Understanding data transfer components and performance factors

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During data transfer, a continuous stream of data is generated between the SAP database server, the network, and the IBM Storage Protect™ server. The weakest component in this stream decreases the overall data transfer rate.

There are three main components that are involved during a Data Protection for SAP data transfer:
  • The SAP database server.
  • The network.
  • The IBM Storage Protect server, which is also referred to as a backup server.
Figure 1. Data Protection for SAP data transfer

The picture shows a general landscape of the flow of data in a backup situation and lists the items that influence the performance. The landscape consists of the SAP database server, the network, and the IBM Storage Protect server. For the SAP database server with its database, the items Disk performance, I/O configuration, and CPU power are important for performance. The SAP database server uses the network to send the data to be backed up. The network performance is influenced by bandwidth and the type of protocol. Finally, the backup server (IBM Storage Protect server) receives the data and saves the physical backup to tape. On this server, CPU power, I/O configuration, and the tape performance are factors that influence the overall backup performance.