With 'config_mirror', the default is to create the /eri_sn/mirror directory containng a data_backup for every server in the system and then copy that to every server in the system using rsync. This could result in a lot of data traversing the customer network. To conrol this, the '-export' switch was introduced.
With no parameter, '-export' will prevent the copying of the mirror data to other servers. This is not advisable as the repair server process uses the mirror data. If it only exists on server 1 and server 1 fails, you are in trouble.
If you have access to a TSE system use the command 'config_mirror -?' fr more info.
If you have access to the CPI documentation collection, look at 'Administrator User's Guide 154 31-ANF 901 43' which details the differences and strategies for various backups.
It is best to perform 'config_mirror' and 'eri_sn_safety_backup' in low traffic using a 'cron' job.