backups too slow > nothing helps

[jnywu]

Hey everybody!

Merry Christmas and a Happy Kwanzaa to all. Now to the problem - I cannot get over 2.0 MB/min transfer rate on backups of remote servers.

"But wait, have you tried..." Here's the current setup:
- I'm trying to backup two remote servers, an Exchange 5.5 (on NT) and file server (2k). Remote agents are installed.
- Currently running Veritas 9.0 build 4454.
- Cisco switches, all relevant ports running FastE full duplex and network traffic is negligible.

The Veritas knowledgebase is worthless. I found this (

http://www.tek-tips.com/gviewthread.cfm/lev2/7/lev3/49/pid/481/qid/666957),

but it is not helpful (No NIC teaming and all NICs configured 100 Full Duplex).

I'm at a loss. I tried rolling back to 8.0 and the backup is still slow, but doesn't break with "a00084f9 HEX".

Any help anyone can provide is most appreciated. Also, alternatives to Veritas are welcome.

J.Wu

 

[search66]

I've had similar problems, and you are right... Veritas is about as helpful as a hole in the head.

On the networking side of the issue... Is both the switch *and* NIC set as 100/full and not Auto/Auto? Sometimes that really does make a difference.

Do you have the Open File option turned off?
How about re-setting authentication settings on both sides.

I'm just throwing things out to you, and after doing these three things my xfer rate went from 2mb to around 30.

 

[jnywu]

Hey Search, thanks for responding.

Yes - Switch and NICs are set at 100/full, not Auto/Auto.

Open File option is not turned off. I will try this and see what happens.
How would I reset authentication on both sides?

I'm currently installing all hotfixes. Got inspired by:

http://www.tek-tips.com/gviewthread.cfm/pid/481/qid/596252

We'll see how these hotfixes work out...
J.Wu

 

[search66]

I *highly* recommend turning off the open file option...

To set authentication do this:

- Job Definitions
- Right click on the Job Name
- Goto Properties
- Goto Selections
- Browse to the remote server/drive that you want to back up.
- Right click on the shared resource (drive or server) and click on "Attach to Device"
- Here is where you want to make sure that you have a sufficient username in. I recommend creating a backup id (ie Veritas_BU) and give them system control.

Make sure you use the right format too...

domain\user
pw

On the remote server, check the services and look for the remote agent. Right click on the sucker and make sure you have a good account there too...

Good luck

 

[comtec17]

Are you running any anti-virus on the machines? If so, turn them off or at least turn off outbound scanning on the remote servers and inbound scanning on the backup server.

 

[steveot]

I would disable antivirus or at least disable on outbound scanning.
Edit the host/lmhost files on each end...just for testing.
Take a 100 mb file and copy it from the remote server to the media server. Copy it back...do you notice a difference in time? Try creating a backup to disk folder and backup the system state on the 2k file server. What rates do you get when you take the tape device out of the picture?

 

[justin2000]

you could also try getting a crossover cable and plugging the servers directly to each other.

have you tried running network monitor, see if you are dropping packets.

what is the speed when you run local backups.

also try 100/half

it does sound like you have a network issue there is both 8.0 and 9.0 backup very slowly.

 

[jnywu]

So picture this: it's the day after Christmas and I decide to stop by the office. This backup problem has me all bugaboo. I'm thinking to myself, "what the hell is causing the backup to run so slow?" I look around. I've got four systems at my desk, but only two drops...hmm...

I forgot about the 10/100 auto-sensing hub under my desk! I feel like a grade-A jackass.

I plugged my backup server direct (to switch), and it's running silky smooth.

Thanks for all the help folks. Hope to come with something better next time.
J.Wu

 

[SQLBill]

J.Wu,

You made my day =)

For all the problems that need very technical answers, every now and then there's the one that just needs the "slap-on-the-forehead" - DOH!!! solution. And I know I've had a few of those myself.

Glad to hear you got it solved.

-SQLBill

 

[Schooler]

Have the same problem with Veritas Backup. My problem started when I switched from a Cisco 2900xl to a Cisco 2950. I originally had the Backup server on the 2900xl 100MB and the remote server on an old 3com 100MB switch. Transfer rate dropped from 480MB/min to 96MB/min after moving both servers to the 2950. Cisco had me change the 2950 to 100MB/full to match the servers settings but no inprovement.
Yes, I can move everything back, but I would like to know the real cause of the problem. Any ideas?

CC

 

[search66]

96mb/min isn't that bad first of all... But I had two 2950's prior to going to a 5500, and never had that problem.

If your ports are configured for 100/full, I'm assuming your OS is set up the same way and not on Auto.

Honestly though... I've never seen an xfer rate of above 100mb/min.

 

[jjeffm]

Hey Schooler:
What kind of nics are in theses servers? The "new" cisco stuff is WAY more propietary in who it'll talk to..I have a server with a smc card that worked fine in the old 2916xls but when we plugged her in to the 3500 it absolutly would not talk to it. We found this to happen with 3com cards also. Now we buy intel cards and apparently they pay everybody well, 'cause they talk to everything. So we're switching to Nortel, they're cheaper and faster.

 

[Rols]

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone have a roundabout figure on what kind to throughput I should be expecting backing up a remote server to a Backup to disk folder (running a 10/100 network, just small file doco's etc).

I know its a bit of a vague question but I was really just after an approx figure.

Cheers

 

[comtec17]

Rols,
Not to sound rude, but you are hijacking someone elses post. You should post your own topic.

Now, since these are small files and I have no idea what type of disk you have or the controller it uses the standard throughput I have seen come off of a 10/100 network with small files is about 6MB/sec or 360MB/min. Since you are running small files I wouls suspect you would slower than that, probably more like 3.5 to 4MB/sec on a clean network.