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Can the size of future snapshots be estimated?

  1. Last updated
    Jan 10, 2025
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Category:
ontap-9
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CORE
Last Updated:
1/10/2025, 7:33:40 AM

Applies to

  • ONTAP 9
  • Snapshot

Answer

  • No, the size of future snapshots cannot be estimated. 
  • The size of future snapshots depends on the uniqueness of your data, how it changes, and several other factors such as real-time data change rate, snapshot retention, snapshot overhead, and snapshot reserve:
    • When the data changes, the original block is preserved in the snapshot until it is no longer needed.
      • The amount of space consumed by the snapshot depends on how much the data has changed after the snapshot is taken.
    • The product owner/administrator needs to know the data change rate in that volume.
      • You can use performance monitoring tools (data write rates or overall volume activity) or historical data (analyze previous snapshots and their sizes) to make an educated guess at best.
      • There is no formula or way to determine the size of the next snapshot.
      • You may try to predict data activity if data on the volume isn't generated by human beings.
      • Here you may try to understand/create a model/project the application behavior, data access/change patterns and predict when the significant changes are likely to occur.
    • Deduplication and compression ratios for the volume could also significantly affect the snapshot size.
      • A conservative estimate could be possible if you assume that the entire volume may change.
      • This will give you an upper limit of the next snapshot size.

Additional Information

 

NetApp provides no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability or serviceability of any information or recommendations provided in this publication or with respect to any results that may be obtained by the use of the information or observance of any recommendations provided herein. The information in this document is distributed AS IS and the use of this information or the implementation of any recommendations or techniques herein is a customer's responsibility and depends on the customer's ability to evaluate and integrate them into the customer's operational environment. This document and the information contained herein may be used solely in connection with the NetApp products discussed in this document.