Adding Linux Servers & Linux Workstations for Files and Folders Backup

Adding Linux Servers & Linux Workstations for Files and Folders Backup

Backup Agent Overview

BDRSuite offers three methods to install backup agents on Linux machines you plan to backup. The backup agent is a mandatory component for Linux Files/Folders Backup. It runs with the service name – BDRSuite Delegation Service (BDS) and uses the port 32004. Ensure firewall outbound rules permit this port on the Linux Server & Workstation and inbound rules on the BDRSuite Backup Server.

Backup Agent Installation Methods

  1. Manual Agent Installation (Recommended for small deployments): This is the default and recommended method for environments with a small number of Linux machines. You need to download and install the backup agent manually on each Linux machine you plan to backup.
  2. Bulk Agent Installation (Recommended for large deployments): For large-scale environments, bulk agent installation is the optimal choice. This method facilitates the deployment of backup agents across numerous Linux Servers and Workstations efficiently. You can any third party tools to facilitate the bulk installation process.
  3. Automatic Agent Installation (Only for Linux Servers): In this method, the backup server will automatically install the backup agent on the target Linux machines. Please ensure there is network connectivity between the backup server and the machines you plan to backup. Additionally, you will need the machine credentials with administrative privileges.

Method 1: Manual Agent Installation  

How-to Video

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on adding Linux Servers and Linux Workstations using the manual agent installation method.

You can also follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.

Step 1: Download BDRSuite Backup Agent  

  1. Log in to the BDRSuite Backup Server console. Navigate to the 'Data Sources' menu and click on 'Servers & Endpoints'.
  2. Then, click on the 'Add Host' button and click the 'Linux' option to proceed.
  3. Choose 'Manual Agent Installation'.
  4. Click on the download button and get the backup agent. Then, copy it to the target windows host you want to backup.

Step 2: Install Backup Agent on each Linux Machine you plan to backup  

  1. Open the terminal and sign in as the root user using the following command: 'sudo su' .
  2. Then, locate the BDRSuite Delegation Service file.
  3. Unzip the installer file using the following command : 'unzip BDRSuite_Delegation_Services_7_1_0_0_DBN.zip'
  4. Run the BDRSuite Delegation Service, binary file.
  5. Read the agreement, choose 'I accept' and click 'Next'.
  6. Next, Enter the 'Backup Server DNS name or IP address' and click next. Once the backup agent is installed on the Linux host, it will automatically connect to the backup server using these details.
  7. Choose the backup component 'Files & Folders Backup' and click 'Next'. This will take you to the 'Review' screen.
  8. Review the configuration and click 'Install'.
  9. Installation of Backup agent components will begin. This might take a few minutes.
  10. Lastly, Click 'Finish' to start the BDRSuite services. Backup agent is now successfully installed on your windows machine.

Step 3: Backup Agent establishes connection to Backup Server  

  1. After successful installation, backup agent will automatically connect to the backup server using its IP address or DNS name provided during installation. This may take a few minutes.
  2. You can verify and manage the backup agent from the directory, on your Linux machine. Backup agent will run as 'BDRSuite Delegation Service'.
  3. Once the BDRSuite service starts running and establishes connection to the backup server, the Linux Server or Workstation will be successfully listed on the 'Data Sources -> Servers & Endpoints' page on your backup server.
  4. You can identify the Linux host using its IP address or the display name you configured, and the status will be shown as 'Active'. You can then manage all Linux hosts from this page.
  5. Once the host is successfully listed as Data Sources, you can configure backup from the 'Backup -> Configure Backup -> Linux' menu.

Method 2: Bulk Agent Installation  

This section outlines the bulk agent installation method to deploy backup agents efficiently across numerous Linux machines, ensuring minimal manual intervention and consistent configuration. You can choose the one that best fits your environment and requirements. The Backup Agent Installation can be done using Third-Party Tools (Silent Installation). Download Backup Agent and install it on multiple backup hosts simultaneously using the specific command through any third party tool.

Method 3: Automatic Agent Installation

Before you begin adding Linux machines using Automatic Agent Installation, ensure that all prerequisites listed below are met.

Prerequisites 

When adding Linux machines (Backup Hosts) for backup, make sure that the credentials you use have one of the following privileges: Administrator or User with Administrator Privileges.
Additionally, verify the following requirements:
  1. User Account with Root Privileges
Make sure the user account you specify to add the Linux machine has root privileges. If you add a non-root account, make sure to provide the root password.
  1. User Account Credentials
You can add the user account credentials using any of the following options:
Linux Account Option:
You can connect to the Linux machine directly using the Username and Password of the specified user account.
Linux Private Key Option:
You can connect to the Linux machine using the Identity/Pubkey authentication method.
If you have already generated public-private key pair, provide the Username, Private key, and Passphrase (if applicable) and save the Linux credentials.
you can click here to learn more about generating the public-private key pair.
  1. Ports
    1. Make sure the SSH Port is open allowing remote access to the machine. The default SSH port is 22. If you run the SSH server in a different port, make sure the port is accessible.
    2. BBA installed on the Linux machine uses port 42005 to communicate with the Backup Server. Make sure your firewall rules allow port 42005 to be open for communication.
  2. Internet Connection
    1. Make sure the target Linux machine has internet access.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Add Linux Machine using Automatic Agent Installation

1. Log in to the BDRSuite backup server console. Navigate to the 'Data Sources' menu and click on 'Servers & Endpoints'.
2. Then, click on the 'Add Host' button and click the 'Linux' option to proceed.
3. Choose 'Automatic Agent Installation' and enter the backup host information.
4. Display Name: Enter a name for the host that will help you identify it easily.
5. IP Address / DNS Name: Enter the IP address or DNS name of the Linux machine you plan to add for backup. The Host can be added through the following combinations:
FQDN (Fully qualified domain name) - machine_name.domain_name
Hostname – Enter the Hostname alone
Hostname@Domain name – Enter the hostname followed by @ and domain name
Domain name/Hostname – Enter the domain name followed backslash (/) and the hostname
192.xxx.xxx.xxx – Enter the IP address of the backup host
Notes
Note: If you have provided an invalid Hostname/IP address, the following alert message will be displayed “Unable to connect the remote Linux Machine. Please check network connection settings”
6. Credential: You can add the machine credentials in prior under the 'Credential Management' and select the credentials when adding the host here or you can simply Click on Add Credential to create a new one.
7. Email ID (Optional)   - Enter an email address if you want to receive reports & notifications. Please note that the entered email ID will exclusively receive email reports for the tasks and status of this particular host/endpoint.
Notes
Note: If you want to receive email notifications only for any of the specific task status ( Success, Failed, Partial etc). then navigate to 'Reports -> Email Notification' to configure the same.
8. Review & Save: Review all the entered host information and click on the Save button. The backup server will now initiate the backup agent installation on the target backup host. You should receive a confirmation message indicating that the host has been successfully added upon the completion of the backup agent installation.
10. The Linux Server or Workstation will then be listed on the Data Sources -> Servers & Endpoints page on your backup server. You can now configure backups from the Backup -> Configure Backup -> Linux menu.