Relink to snapshots

TimeFinder SnapVX is a local replication solution that is designed to non-disruptively create point-in-time copies (snapshots) of critical data.

Prerequisites

  • See Roles and associated permissions to determine the user roles that can perform this task.
  • To relink in Copy mode:
    • The original link must be fully copied before the relink operation.
    • The copy is the difference between the original linked snapshot and the newly linked snapshot.
  • Any pre-existing data that was exclusive to the target is lost during a link or relink.
  • Storage groups of Celerra FBA emulation may be managed externally using eNAS.
  • SRDF/Metro Volumes that have snapshots that are taken can be expanded. When linking an expanded volume, the link targets should use the size of the volume when the snapshot as taken to find link candidates.

About this task

This procedure explains how to perform this operation from the TimeFinder/SnapVX view. You can also perform this operation from other locations in the user interface. Depending on the location, some of the steps may not apply.

This procedure explains how to unlink a target storage group from a snapshot, and then automatically link it to another snapshot. After a relink operation, the copy between the original linked snapshot and the newly linked snapshot is differential.

You can also relink storage group to the same snapshot and the relink operation refreshes the point-in-time copy on the target storage group when host writes have modified it.

Steps

  1. Select the storage system.
  2. Click Protection and select Manual SnapVX from the Protected Storage Groups section of the summary panel.
  3. Select the storage group, click An icon showing three dots arranged in a vertical row, signifying a menu with more options, and select Relink.
    For storage groups with Celerra FBA emulation, a warning dialog is displayed indicating that the storage group may be managed externally using eNAS. To continue, click OK, otherwise click Cancel.
  4. Select the link target Storage group and the snapshot Name.
  5. Click Advanced Options to continue setting the advanced options, as described next.

    Setting Advanced options:

    • To create a permanent, full-time copy of the data on the SRP of the target volume, select Copy. Selecting Copy enables the Remote option.
    • To specify that the operation is for devices in STAR mode, select Star.
    • To force the operation even though one or more volumes may not be in the normal, expected state, select Force.
  6. Do one of the following:
    • Click Run Now to perform the operation now.
    • Expand Run Now and click Add to Job List to add this task to the job list, from which you can schedule or run the task at your convenience. For more information, see Schedule jobs and Preview jobs.