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+--- Thread: Backup of iSCSI (/showthread.php?tid=11722)
Backup of iSCSI - Enquiries - 02-15-2025
Greetings,
I am configuring an Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3. I currently have two volumes (1 - NVME, 2 - HD) setup. Is there a way to backup the contents of an iSCSI target/LUN?
I can setup snapshots but my understanding is that these are stored on the same volume as the share.
I am trying to figure out my backup strategy. I would like to use the NVME volume for primary storage with a backup on a disk based volume. Then I would like to sync the backup volume with a USB based device. I'm just not understanding how to backup the iSCSI files.
Thank you,
Jeff
RE: Backup of iSCSI - ed - 02-21-2025
It's a common challenge to back up iSCSI targets effectively, as they present themselves as block devices rather than simple files. Here's a breakdown of the issues and some potential solutions, tailored to your Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 setup:
Understanding the Challenge
Block-Level Access: iSCSI targets are accessed at the block level, meaning the NAS treats them as raw disks. This makes traditional file-based backups difficult.
Snapshot Limitations: While snapshots are valuable for point-in-time recovery, they reside on the same volume, leaving you vulnerable to volume-level failures.
Application Consistency: If the iSCSI target is used by a database or other application, simply copying the blocks might result in an inconsistent backup.
Backup Strategies for iSCSI Targets
Here's how you can approach backing up your iSCSI LUNs, considering your Asustor NAS and desired backup flow:
Application-Aware Backups:
If the iSCSI target is used by a specific application (e.g., a database server, virtual machine host), use the application's built-in backup tools. These tools understand the application's data structure and can ensure consistent backups.
For virtual machines, use the hypervisor's backup features (e.g., VMware vSphere, Hyper-V).
For databases utilize the databases native backup tools.
LUN Snapshots and Replication (Asustor's Capabilities):
While snapshots on the same volume aren't ideal for full disaster recovery, they're excellent for quick restores.
Check if your Asustor NAS supports LUN replication. If it does, you can replicate the LUN to your HDD volume. This would provide a local backup.
Asustor does provide backup tools, and it is vital to check the current Asustor documentation to see if they have added any features that provide a direct iSCSI backup.
Host-Based Backups:
If the iSCSI target is mounted on a host computer (e.g., a Windows or Linux server), use the host's backup software to back up the mounted volume. This bypasses the NAS's limitations.
Tools like Veeam Backup & Replication, Acronis Cyber Protect, or even built-in OS tools like Windows Server Backup or rsync (for Linux) can be used.