I85PREP
⌘ K
Dell NetWorker Deploy 2023 study materials
Dell NetWorker Deploy 2023 study resources

Dell NetWorker Deploy 2023: Storage Node and Device Configuration

Dell NetWorker Deploy 2023 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Storage Node and Device Configuration

What this domain tests

This domain checks whether you can attach devices to the correct storage node, label and mount media, place volumes in the right pool, and explain device types such as tape, AFTD, and Data Domain.

Storage node and device basics

A storage node is the host that owns devices and runs nsrmmd processes. A device resource must reference a storage node; if the device is configured on the wrong host, backups fail at the data path. Device types include tape drives, tape libraries (jukeboxes), AFTD (Advanced File Type Device), and Data Domain devices using DD Boost. Each device has a media type, access mode, and maximum sessions or target sessions.

Media and pools

  • A volume must be labeled before NetWorker can write to it. Labeling writes NetWorker metadata and assigns the volume to a pool.
  • A pool selects volumes for backup or clone actions. A backup action that targets a pool with no labeled volumes will wait or fail.
  • Use nsrjb for jukebox operations such as inventory, load, unload, and label. Use nsrmm to change volume status, mount, unmount, and recycle volumes.
  • A volume becomes recyclable when its save sets are no longer retained and the volume is not in use. Do not manually recycle a volume that still holds needed save sets.

Worked example

An AFTD device is created, but every backup to its pool fails with a media waiting message. The device exists, but no volume has been labeled in the pool. The action targets the pool, the pool has no writable volumes, and NetWorker has nowhere to write. Label a volume into that pool and confirm the device is enabled and mounted. The backup then proceeds. The client and schedule were never the problem.

Traps

Do not attach a device to a storage node that does not own the underlying path. Do not confuse labeling with mounting; both may be required. For Data Domain, confirm DD Boost licensing and credentials, not just the device path. AFTD volumes need sufficient filesystem space and correct access permissions for the NetWorker service account.