User guide

When using a Layer 2 extension, the recovery server is, practically speaking, on the
same LAN as the source. And this presents a dilemma: if you place two machines
with the same IP address on the same LAN, neither functions properly.
To avoid this collision of IP addresses, VSR powers off the recovery server, then
boots the production server. This introduces a small but unavoidable downtime
that begins when VSR powers off the recovery server, and ends when your
production server has finished booting and is back on line. Typically, this
downtime is only single-digit minutes but, as with any scheduled downtime, it is
best scheduled to occur at the slowest time of the week.
Open the following firewall TCP/IP ports on your software and hardware firewalls
as bidirectional to enable successful failback:
v 5501
v 5511
v 5531
v 5551
Procedure
1. Log in to the portal as in step 2 on page 4. Click Downloads, then download
the Failback ISO file.
2. Either mount the ISO file on a network drive, or burn it to a CD.
3. Boot the recovered server from the network drive or CD, depending on your
choice in the preceding step.
4. If your network has DHCP enabled, the recovered server:
a. Acquires an IP address.
b. Contacts the IBM VSR server.
c. Automatically initiates reverse replication.
5. If your network lacks DHCP, use a static IP address to initiate reverse
replication.
6. The remaining steps of this procedure are covered in Appendix C, “Failback in
Detail,” on page 51.
How the Imported Media Virtual Machine Service Level Works
The Imported Media Virtual Machine service level does not involve replication.
1. The IBM VSR Customer takes the most recent backup, on tapes or NAS, to the
IBM Recovery Center. There, the IBM VSR Administrator restores it to the VSR
SAN through the dedicated media server.
2. Backups are restored to the SAN, and VMs are created for each restored
machine. Then, IBM VSR Customers can manage their servers through the VSR
portal.
3. When IBM VSR Customers' recoveries conclude, the IBM VSR Administrator
assists the IBM VSR Customers to back up their VMs. Backup is performed
using the customers' backup software and backup media.
4. IBM VSR Customers take their backup media back to their production
environments, where they restore their servers and resume production.
Chapter 1. Introduction 7