How to connect CIFS share as backup repository

[jschenk]

HI, at the moment I'm backing up from direct-attached SAN (with storage-based snapshots) to my physical proxyserver which has local disks for storage.
So the Proxy server retrieves the data directly via the fiber network from the VNX SAN utilizing storage-based snapshots and thus very short lived VMware snapshots.
The backup server is a VM on the SAN

We will however be moving to a new vSan solution in the near future.
As there is now no way for the proxy server to directly access the data, I will have to use Virtual Appliance mode for transporting the data to the (now CIFS) repository. (correct?)
But the documentation makes me a little confused.

As I read it, I need a new virtual proxy server in the new setup which in turn needs a gateway server to transport the data to the CIFS repository.
Where should I put this Gateway server?
- on the new virtual proxy server
- on the old physical proxy server (which will be used as CIFS server for the repository),
- on the B&R server (VM)
Or will VEEAM determine that for me?

I will have only 1 proxy server since there is only 1 location with 1 cluster and 1 storage repository.

Thanks for your advice!

[HannesK]

Hello,
and welcome to the forums

I will have to use Virtual Appliance mode

Yes, virtual appliance mode is the most efficient one because it is backing up the "nearest" data (if you have one proxy per ESX host). But you don't "have to" use it. NBD is also an option. NBD does not have the HotAdd overhead which can speed up backup with low change rates.

to the (now CIFS) repository

I strongly recommend using block storage with a file system that supports block cloning like REFS and XFS (except you are doing active full). https://www.veeam.com/blog/advanced-ref ... suite.html

on the new virtual proxy server

that's what happens if you choose "automatic selection"

on the old physical proxy server (which will be used as CIFS server for the repository),

recommendation: use it as windows / Linux proxy instead of SMB repository. If you really want to use SMB protocol, then the repository server is also a good gateway (manual selection)


Best regards,
Hannes