Back up an RBD workload

This runbook covers Back up an RBD workload on a Ceph Tentacle cluster.

When to use

• Active production scenario matching the impact (data-loss-risk)
• The prerequisites are met

Prerequisites

Before starting this runbook, verify each prerequisite has been met. If a prerequisite is not met, resolve it first or escalate.

• A backup window is scheduled
• A backup target is available

Pre-checks

Collect evidence before taking action. Evidence is the proof the runbook worked.

# ceph -s is HEALTH_OK
# The pool exists
# rbd info shows the image
# The application can be quiesced

Procedure

Step 1

Quiesce the application: flush the filesystem, freeze the database if needed

Step 2

Snapshot the RBD: rbd snap create <pool>/<image>@<date>

Step 3

Protect the snapshot: rbd snap protect <pool>/<image>@<date>

Step 4

Export the snapshot: rbd export <pool>/<image>@<date> <file>

Step 5

Transfer to the backup target

Step 6

Verify the backup

Verification

After completing the procedure, verify the result:

# Backup file is on the backup target
# Verification confirms the backup is restorable
# Application is resumed

Rollback

If the procedure does not produce the expected verification, roll back:

• If the export fails: try rbd export-diff (incremental)
• If the verification fails: re-take the snapshot
• If the application was not quiesced: re-take

Escalation

If you cannot roll back or the rollback fails, escalate:

• Storage team
• Application team to quiesce