Index from snapshot operation in an SLP
The Index from snapshot operation indexes the contents of existing snapshots. When NetBackup indexes a snapshot, it creates an image catalog file in the NetBackup catalog for each snapshot. The presence of an image catalog file assists the user when a file needs to be restored from the snapshot, as described in the table.
Table: Restore operation
Type of restore | Where performed? | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
Live browse restore | NetBackup Backup, Archive, and Restore interface | You can navigate the directory structure to locate and select the files for restoration. | During a live browse restore, NetBackup automatically mounts the snapshot so that you can see what files it contains. Mounting and unmounting the snapshot can be time-consuming. |
The Backup from snapshot operation also creates an image catalog file. An Index from snapshot may not be required if a Backup from snapshot occurs frequently enough for the restore needs in your environment. For example, if the Backup from snapshot runs once per week but file restores are required daily, consider using the Index from snapshot feature.
Snapshot restore requires that the snapshot is mounted, regardless of whether an index from snapshot is performed or not.
Table: Index from snapshot operation characteristics
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Storage unit selection | The Index from snapshot operation does not write data to a storage unit. However, a storage unit selection is needed to select the media server that is to be used to access the snapshot. As a best practice, use the storage unit from the snapshot or replication operation that is the source for this operation. |
Child of | When an Index from snapshot operation appears in an SLP, it must be the child of a snapshot or replication operation. Therefore, select either a snapshot or a replication operation in the SLP when adding an Index from snapshot operation. |
Source for | While an Index from snapshot operation cannot be the source for any operation, a replication operation can follow it. |
Hierarchy notes | The index from snapshot operation can consume system resources and requires that each snapshot is mounted to create the image catalog file. See Determining where and when the Index from snapshot operation occurs. |
Job type | An Index from snapshot operation generates an job in the . |
Window | An SLP window can be created for an Index from snapshot operation. |
Consider the following items before using the Index from snapshot operation:
Standard, NAS-Data-Protection, and VMware backup policy types support the use of storage lifecycle policies that contain the Index from snapshot operation.