Introduction to the Q Replication tutorial

This tutorial shows you how to set up a simple Q Replication scenario: one-way or unidirectional replication between two databases. You will also learn how to create and use IBM® MQ queue managers, message queues, and channels that transport the messages for replication.

The following figure shows unidirectional Q Replication between two Db2® databases using MQ to transport the compact messages.
Figure 1. Unidirectional Q Replication
Unidirectional Q Replication between two Db2 databases using MQ to transport the compact messages.
You need only one computer to complete the lessons in the tutorial. In this tutorial, you set up MQ and Q Replication on one computer to simulate data movement between two remote systems. After you complete the tutorial, you can apply the skills that you learned to a realistic production scenario with multiple systems. Along the way, you will get a guided tour of the Replication Center and the tools and wizards that make it easy to configure and administer Q Replication.

Learning objectives

This tutorial shows you how to use the Replication Center and the tools and wizards that make it easy to configure and administer Q Replication. After you complete this tutorial, you will know how to:

  • Create and use MQ queue managers, queues, and channels.
  • Enable a Db2 database for replication.
  • Set up and operate the Q Capture and Q Apply programs.
  • Configure the Q Capture and Q Apply programs to use the queues.
  • Create a Q subscription to map a source table to a target table.

Time required

This tutorial should take approximately 60-90 minutes to finish.

Skill level

This tutorial assumes that you have a basic knowledge of Db2 databases (for example, you know how to create a database, view the contents of a table using commands or the Control Center, and issue some simple SQL statements). This tutorial will show you everything else you need to configure and run MQ and Q Replication.

System requirements

To complete the steps in the tutorial, you will need the following software:

  • IBM InfoSphere® Replication Server
  • IBM MQ

This tutorial will work on any of the supported platforms for Q Replication.

Prerequisites

After you install the replication server, you need to prepare your databases:
  • Create the SAMPLE database by clicking Create Sample Database in the Db2 First Steps Launchpad or by using the db2sampl command.
  • Create another database named TARGETDB within the default Db2 instance.