How to setup VMware vSphere backup over storage network?

To run VMware vSphere backup over storage network, it only requires the Vinchin backup server has 2 network interfaces. One of the network interfaces connects to the management network, the other connects to the storage network of the VMware virtualization environment, this can eliminate the impact on production network during backup process.

To configure the backup data flow to be transferred through the storage network, please follow the below steps.

Step 1: Network connection

Make sure there are at least 2 network interface cards the Vinchin Backup Server. One of the network interface cards connected to the management network, another connected to the storage network.

Warning

If your Vinchin Backup Server is already licensed, adding new network interface card to the server will invalid the license. If you have to do so, please contact Vinchin support for help.

Step 2: Configure hostnames and IP addresses mapping for ESXi hosts.

If there’s no internal DNS services inside your local network, you need to configure hostname and IP address mapping for the ESXi hosts on your vCenter Server.

Login to vCenter Server CLI and edit /etc/hosts file, add hostname and IP address mapping entries for ESXi servers, e.g.:

10.10.10.101 esxi.101.local

10.10.10.102 esxi.102.local

10.10.10.103 esxi.103.local

Step 3: Add ESXi hosts to vCenter Server using hostname

Please make sure the ESXi hosts are added to vCenter Server using hostnames instead of IP addresses.

Step 4: Configure Local DNS Lookup settings for Vinchin Backup Server

Open the web console of Vinchin backup server, and configure Local DNS Lookup under System > System Settings > Network Settings > Local DNS Lookup.

In the DNS Entries field, please enter the same entries as configured in the /etc/hosts file in vCenter Server.

Step 5: Add VMware virtualization to Vinchin Backup Server

Open Vinchin backup server web console, add VMware vSphere to Vinchin backup server under VM Backup > Virtual Infrastructure.

Step 6: Create a VM backup job

Create a VM backup job under VM Backup > Backup, follow the New Backup Job wizard to complete the job settings.

In the 3^rd step - Backup Strategies, under Transmission Strategy tab, please select LAN in the Transfer via dropdown list.

With the above configurations, the VM backups will be transferred through the storage network.