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What is the difference between levels 1 to 9 for an incremental copy

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Applies to

  • ONTAP 9
  • NDMP

Answer

Explanation of Backup Levels:
  • Level 0 Backup: This is a full backup, meaning all data from the specified source path is copied to the destination path. This serves as the base for subsequent incremental backups
  • Levels 1 to 9: These levels are used to perform incremental backups, which only copy data that has changed since the last backup of a lower or equal level
Note: 
  • The higher the level number, the more specific the incremental backup, meaning it will only include changes since the last backup of the immediately lower level
  • For example, a level 3 backup will include changes since the last level 2, level 1, or level 0 backup, whichever is the most recent
Functioning of NDMP Backup Levels:
  • Level 0: Full backup. All files and directories from the source are copied to the destination, regardless of changes
  • Level 1: Incremental backup relative to the last full backup (level 0). Only files and directories modified since the last full backup are copied
  • Levels 2 to 9: Incremental backups relative to the last lower-level backup. For example, a level 2 backup copies files modified since the last level 1 backup, a level 3 backup copies files modified since the last level 2 backup, and so on
Example with a Diagram:
  • Scenario where a series of backups are made over several days:

Case 2010210446_ NDMP backup_Diagram.png

Conclusion:
  • NDMP backup levels help reduce the amount of data backed up by only copying files modified since the last lower-level backup
  • This optimizes storage space usage and reduces the time required to perform backups

Additional Information

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