How to Add AFTD in Networker: An Overview

1. Introduction

Dell EMC NetWorker is a powerful backup and recovery software solution used in enterprise environments to protect and manage data. One of the key features in NetWorker is the ability to configure various types of backup devices, including Advanced File Type Devices (AFTD). AFTD refers to a file system storage device that NetWorker can use to store backup data on disk. Adding an AFTD to your NetWorker environment ensures that backups are stored efficiently and can be easily managed.

In this article, we will walk through the steps to add an AFTD in NetWorker, covering configuration, best practices, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth setup.

2. What is AFTD in NetWorker?

Definition and Purpose of AFTD

An Advanced File Type Device (AFTD) in NetWorker is a disk-based backup storage option. It allows backup data to be stored on standard file systems, such as local or network-mounted volumes. Unlike traditional tape drives, AFTDs offer faster access times and more flexibility when managing backups. They are particularly useful for short-term storage and rapid restores in data recovery scenarios.

Use Cases for AFTD

AFTDs are commonly used in the following scenarios:

• Disk-to-Disk Backup: Storing backups on disks before offloading to long-term storage such as tape or cloud.
• Faster Restores: Due to quicker access times compared to tape devices.
• Scalable Storage: Expanding disk storage for backups as data grows over time.

3. Prerequisites for Adding AFTD

Before you can add an AFTD to NetWorker, several prerequisites must be met:

• Sufficient Disk Space: Ensure that the disk or network storage volume where the AFTD will be created has enough space to store backups.
• Operating System Compatibility: Verify that your NetWorker server and storage node support the file system on which the AFTD will reside.
• Permissions and Access: The NetWorker server or storage node must have the necessary read/write permissions to the target storage path.

Additionally, you should have administrative access to both NetWorker Management Console (NMC) and the server where the device will be configured.

4. Steps to Add an AFTD in Networker

Step 1: Access NetWorker Management Console (NMC)

1. Open the NetWorker Management Console (NMC) by logging into your system with administrative privileges.
2. Navigate to the Devices section in the left-hand pane of the console.

Step 2: Launch the AFTD Configuration Wizard

1. In the Devices section, click on Configure Device Wizard or manually add the device by selecting New Device.
2. Select Advanced File Type Device (AFTD) as the type of storage device you want to configure.

Step 3: Specify Device Details

1. Device Name: Enter a name for the AFTD that will help you identify it easily. For example, “AFTD_Backup_1”.
2. Device Path: Specify the full path where the AFTD will reside. This could be a local directory on the NetWorker server or storage node, or a network-mounted share.
   • Example: /mnt/backup_volume/aftd_1/ for a Linux server, or D:\backup\aftd_1\ for a Windows server.
3. Storage Node: Choose the storage node or NetWorker server where the device will be managed.

Step 4: Configure Media Management Settings

1. Media Pool Assignment: Assign the AFTD to a media pool that is configured for disk-based storage. This pool will manage how backups are stored on the disk.
2. Labeling Options: You can choose to label the device’s volumes immediately or at a later time.
3. Retention Policies: Set retention policies that determine how long data will remain on the AFTD before being purged or moved to another storage medium.

Step 5: Finalize the Configuration

1. Review the device configuration in the summary window.
2. Click Finish to create the AFTD.

The AFTD will now appear in the list of devices in the NetWorker Management Console. You can begin using it for backup and recovery operations immediately after the configuration.

5. Best Practices for Managing AFTDs

Regular Monitoring and Maintenance

After configuring an AFTD, it is essential to monitor its health and capacity regularly. You should:

• Monitor Disk Space: Keep an eye on available storage to ensure the device does not run out of space during backups.
• Check Logs and Alerts: Review logs within NetWorker and set up alerts to notify you of any issues with the AFTD.
• Schedule Maintenance: Periodically check file systems for errors and fragmentation to avoid performance degradation over time.

Optimize Media Pool Usage

Assigning the AFTD to a dedicated media pool can help in better organization and optimization of backup data. It’s a good practice to segregate disk and tape backups into separate pools to ensure efficient data movement and retention management.

Data Protection and Redundancy

Ensure that your AFTD is part of a larger data protection strategy. This may include:

• Replication: Consider replicating the AFTD to another location for redundancy.
• Off-site Storage: For long-term protection, data stored on the AFTD can be migrated to tape or cloud storage at regular intervals.

6. Troubleshooting AFTD Configuration Issues

AFTD Fails to Mount

If your AFTD fails to mount, check the following:

• Permissions: Ensure the storage node or NetWorker server has the correct read/write permissions to access the file system where the AFTD is located.
• Disk Space: Verify that there is enough available space on the disk for the device to mount.
• File System Issues: Check the file system for any errors or corruption that might prevent the AFTD from mounting.

Backup Failures Due to AFTD

If backups to the AFTD fail, it may be due to:

• Insufficient Disk Space: Free up space on the AFTD or add additional storage.
• Media Pool Misconfiguration: Ensure that the AFTD is correctly assigned to the media pool that handles disk-based backups.
• Labeling Issues: Make sure that volumes on the AFTD are properly labeled and recognized by NetWorker.

7. Future Trends in AFTD and Disk-based Backups

As backup technology continues to evolve, disk-based storage solutions like AFTDs are becoming more advanced. Key trends to watch for include:

• Integration with Cloud Storage: More organizations are leveraging hybrid storage solutions where AFTDs are used for local backups, with cloud storage serving as the long-term retention layer.
• Improved Deduplication and Compression: Advanced file systems and storage solutions are focusing on better deduplication and compression technologies to maximize storage efficiency on AFTDs.
• Automation and AI Integration: Future developments in backup technologies may involve greater automation in managing AFTDs, along with AI-driven analytics to optimize backup processes.

8. Conclusion

Adding an AFTD to your NetWorker environment is an effective way to implement disk-based backups that offer faster access to backup data and greater scalability. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can configure an AFTD in NetWorker and ensure that it operates efficiently within your backup infrastructure. Remember to follow best practices for monitoring, maintenance, and data protection to get the most out of your AFTD.