Test case for replicating snapmirror r/o data using rsync

Objective:
We wanted to test if rsync is capable of replicating read-only data on a file level increment basis.

Test:
We mounted three netapp volumes on a same server using nfsv4. First and second volumes were replicated at storage level using snapmirror, whereas the second and third volumes were replicated at host level using rsync.

Result:
1) What we have observed is the rsync was sending almost the same amount of data which was being replicated using snapmirror. 2) When file gets deleted by some reason at original source the file is retained at rsync destination. 3) When the block level replication is happening rsync does not work (is unable to transfer data). 4) The file level replication (rsync) can happen between mount points of different size also.

Conclusion:
rsync can replicate read-only volume data at file level increment basis.

Open issues:
1. How many servers need to be present at CMC-DR site (depends on the number of mount point and size) Total no of servers = Total no of mount points / Number of mount points on each server Total no of mount points = Replicated mount points + CMC local mount points Replicated mount points = Total no of RMC Sites * Total no of mount points to be replicated from single RMC Site. Total no of mount points to be replicated from single RMC Site = 2 (/101, and /102) CMC local mount points = 3 (/101, /102, /105) 2. Schedule of host based replication

Assumptions:
Total Number of Mount points = 22 * 2 (/101, /105) + 3 (/101, /102, /105) = 47 Mount points

* rsync is not supported for Netapp (To backup unmounted volumes)