Snapmirror Initialization Large Volume to DR Site

[cgeck0000]

I have a FAS2020 system with a 1.7TB volume that is strictly CIFS file and folder share data.  It needs to be replicated to our DR site with snapmirror and I am trying to find a way to accomplish the initialization without sending all the traffic over the WAN.  We also use Backup Exec 12.5 with an HP LTO4 tape library.  I understand you can snapmirror to tape, but unless I am misunderstanding this is only it the tape is directly attached to the filer, correct?  What about utilizing NDMP through Backup Exec?  Can a volume be copied to tape and still be configured at the DR site to participate in snapmirror replication?  Thank you for the guidance.

[radek_kubka]

Hi,

You need a direct tape (or 'directly seen' via FC fabric) for SnapMirror to Tape. Here is the description of the seeding process:

http://now.netapp.com/NOW/knowledge/docs/ontap/rel801/html/ontap/onlinebk/GUID-46E73E66-F6EA-465C-A722-C7A186C7C39C.html

However, other guys were discussing a very interesting workaround in this thread - have a look:

http://communities.netapp.com/message/57140#57140

Regards,

Radek

[adamgross]

Also keep in mind that you can throttle the bandwidth SnapMirror uses if that is your concern.