................................................................................

258

Client UI........................................................................................................................................................................

258

Web UI..........................................................................................................................................................................

259

Backup with Avamar Desktop/Laptop...........................................................................................................................

263

Scheduled backups.....................................................................................................................................................

263

Add data option...........................................................................................................................................................

264

Single-click backups....................................................................................................................................................

264

Interactive backups.....................................................................................................................................................

264

Disabling on-demand backups...................................................................................................................................

266

Changing the retention policy for on-demand backups.........................................................................................

266

Restore with Avamar Desktop/Laptop..........................................................................................................................

267

Finding data to restore................................................................................................................................................

267

Restore types...............................................................................................................................................................

267

Restore requirements.................................................................................................................................................

268

Restore limits...............................................................................................................................................................

269

Restore of replicated backups...................................................................................................................................

270

Client backup and restore activity history......................................................................................................................

270

Contents 9

Editing Avamar Desktop/Laptop parameters................................................................................................................

270

Avamar Desktop/Laptop parameters.......................................................................................................................

270

Client log locations.............................................................................................................................................................

271

Chapter 14: Data Domain System Integration.................................................................................

273

Overview of Data Domain system integration...............................................................................................................

273

Integration of Avamar with Data Domain.................................................................................................................

273

File system backups on a Data Domain system.......................................................................................................

273

Application backups on a Data Domain system.......................................................................................................

274

Data Domain Cloud Disaster Recovery.....................................................................................................................

274

VMware instant access..............................................................................................................................................

274

Cloud tier......................................................................................................................................................................

275

Checkpoints on a Data Domain system....................................................................................................................

275

Data Domain system streams....................................................................................................................................

275

Replication with Data Domain systems.....................................................................................................................

275

Monitoring and reporting Data Domain system status...........................................................................................

276

Security with Data Domain system integration.......................................................................................................

276

Data migration to an attached Data Domain system..............................................................................................

276

Preparing to add a Data Domain system........................................................................................................................

277

System requirements for Data Domain system integration...................................................................................

277

Creating a DD Boost user account............................................................................................................................

279

Adding a Data Domain system.........................................................................................................................................

279

Chapter 15: Backup and Recovery using the AUI.............................................................................

281

Perform an on-demand backup by using AUI ................................................................................................................

281

Restore a backup client by using AUI.............................................................................................................................

282

Appendix A: Command Shell Server Logins....................................................................................

284

User accounts....................................................................................................................................................................

284

Starting command shell sessions....................................................................................................................................

284

Switching user IDs.............................................................................................................................................................

284

Using sudo..........................................................................................................................................................................

285

Prefixing commands with sudo.................................................................................................................................

285

Appendix B: Plug-in Options.........................................................................................................

286

How to set plug-in options...............................................................................................................................................

286

Backup options..................................................................................................................................................................

286

Restore options.................................................................................................................................................................

288

Appendix C: Adding Files to the Avamar Web Restore Page.............................................................

292

Adding files to the Avamar Web Restore Downloads page.........................................................................................

292

Adding files to the Avamar Web Restore Documentation page.................................................................................

293

Glossary.....................................................................................................................................

294

10 Contents

 

 

Figures

1. Avamar server nodes, stripes, and objects..........................................................................................................

21

2.

Avamar server functional block diagram.............................................................................................................

23

3.

Avamar client agent and plug-ins...........................................................................................................................

24

4.

Data deduplication.........................................................................................................................................................

27

5. Avamar Administrator dashboard...........................................................................................................................

34

6.

Avamar Administrator status bar............................................................................................................................

38

7. Navigation tree features..............................................................................................................................................

41

8. Avamar domain example.............................................................................................................................................

43

9.

Users in Avamardomains............................................................................................................................................

53

10. Schedule start time, end time, and duration....................................................................................................

79

11. Default backup and maintenance windows.....................................................................................................

126

12. Multi-node server configuration with NAT.....................................................................................................

135

13. Replication domain structure example..............................................................................................................

178

14. View after uploading the example CSV file....................................................................................................

236

15. Replaceable graphics on the Avamar client web UI....................................................................................

261

Figures 11

 

 

Tables

1. Revision history................................................................................................................................................................

18

2. Typographical conventions.........................................................................................................................................

19

3. MCS functions................................................................................................................................................................

23

4. Supported plug-ins........................................................................................................................................................

24

5. Avamar system management features of Backup & Recovery Manager...........................................

25

6. Dashboard launcher link..............................................................................................................................................

34

7. System State fields on the Avamar Administrator dashboard..................................................................

35

8. Backup job fields in the Avamar Administrator dashboard.........................................................................

36

9. System alerts in the Critical Events panel..........................................................................................................

38

10. Launcher shortcut icons on the status bar......................................................................................................

38

11. Scheduler and backup dispatching status messages...................................................................................

39

12.

Status messages for unacknowledged events...............................................................................................

39

13.

Operational status messages for Avamaror Data Domain.........................................................................

39

14.

Attributes for each entry in a clients definition file.......................................................................................

46

15. Client properties displayed by Avamar Administrator.................................................................................

50

16.

Avamar user account information........................................................................................................................

53

17. Supported directory service types.......................................................................................................................

55

18. Required Key Distribution Center ports.............................................................................................................

56

19.

Parameter requirements for LDAP base functionality................................................................................

59

20. Additional parameter for LDAP base functionality ......................................................................................

59

21.

OpenLDAP directory service parameters.........................................................................................................

63

22. Error messages during directory service configuration'............................................................................

65

23. Administrator roles......................................................................................................................................................

69

24. Operator roles...............................................................................................................................................................

69

25. User roles.........................................................................................................................................................................

71

12 Tables

26.

Directories excluded from Default Dataset backups .................................................................................

76

27. Directories excluded from UNIX Dataset backups ......................................................................................

76

28.

Directories excluded from Windows Dataset backups .............................................................................

76

29.

Schedule types.............................................................................................................................................................

79

30.

Schedule catalog.........................................................................................................................................................

80

31. Settings for each type of schedule.......................................................................................................................

81

32.

Basic retention settings............................................................................................................................................

85

33.

Retention policy catalog...........................................................................................................................................

85

34.

VMware groups............................................................................................................................................................

89

35.

Backup statistics dialog box information..........................................................................................................

99

36.

Target locations for system recovery backups of an Oracle Solaris client......................................

114

37. Session Monitor tab properties............................................................................................................................

121

38.

Avamar server maintenance activities.............................................................................................................

126

39.

Checkpoint states......................................................................................................................................................

127

40.

Services Administration tab information..........................................................................................................

131

41. Default live file directory for MCS configuration files................................................................................

132

42.

MCS backup timestamp files................................................................................................................................

133

43.

Solutions for common NAT problems..............................................................................................................

136

44.

Read-only fields on the View/Edit Contact Information dialog box...................................................

136

45.

Editable fields on the View/Edit Contact Information dialog box........................................................

137

46.

System monitoring tools and tasks....................................................................................................................

138

47. Session details available in the Activity Monitor .........................................................................................

139

48.

Client details available in the Activity Monitor..............................................................................................

139

49.

Policy details available in the Activity Monitor..............................................................................................

139

50. Node details on the Avamar tab of the Server Monitor...........................................................................

141

51. CPU details on the Avamar tab of the Server Monitor..............................................................................

141

52.

Network details on the Avamar tab of the Server Monitor....................................................................

141

Tables 13

53. Disk details on the Avamar tab of the Server Monitor..............................................................................

141

54. Node details on the Data Domain tab of the Server Monitor................................................................

142

55. CPU details on the Data Domain tab of the Server Monitor.................................................................

142

56. Disk (KB/S) details on the Data Domain tab of the Server Monitor.................................................

142

57.

Network (KB/S) details on the Data Domain tab of the Server Monitor........................................

142

58. Data display based on selections on the Server Management tab.....................................................

143

59. Bytes Protected Summary properties on the Server Management tab..........................................

143

60. Server Details on the Server Management tab...........................................................................................

144

61. Maintenance Activities Details on the Server Management tab...........................................................

144

62. Garbage Collection Details on the Server Management tab.................................................................

145

63. Module properties on the Server Management tab .................................................................................

145

64. Status indicators on the Node Information part of Server Management........................................

146

65. Server details on the Node Information part of Server Management..............................................

146

66. OS details on the Node Information part of Server Management......................................................

147

67.

Hardware details on the Node Information part of Server Management........................................

147

68. Status indicators on the Partition Information part of Server Management.................................

148

69. Server Details on the Node Information part of Server Management..............................................

148

70.

Data Domain system properties on the Server Management tab.......................................................

149

71. Event information........................................................................................................................................................

151

72.

Example of a batch email notification message...........................................................................................

152

73.

Mappings of syslog fields to Avamar event data........................................................................................

159

74.

Locations for the Avamar MIB definition file.................................................................................................

163

75.

Capacity limits and thresholds ............................................................................................................................

173

76.

Capacity settings in mcserver.xml......................................................................................................................

174

77. Replicas at Source features available through the source Avamar server.......................................

178

78. Descriptions of the integration of Replicas at Source into Avamar tasks........................................

179

79.

Replication configurations for Avamar replication using DD Boost.....................................................

180

14 Tables

80.

Account options for the avrepl command......................................................................................................

188

81. Logging options for the avrepl command........................................................................................................

189

82.

Replication options for the avrepl command................................................................................................

190

83.

Avamar-only advanced options for the avrepl command.......................................................................

192

84.

Numeric plug-in descriptors..................................................................................................................................

194

85.

Required options for the avrepl command.....................................................................................................

196

86.

MCS configuration parameters to support Replicas at Source............................................................

199

87. Information on the Repository tab....................................................................................................................

206

88.

Information on the History tab............................................................................................................................

207

89.

Details on the History tab......................................................................................................................................

207

90.

Installation requirements for the legacy Avamar Downloader Service.............................................

208

91. Avamar Downloader Service monitor status messages ..........................................................................

212

92.

Avamar Client Manager configuration properties.......................................................................................

217

93.

Characters not allowed in search strings........................................................................................................

221

94.

Columns used in the Server Summary section............................................................................................

226

95.

Server information on the Server panel.........................................................................................................

228

96.

Settings on the Advanced tab of Client Details..........................................................................................

232

97. Relationship states during client activation...................................................................................................

237

98.

Failed client filters......................................................................................................................................................

241

99.

Task types on the Queues page.........................................................................................................................

246

100. Task types on the Logs page.............................................................................................................................

246

101. Avamar Desktop/Laptop hardware requirements.....................................................................................

251

102. Supported web browsers forAvamar Desktop/Laptop..........................................................................

251

103. Environment variables for launching a web browser in Avamar Desktop/Laptop....................

252

104. Avamar Desktop/Laptop network requirements......................................................................................

252

105. Push install launch command arguments.....................................................................................................

253

106. Avamar Desktop/Laptop client UI functionality........................................................................................

258

Tables 15

107. Avamar Desktop/Laptop web UI functionality..........................................................................................

259

108. Descriptions of methods for starting an Avamar Desktop/Laptop client backup.....................

263

109. Datasets for single-click on-demand backups...........................................................................................

264

110. Supported values for the restrictBackupsPerDay property.................................................................

266

111. Avamar Desktop/Laptop data restore filtering...........................................................................................

268

112.

Requirements to restore from a different computer with Avamar Desktop/Laptop...............

268

113.

Avamar Desktop/Laptop parameters.............................................................................................................

270

114.

Available client logs...................................................................................................................................................

271

115. Paths to logs on Windows computers ...........................................................................................................

272

116.

Paths to logs on Linux and Mac computers ...............................................................................................

272

117. Replication configurations for Avamar replication using DD Boost...................................................

275

118. Data Domain system requirements..................................................................................................................

277

119.

Backup plug-in options..........................................................................................................................................

286

120. Backup plug-in options for (NetWare only) SMS Authentication.....................................................

287

121.

Backup plug-in options for logging...................................................................................................................

287

122. Backup plug-in options for file system traversal.......................................................................................

287

123. Backup plug-in options for pre-script............................................................................................................

287

124. Backup plug-in options for post-script..........................................................................................................

287

125. Backup plug-in client cache options...............................................................................................................

288

126. Backup plug-in advanced options ..................................................................................................................

288

127. Quota limit per backup .........................................................................................................................................

288

128. File system plug-in restore options.................................................................................................................

289

129. NetWare only) SMS Authentication restore plug-in options..............................................................

289

130. Logging restore plug-in options........................................................................................................................

289

131.

Pre-script restore plug-in options....................................................................................................................

290

132. Post-script restore plug-in options.................................................................................................................

290

133. Client cache restore plug-in options...............................................................................................................

290

16 Tables

134. Advanced restore plug-in options....................................................................................................................

290

Tables 17

Preface

As part of an effort to improve the product lines, revisions of the software and hardware are periodically released. Therefore, some functions that are described in this document might not be supported by all versions of the software or hardware currently in use. The product release notes provide the most up-to-date information on product features.

Contact the technical support professional when a product does not function correctly or does not function as described in this document.

NOTE: This document was accurate at publication time. To find the latest version of this document, go to Online Support (https://www.dell.com/support).

Purpose

This guide describes how to configure, administer, monitor, and maintain the Avamar system.

Audience

The information in this guide is primarily intended for system administrators who are responsible for maintaining servers and clients on a network, as well as operators who monitor daily backups and storage devices.

Revision history

The following table presents the revision history of this document.

Table 1. Revision history

Revision

Date

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

04

June, 2020

Updated the Plug-ins section.

 

 

 

03

January, 2020

Added references to Azure and vCenter to Data Domain Cloud Disaster

 

 

Recovery.

 

 

 

02

December, 2018

Updates to support Avamar 18.1

 

 

 

01

July, 2018

GA release of Avamar 18.1

 

 

 

Related documentation

The following publications provide additional information:

Avamar Compatibility and Interoperability Matrix

Avamar Release Notes

Avamar Operational Best Practices Guide

Avamar and Data Domain System Integration Guide

Avamar Reports Guide

All Avamar client and plug-in user guides

Typographical conventions

These type style conventions are used in this document.

18 Preface

Table 2. Typographical conventions

Bold

Used for names of interface elements, such as names of windows, dialog boxes, buttons, fields, tab

 

names, key names, and menu paths (what the user specifically selects or clicks)

Italic

Used for full titles of publications that are referenced in text

Monospace

Used for:

 

System code

 

• System output, such as an error message or script

 

• Pathnames, filenames, prompts, and syntax

 

Commands and options

Monospace italic

Used for variables

Monospace bold

Used for user input

[ ]

Square brackets enclose optional values

|

Vertical bar indicates alternate selections - the bar means "or"

{ }

Braces enclose content that the user must specify, such as x or y or z

...

Ellipses indicate nonessential information that is omitted from the example

Where to get help

The Avamar support page provides access to licensing information, product documentation, advisories, and downloads, as well as how-to and troubleshooting information. This information may resolve a product issue before contacting Customer Support.

To access the Avamar support page:

1.Go to https://www.dell.com/support.

2.Type a product name in the Find a Product by Name box.

3.Select the product from the list that appears.

4.Click the arrow next to the Find a Product by Name box.

5.(Optional) Add the product to the My Products list by clicking Add to My Saved Products in the upper right corner of the

Support by Product page.

Documentation

The Avamar product documentation provides a comprehensive set of feature overview, operational task, and technical reference information. To supplement the information in product administration and user guides, review the following documents:

Release notes provide an overview of new features and known limitations for a release.

Technical notes provide technical details about specific product features, including step-by-step tasks, where necessary.

White papers provide an in-depth technical perspective of a product or products as applied to critical business issues or requirements.

Knowledgebase

The Knowledgebase contains applicable solutions that you can search for either by solution number (for example, esgxxxxxx) or by keyword.

To search the Knowledgebase:

1.Go to https://www.dell.com/support.

2.Under the Support tab, click Knowledge Base.

3.Type either the solution number or keywords in the search box. Optionally, you can limit the search to specific products by typing a product name in the search box and then selecting the product from the list that appears.

Online communities

Go to Community Network at https://www.dell.com/community for peer contacts, conversations, and content on product support and solutions. Interactively engage online with customers, partners, and certified professionals for all products.

Preface 19

Live chat

To engage Customer Support by using live interactive chat, click Join Live Chat on the Service Center panel of the Avamar support page.

Service Requests

For in-depth help from Customer Support, submit a service request by clicking Create Service Requests on the Service Center panel of the Avamar support page.

NOTE: To open a service request, you must have a valid support agreement. Contact a sales representative for details about obtaining a valid support agreement or with questions about an account.

To review an open service request, click the Service Center link on the Service Center panel, and then click View and manage service requests.

Enhancing support

It is recommended to enable ConnectEMC and Email Home on all Avamar systems:

ConnectEMC automatically generates service requests for high priority events.

Email Home sends configuration, capacity, and general system information to Customer Support.

Comments and suggestions

Comments and suggestions help to continue to improve the accuracy, organization, and overall quality of the user publications. Send comments and suggestions about this document to DPAD.Doc.Feedback@emc.com.

Please include the following information:

Product name and version

Document name, part number, and revision (for example, 01)

Page numbers

Other details to help address documentation issues

20 Preface

1

Introduction

Topics:

Avamar system overview

Data deduplication

Security and networking

Avamar system overview

An Avamar system is a client/server network backup and restore solution.

An Avamar system consists of one or more Avamar servers and the network servers or desktop clients that back up data to those servers. The Avamar system provides centralized management through the Avamar Administrator graphical management console software application.

Avamar server

Avamar is a hard disk based IP network backup and restore solution. Avamar servers use internal hard disk storage. An Avamar server is a logical grouping of one or more nodes that is used to store and manage client backups.

Hardware manufacturers typically call their equipment servers (for instance, the Dell PowerEdge 2950 server). In the context of an Avamar system, this equipment is called a node. An Avamar node is a self-contained, rack-mountable, network-addressable computer that runs Avamar server software on the Linux operating system.

Avamar ensures fault tolerance by managing disk drive space in units of space called stripes.

In the Avamar system, an object is a single instance of deduplicated data. Each Avamar object inherently has a unique ID. Objects are stored and managed within stripes on the Avamar server.

Figure 1. Avamar server nodes, stripes, and objects

1.Avamar server.

2.Avamar node.

Introduction 21

3.Disk drive storage on the node.

4.Stripe on the disk drive.

5.Object on the stripe.

All Avamar servers store client backups and also provide essential processes and services that are required for client access and remote system administration.

Avamar servers are available in either single-node or scalable multi-node configurations. For the most part, when using Avamar Administrator management console software, all Avamar servers look and behave the same. The main differences among Avamar server configurations are the number of nodes and disk drives that are reported in the server monitor.

Documenting specific differences in Avamar server hardware configurations is beyond the scope of this guide. Whenever specific limitations and best practices for certain configurations are known, they are noted. However, these occasional notes should not be considered definitive or exhaustive. Consult an Avamar Sales representative or an Avamar reseller for more information about specific hardware.

Nodes

The primary building block in any Avamar server is a node. Each node is a self-contained, rack-mountable, network-addressable computer that runs Avamar server software on the Linux operating system.

Nodes can also contain internal storage in the form of hard disk drives. If the node is configured with internal storage (that is, a singlenode server), it is internally mirrored to provide robust fault tolerance.

There are three types of nodes.

Utility node

A utility node is dedicated to scheduling and managing background Avamar server jobs. In scalable multi-node Avamar servers, a single utility node provides essential internal services for the server, such as:

Management Console Server (MCS)

External authentication

Network Time Protocol (NTP)

Web access

Because utility nodes are dedicated to running these essential services on multi-node Avamar servers, they cannot be used to store backups. Single-node Avamar servers combine all of the features and functions of utility and storage nodes on a single node.

Storage nodes

Storage nodes are nodes that store backup data. Multiple storage nodes are configured with multi-node Avamar servers which are based on performance and capacity requirements. You can add storage nodes to an Avamar server over time to expand performance with no downtime.

Avamar clients connect directly with Avamar storage nodes. Client connections and data are load that is balanced across storage nodes.

NDMP Accelerator

An NDMP Accelerator node is a specialized node that uses NDMP to provide data protection for certain NAS devices, including the EMC Celerra® IP storage systems and Network Appliance filers.

Avamar server functional blocks

The major Avamar server functional blocks include the data server, Management Console Server (MCS), and the EM Tomcat server (EMT). The following figure illustrates the interaction of these components within the server and with other Avamar components.

22 Introduction

Dell Avamar User Manual

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avamar server 01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Console Server (MCS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avamar

 

 

 

 

Client

Account

 

 

 

 

 

 

server 02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

registry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EM

 

Avamar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scheduler/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PostgreSQL

 

 

Tomcat

 

Server

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

server 03

 

 

 

 

Reporting

 

 

 

 

 

(EMT)

 

 

 

 

 

dispatcher

 

 

 

 

database

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avamar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

server 04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avamar

Avamar Administrator

Avamar

backup client

(management console)

Client Manager

Figure 2. Avamar server functional block diagram

Data server

When performing a backup, restore, or validation, Avamar backup clients communicate directly with the data server. All scheduled backups are initiated by the MCS scheduler.

Management Console Server (MCS)

The Management Console Server (MCS) provides centralized administration (scheduling, monitoring, and management) for the Avamar server. The MCS also runs the server-side processes that are used by the Avamar Administrator graphical management console.

The following table provides details on the functions that the MCS provides.

Table 3. MCS functions

Function

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

Client registry

Controls client registration and activation.

 

 

Account management

Used to create and manage domains, clients, users, and groups.

 

 

Reporting

Used to create and export system reports. The Avamar Reports

 

Guide provides more information.

 

 

Events

Displays system events and activities.

 

 

Scheduler/dispatcher

Controls when backup and restore operations occur, or if the

 

operations can be queued for processing.

 

 

PostgreSQL database

Stores Avamar server data. PostgreSQL is an open architecture

 

database management system. Information in the MCS database is

 

accessible through any PostgreSQL-compliant ODBC interface.

 

The MCS database file name is mcdb, and it is on the utility node in

 

the /usr/local/avamar/var/mc/server_data/

 

postgres directory. The MCS database contents are fully backed

 

up on the Avamar server and can be restored when the MCS fails.

 

 

 

NOTE: The MCS database is intended for read-only

 

 

 

 

 

access for reporting or query purposes. Do not manually

 

 

 

modify any data in mcdb tables unless instructed to do

 

 

 

so by Avamar Support. Directly modifying MCS

 

 

 

 

Introduction 23

Table 3. MCS functions (continued)

Function

Description

operational data can cause loss of referential integrity, which could result in irretrievable loss of data.

EM Tomcat server (EMT)

The Avamar EM Tomcat server (EMT) provides essential services that are required to display, and work with Avamar server information.

The EMT also communicates directly with MCS. This communication is a required part of all Avamar systems.

Avamar clients

Avamar provides client software for various computing platforms. Each client comprises a client agent and one or more plug-ins.

 

 

Avamar client

 

 

File system

 

Application

plug-in

 

plug-in

 

 

 

 

Avamar server

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agent

 

Management Console Server

 

 

 

 

 

 

(MCS)

 

 

 

 

Figure 3. Avamar client agent and plug-ins

Agents

Avamar agents are platform-specific software processes that run on the client and communicate with the Management Console Server (MCS) and any plug-ins that are installed on that client.

Plug-ins

There are two types of Avamar plug-ins:

File system plug-ins that are used to browse, back up, and restore files or directories on a specific client file system.

Application plug-ins that support backup and restore of databases or other special applications.

The following table lists the file system and application plug-ins that Avamar supports.

Table 4. Supported plug-ins

Type of plug-in

Supported file systems and applications

 

 

 

 

 

 

File system

HP-UX

 

IBM AIX

 

Linux

 

Mac OS X

 

Microsoft Windows

 

• Microsoft Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)

 

Oracle Solaris

 

VMware

 

 

 

Application

IBM DB2

 

Lotus Domino

 

Microsoft Exchange

 

 

 

24 Introduction

Table 4. Supported plug-ins (continued)

Type of plug-in

Supported file systems and applications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microsoft Hyper-V

 

• Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS)

 

Microsoft SQL Server

 

• NDMP for NAS devices, including EMC Celerra IP storage

 

 

systems and Network Appliance filers

 

Oracle

 

SAP with Oracle

 

Sybase ASE

 

 

 

See the compatibility guide on Online Support (http://compatibilityguide.emc.com:8080/CompGuideApp) for client compatibility requirements and supported operating systems and application versions.

The Avamar file system client and the plug-ins that you install on the host must have the same version number.

User interfaces

Several user interfaces are available in the Avamar system to enable management and monitoring.

Avamar Administrator

Avamar Administrator is a graphical management console software application that is used to administer an Avamar system from a supported Windows client computer.

Avamar Backup & Recovery Manager

Backup & Recovery Manager manages all Avamar systems in the enterprise. Backup & Recovery Manager also has an integrated user interface to manage the enterprise’s NetWorker servers and Data Domain backup targets.

The following table lists some of the enterprise management capabilities of Backup & Recovery Manager. The table does not include additional features in Backup & Recovery Manager that are specific to NetWorker servers and to Data Domain backup targets.

Table 5. Avamar system management features of Backup & Recovery Manager

Feature

Backup & Recovery Manager

 

 

 

 

 

Software host

VMware vSphere client

 

 

At-a-glance dashboard

Select between consolidated and individual status views of Avamar

 

systems, NetWorker servers, and Data Domain systems

 

 

 

Detailed backup and capacity information for Avamar systems

Yes

 

 

 

Monitor backups

Yes, through an Activity Monitor screen. Use the Activity Monitor

 

screen to view backup and replication details, and to start, stop,

 

and restart tasks.

 

 

 

Replication management

Yes

 

 

 

 

Launch other management applications

Avamar Administrator

 

Avamar Client Manager

 

Avamar Installation Manager

 

AvInstaller service

 

 

Display warnings, errors, and system alerts

Yes, in a quick-look graphical display and in detailed text. Filter the

 

view by product, system, and category.

 

 

 

Management reports: select, view, and export

Backup

 

System

 

Configuration

 

 

 

The Backup & Recovery Manager product documentation provides complete details on the user interface.

Introduction 25

Avamar Client Manager

Avamar Client Manager is a web-based management application that provides centralized Avamar client administration capabilities for larger businesses and enterprises. Avamar Client Manager helps with the management of large numbers of Avamar clients.

Avamar Client Manager works with Avamar clients on a supported native operating system and Avamar clients on a supported operating system running in a VMware virtual machine. Avamar Client Manager cannot work with Avamar clients through virtual center, virtual machine, or virtual proxy configurations. The Avamar Client Manager UI displays supported Avamar clients and hides all unsupported clients.

Avamar Desktop/Laptop

Avamar Desktop/Laptop is a version of the Avamar client software that adds enhanced features for enterprise desktop and laptop computers.

The Avamar Desktop/Laptop features are designed to improve the functionality of Avamar client for Windows and Macintosh desktops and laptops. Many of the features are also supported on qualifying Linux computers.

Avamar Desktop/Laptop functionality is available through two user interfaces:

The client local user interface (client UI) is installed on the client computer when you install either the Avamar Client for Windows or the Avamar Client for Mac OS X. With the client UI, an Avamar icon appears in the notification area ("system tray") on Windows computers or on the menu bar on Mac computers. Right-click the icon on Windows or click the icon on Mac to open the client menu, which provides access to backup, restore, program settings, and logs.

Use the web browser user interface (web UI) to start an on-demand backup or restore, view backup and restore activity for a client computer, or configure other backup settings for a client computer.

Avamar Installation Manager

The Avamar Installation Manager user interface is part of the AvInstaller software that Customer Support installs on the utility node during an Avamar server software installation or upgrade. Use the Avamar Installation Manager to install and upgrade software on the Avamar server.

Avamar Downloader Service

The Avamar Downloader Service manages the process of checking for and downloading Avamar server software updates. The Avamar Downloader Service software runs on a stand-alone Microsoft Windows server that allows network access to Avamar sites on the Internet and to all Avamar servers at a site.

Avamar Web Restore

Avamar Web Restore provides access to the following functionality:

Search for or browse backed up directories and files to restore.

Download Avamar client software.

View Avamar product documentation that is stored on the Avamar server.

Open the Avamar Administrator management console software.

Data Domain system support

You can store backups on either the Avamar server or a Data Domain system. Backup metadata is stored on the Avamar server.

Before you can store backups on a Data Domain system, add the Data Domain system to the Avamar configuration by using Avamar Administrator. Then select the Data Domain system in the plug-in options when you perform an on-demand backup or when you create a dataset for a scheduled backup. You can also use the command line interface (CLI) to perform backups to a Data Domain system.

The steps to restore backups are the same whether you restore from the Avamar server or a Data Domain system. The restore process determines the location of the backup and restores the backup.

Support for Data Domain Cloud Tier was initiated in Avamar 7.4. DD Cloud Tier moves data from Data Domain to the cloud. From the Avamar Administrator, you can configure cloud tier to move Avamar backups from Data Domain to the cloud, and perform seamless recovery of these backups.

Data Domain Cloud Tier Disaster Recovery support was initiated with Avamar 7.5. You can recover backups from the cloud in case of the loss of a Data Domain and also recover an Avamar server from the cloud.

26 Introduction

The Avamar and Data Domain System Integration Guide provides more information about Data Domain systems in an Avamar environment, including detailed steps to add a Data Domain system to the Avamar configuration.

Data deduplication

Data deduplication is a key feature of the Avamar system. Data deduplication ensures that each unique sub-file, variable length object is stored only once across sites and servers.

During backups, Avamar client software examines the client file system and applies a data deduplication algorithm that identifies redundant data sequences and breaks the client file system into sub-file, 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 has been stored on the server, it is not sent over the network again, no matter how many times it is encountered on any number of clients. This feature significantly reduces network traffic and provides for greatly enhanced storage efficiency on the server.

Figure 4. Data deduplication

1.Break data into atoms (variable length segments of file data).

2.Send and store each atom only once.

3.Up to 500 times daily data reduction in the Avamar backup repository.

Security and networking

The following sections provide an overview of key Avamar security and networking features. The Avamar Product Security Guide provides full details on product security and network configuration.

Encryption

To provide enhanced security, Avamar can encrypt all data that is sent between clients and the server “in flight.”

You can set the encryption level on a client-by-client basis in client properties, or for an entire group of clients in group properties. You can also disable “in-flight” encryption entirely.

Each Avamar server can also be configured to encrypt data that is stored on the server “at rest.” The decision to encrypt all data that is stored in an Avamar server is typically a one-time decision that is made when the server is initially deployed at a customer site.

Introduction 27

IPv4 and IPv6 support

Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of communication rules for routing traffic across networks to addressable devices like Avamar system components. The Avamar system supports both Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) and IPv6 address notation.

IPv4 notation

IPv4 notation is displayed as four octets, that are 1- to 3-digit base 10 numbers in a range of 0 to 255. Each octet is separated by periods and represents 8 bits of data for a total address space of 32 bits.

A subnet mask identifies a range (a subnet) of IP addresses on the same network. For Avamar purposes, the subnet mask is /24, representative of a 255.255.255.0 netmask.

An example of IPv4 address and subnet mask is10.99.99.99/24.

IPv4 notation cannot be abbreviated. If an octet has zero (0) value, use a 0 in that octet.

IPv6 notation

IPv6 notation is displayed as 16 octets, that are 2-digit hexadecimal (base 16) numbers in a range of 00 to FF. IPv6 notation combines octets by pairs into eight groups that are separated by colons, each group representing 16 bits of data for a total address space of 128 bits.

For Avamar purposes, the subnet mask (called prefix in IPv6) is /64.

An example IPv6 address and prefix is 2001:0db8:85a3:0042:1000:8a2e:0370:7334/64.

As for a group with zero (0) value, IPv6 notation is different from IPv4 that can be abbreviated. For example, the following is a valid IPv6 address and prefix: 2001:db8:abcd:0012::0/64.

Avamar IP configurations

In the Avamar user interface, an IP address may be displayed in either IPv4 or IPv6 notation. The displayed value depends on how that particular component was configured when the hardware and software were installed.

IPv4 and IPv6 are not interoperable. They operate in separate stacks (that is, parallel, independent networks).

Avamar can be set up in a dual stack configuration. In that case, each Avamar component may have an IPv4 address, an IPv6 address, or both (one primary and the other secondary). The Avamar user interface may display a component's primary address or both dual stack addresses. For example, the following IP address for a particular device indicates that it is configured as dual stack:

10.99.99.99/24,2001:db8:abcd:0012::0/64.

TSL 1.2 encryption protocol required

Encrypted traffic using the TLS 1.0 and 1.1 protocols is no longer supported. Browsers, clients, and other components that require these protocols are not allowed to connect to the server. Only TLS 1.2 encryption is supported.

SSH MAC algorithms

The SSH configuration has been modified to remove weak MAC algorithms that are used for SSH connections.

The following MAC algorithms are used for SSH connections:

hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com

hmac-sha2-512

hmac-sha2-256-etm@openssh.com

hmac-sha2-256

umac-128-etm@openssh.com

umac-128@openssh.com

hmac-ripemd160-etm@openssh.com

hmac-ripemd160

NOTE: Older versions of SSH clients, such as PuTTY or Plink, use weak MAC algorithms for an SSH connection and must be upgraded. To view the latest release of PuTTY, see http://www.putty.org/

28 Introduction

2

Avamar Administrator

Topics:

Overview of Avamar Administrator

Installing Avamar Administrator

Upgrading Avamar Administrator

Uninstalling Avamar Administrator

Editing Avamar Administrator client preferences

Setting a session time-out for Avamar Administrator

Starting Avamar Administrator

Avamar Administrator dashboard

Avamar Administrator user interface elements

Overview of Avamar Administrator

Avamar Administrator is a graphical management console software application that is used to administer an Avamar system from a supported Windows or Linux client computer.

Install Avamar Administrator on a supported computer and launch the software from the desktop icon or a command shell, or launch the Java Web Start version of the console software from a web browser or from Backup & Recovery Manager.

Avamar Administrator is the primary user interface for monitoring and configuring the Avamar system. Use it to monitor backup, restore, and system maintenance activities, as well as to configure backup policies, manage clients and user accounts, and configure other system settings.

You can administer one Avamar system at a time from Avamar Administrator.

The Avamar Administrator dashboard appears when you log in to Avamar Administrator. The dashboard provides an at-a-glance view of Avamar system status, as well as access to all functionality through menus and launcher links.

Installing Avamar Administrator

You can install Avamar Administrator on supported Microsoft Windows and 64-bit Linux platforms.

About this task

Details on support for specific operating system versions are available in the Avamar Compatibility and Interoperability Matrix on Avamar Support at http://compatibilityguide.emc.com:8080/CompGuideApp.

NOTE: Before installing Avamar Administrator, ensure that the platform has already been manually upgraded to Java 7 or 8. Ensure that the DNS environment is configured so that all clients that run the Administrator can resolve the Hash File System address (hfsaddr) value.

Installing Avamar Administrator on Microsoft Windows

Steps

1.Log in to the computer on which you are installing Avamar Administrator.

2.Open a web browser and type the following URL: https://Avamar_server/dtlt/home.html

where Avamar_server is the DNS name or IP address of the Avamar server. The Avamar Web Restore page appears.

3.Click Downloads.

Avamar Administrator

29

4.Do one of the following, depending on the operating system:

If you are installing the software on 32-bit Windows, click + next to the Windows (32 bit) folder.

If you are installing the software on 64-bit Windows, click + next to the Windows (64 bit) folder.

5.Do one of the following, depending on the operating system:

If you are installing the software on 32-bit Windows, click + next to the Microsoft Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (Console) folder.

If you are installing the software on 64-bit Windows, click + next to the Microsoft Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2 (Console) folder.

6.Locate the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) install package, which is typically the last entry in the folder.

7.If the JRE on the client computer is older than the JRE hosted on the Avamar server, download and install the newer JRE from the Avamar server:

a.Click the jre-version.exe install package, where version is the JRE version.

b.Open the installation file, or download the file and then open it from the saved location.

c.Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the JRE installation.

8.Click the AvamarConsoleMultiple-windows-version.exe install package, where version is the Avamar Administrator software version.

9.Open the installation file, or download the file and then open it from the saved location.

10.Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the Avamar Administrator software installation.

Installing Avamar Administrator on Linux

Steps

1.Log in to the computer on which you are installing Avamar Administrator.

2.Open a web browser and type the following URL: https://Avamar_server/dtlt/home.html

where Avamar_server is the DNS name or IP address of the Avamar server. The Avamar Web Restore page appears.

3.Click Downloads.

4.Click + next to the Linux for x86 (64 bit) folder.

5.Click + next to the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (Console) folder.

NOTE: Use the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 install packages for all supported Linux versions.

6.Locate the JRE RPM install package, which is typically the last entry in the folder.

7.If the JRE on the client computer is older than the JRE hosted on the Avamar server, then download the install package to a temporary folder such as /tmp.

The install package filename is jre-version-platform.rpm, where version is the JRE version and platform is the computing platform.

8.Download the AvamarConsole-linux-rhel5-x86_64-version.rpm install package to a temporary install folder such as / tmp.

9.Open a command shell and log in as root on the computer where the software is installed.

10.Change directory to the temporary folder to which you downloaded the install packages by typing a command such as cd /tmp.

11.If you downloaded a JRE, install it by typing rpm -ivh jre-version-platform.rpm.

12.Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the JRE installation.

13.Install Avamar Administrator by typing rpm -ih AvamarConsole-linux-rhel5-x86_64-version.rpm

The install process prompts you to run avsetup_mcc to configure Avamar Administrator.

14.Configure Avamar Administrator by typing /usr/local/avamar/version/bin/avsetup_mcc. The configuration process prompts you to specify the location of the JRE installation.

15.Press Enter to accept the default install location.

The configuration process prompts you to specify the root directory of the Avamar software.

16.Press Enter to accept the default install location. A confirmation message appears.

30 Avamar Administrator

Loading...
+ 266 hidden pages