You can back up your system files locally on the appliance or to your management system, or use TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), or SCP (Secure Copy ) to back them up to a remote server. You can also download a backup file to your workstation. The backup file is a .bak file that contains the configuration settings, data set, and TFTP files.

Note: Infoblox recommends that you backup the configuration after you convert a Grid to a different mode. Restoring the old backup by performing a forced restore, may prevent the Grid members from rejoining the Grid Master after the restore.

The following sections describe how to use the backup and restore functions:

Backing Up Files
Automatically Backing Up Data Files
Manually Backing Up Data Files
Restoring Backup Files
Downloading Backup Files from a Different Appliance

Note: Infoblox highly recommends that you always back up the current configuration file before upgrading, restoring, or reverting the software on the appliance.

Backing Up Files

You can back up system files periodically and on demand. You can then restore the files on the same appliance or on a different appliance. For information about restoring files, see Restoring Backup Files. You can configure the appliance to automatically back up the files on a weekly, daily, or hourly basis.
Infoblox recommends that you back up the system files during off-hours to minimize the impact on network services. By default, the automatic backup function is turned off. You must log in with a superuser account to back up files.
You can back up system files to the following:

A local directory
The management system that you use to operate the appliance
A TFTP server
An FTP server. This option requires that you have a valid username and password on the server prior to backing up files.
An SSH server that supports SCP. This option requires that you have a valid username and password on the server prior to backing up files.

Local Backup

You can store a backup file on the appliance itself. However, Infoblox recommends that you store backup files in an alternate location. When you back up the system files locally, the appliance uses the following format to name the file: Infoblox_year_month_day_time. For example, a file name of Infoblox_2008_11_30_23_00 means that the file is backed up on November 30th, 2008 at 11:00 PM.
The appliance can save up to 20 configuration files, regardless of how often the files are saved (weekly, hourly, or daily). Ensure that you take the size of the configuration file into consideration when backing up files because the storage limit on an appliance is 5 Gb (gigabytes). If your configuration file is 500 Mb (megabytes), then the appliance can store 10 configuration files. When uploading configuration files on to a TFTP, FTP, or SCP server, you must consider the file size on that server as well.

Using TFTP

TFTP is a client-server protocol that uses UDP as its transport protocol. It does not provide authentication or encryption, therefore it does not require a username or password.
When you back up the system files to a TFTP server, you select the backup file you want to download, enter the name in which the file is stored on the TFTP server and the server IP address.

Using FTP

FTP is a client-server protocol used to exchange files over TCP-based networks. The appliance, as the FTP client, connects to a remote FTP server that you identify. When you use FTP to back up the system files, the password and file contents are transmitted in clear text and may be intercepted by other users.
When you back up the system files to an FTP server, the appliance, as the FTP client, logs on to the FTP server. You must specify the username and password the appliance uses to log on to the FTP server. The user account must have write permission to the directory to which the appliance uploads the backup file.

Using SCP

SCP is more secure than TFTP and FTP. It uses the SSH protocol to provide authentication and security. You can use SCP to back up the system files to a server running SSHv2.
When you use SCP to back up the system files to an SSH server, you must specify the username and password the appliance uses to log on to the server. The user account must have write permission to the directory to which the appliance uploads the backup file. In addition, make sure that you enter the correct IP address of the SSH server; the appliance does not check the credentials of the SSH server to which it connects.

Automatically Backing Up Data Files

Infoblox recommends that you back up your configuration files regularly, and the easiest way to accomplish this task is to configure the appliance to back up the configuration file automatically. You can choose when and how often files are backed up: weekly, daily, or hourly. When you automatically back up a configuration file on the appliance, the file is named in the format Infoblox_year_month_day_time. The default time for an automatic backup is 3:00 AM. Configuration files should be backed up during the slowest period of network activity.
To automatically back up a database file on the Multi-Grid Master or member:

From the Master Grid tab, select the Members tab, and then click Backup -> Schedule Backup from the Toolbar.
In the Schedule Backup dialog box, select the destination of the backup file from the Backup to drop-down list:

TFTP: Back up system files to a TFTP server.
- IP Address of TFTP Server: Enter the IP address of the TFTP server to which you want to back up the system files.
- Directory Path: Enter the directory path of the file. For example, you can enter /archive/backups on a Linux system, or c:\archive\backups on a Microsoft Windows system. The directory path cannot contain spaces. The folder or directory you enter here must already exist on the specified server. Do not include the file name in the directory path.
- Recurrence: Select how often you want to back up the files. You can select Weekly, Daily, or Hourly from the drop-down list. When you select Weekly, complete the following:
  - Every: Choose a day of the week from the drop-down list.
  - Time: Enter a time in the hh:mm:ss AM/PM format. You can also click the clock icon and select a time from the drop-down list. The Multi-Grid Master creates a backup file on the selected day and time every week.
    When you select Daily, enter a time in the hh:mm:ss AM/PM format. You can also select a time from the drop-down list.
    When you select Hourly, complete the following:
  - Minutes after the Hour: Enter the minute after the hour when the Multi-Grid Master creates a backup file. For example, enter 5 if you want the Multi-Grid Master to create a backup file five minutes after the hour every hour.
- Disable Scheduled Backup: Select this if you want to disable automatic backups from occurring now.
  You can still save the settings for future use.
FTP: Back up system files to an FTP server.
- IP Address of FTP Server: The IP address of the FTP server.
- Directory Path: Enter the directory path of the file. For example, you can enter /archive/backups on a Linux system, or c:\archive\backups on a Microsoft Windows system. The directory path cannot contain spaces. The folder or directory you enter here must already exist on the specified server. Do not include the file name in the directory path.
- Username: Enter the username of your FTP account.
- Password: Enter the password of your FTP account.
- Recurrence: Select how often the scheduled backups should occur. You can select Weekly, Daily, or Hourly. For information, see TFTP.
- Disable Scheduled Backup: Select this if you want to disable automatic backups from occurring now, but want to save the settings for future use.
SCP: Back up system files to an SSH server that supports SCP.
- IP Address of SCP Server: The IP address of the SCP server.
- Directory Path: Enter the directory path of the file. For example, you can enter /archive/backups on a Linux system, or c:\archive\backups on a Microsoft Windows system. The directory path cannot contain spaces. The folder or directory you enter here must already exist on the specified server. Do not include the file name in the directory path.
- Username: Enter the username of your SCP account.
- Password: Enter the password of your SCP account.
- Recurrence: Select how often the scheduled backups should occur. You can select Weekly, Daily, or Hourly. For information, see the TFTP section.
- Disable Scheduled Backup: Select this if you want to disable automatic backups from occurring now.
  You can still save the settings for future use.
  Note: When you select FTP or SCP, ensure that you have a valid username and password on the server prior to backing up the files.
Multi-Grid Master (Local): Back up to a local directory on the Multi-Grid Master. This is the default.
By default, the Multi-Grid Master generates a backup file and saves it locally in its own storage at 3:00 AM daily.
Be aware that backing up the Master Grid and saving it locally on an hourly basis increases the turnover of files stored on the Multi-Grid Master. Backing it up hourly to a remote server increases the overall amount of traffic on your network.

Save the configuration.

Because you can configure only one scheduled backup at a time, you can view the latest backup settings in the audit log file. This file contains information about the user who performed the backup and the destination path.

Manually Backing Up Data Files

You can manually back up a data file in addition to scheduling your backups. To back up manually:

From the Master Grid tab, select the Members tab, and then click Backup -> Manual Backup from the Toolbar.
In the Backup wizard, select the destination of the backup file from the Backup to drop-down list:

My Computer: Back up system files to a local directory on your computer. This is the default.
TFTP: Back up system files to a TFTP server.
- Filename: Enter the directory path and the file name of the backup file. For example, you can enter
- /archive/backups/Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Linux server, or
- c:\archive\backups\Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Microsoft Windows server.
- IP Address of TFTP Server: Enter the IP address of the TFTP server to which you want to back up the system files.
FTP: Back up system files to an FTP server.
- Filename: Enter the directory path and the file name of the backup file. For example, you can enter
- /archive/backups/Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Linux server, or
- c:\archive\backups\Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Microsoft Windows server.
- IP Address of FTP Server: The IP address of the FTP server.
- Username: Enter the username of your FTP account.
- Password: Enter the password of your FTP account.
SCP: Back up system files to an SSH server that supports SCP.
- Filename: Enter the directory path and the file name of the backup file. For example, you can enter
- /archive/backups/Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Linux server, or
- c:\archive\backups\Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Microsoft Windows server.
- IP Address of SCP Server: The IP address of the SCP server.
- Username: Enter the username of your SCP account.
- Password: Enter the password of your SCP account.
  
  Note: When you select FTP or SCP, ensure that you have a valid user name and password on the server prior to backing up the files.

Click Backup.

After a successful backup, you can view the audit log file for information about the user who performed the backup and the destination path.

Downloading Backup Files

You can save an existing backup file, or create and save a new one to your local management system, a TFTP server, an FTP server, or a SCP server.
To download an existing backup file:

From the Master Grid tab, select the Members tab, and the click Backup -> Manage Local Backup from the Toolbar. Multi-Grid Manager displays the current backup files in the Manage Local Backups dialog box.
To download a backup file, select the checkbox of a backup file, and then click the Transfer icon. You cannot select multiple files for downloading.
Select one of the following from the Backup to drop-down list:

- My Computer: Backup to a local directory on your computer. This is the default.
- TFTP: Save the backup file to a TFTP server.
  - Filename: Enter the directory path and the file name of the backup file. For example, you can enter
    /archive/backups/Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Linux server, or
    c:\archive\backups\Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Microsoft Windows server.
  - IP Address of TFTP Server: Enter the IP address of the TFTP server to which you want to save the backup file.
- FTP: Save the backup file to an FTP server.
  - Filename: Enter the directory path and the file name of the backup file. For example, you can enter
    /archive/backups/Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Linux server, or
    c:\archive\backups\Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Microsoft Windows server.
  - IP Address of FTP Server: The IP address of the FTP server.
  - Username: Enter the username of your FTP server account.
  - Password: Enter the password of your FTP server account.
- SCP: Save the backup file to an SSH server that supports SCP.
  - Filename: Enter the directory path and the file name of the backup file. For example, you can enter
    /archive/backups/Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Linux server, or
    c:\archive\backups\Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Microsoft Windows server.
  - IP Address of SCP Server: The IP address of the SCP server.
  - Username: Enter the username of your SCP server account.
  - Password: Enter the password of your SCP server account.
    Note: When you select FTP or SCP, ensure that you have a valid username and password on the server prior to backing up the files.

Click Transfer Copy.

Restoring Backup File s

You can restore a backup up file to an appliance running the same version as that of the appliance from which the backup file originates. You can also restore a backup file from an appliance running one version to an appliance running a later version, as long as the upgrade from the earlier version to the later version is supported.

Note: You cannot attach a Grid when you restore a backup file of earlier version to a Grid that is detached from Multi-Grid Master. Join the Grid again to perform the attach operation. For more information, see Managing Disconnected Grids.

You can restore an existing backup file on the appliance from which it originates, or restore a backup file from a different appliance (referred to as a forced restore). To download a backup file from a different appliance, see Downloading Backup Files from a Different Appliance.
You must log in with a superuser account to back up and restore files. There are three ways to restore a backup file:

From a local directory or the management system you use to operate the appliance
From a TFTP server
From a remote server using FTP. This option requires that you have a valid username and password on the FTP server prior to performing a backup or restore.

To restore a backup file to the same appliance:

From the Master Grid tab, select the Members tab, and then click Restore from the Toolbar.
In the Restore dialog box, choose one of the following from the Restore from drop-down list:

My Computer: Restore a file from your local computer. This is the default.
- Filename: Click Select File to navigate to the configuration file.
TFTP: Restore a file from a TFTP server.
- Filename: Enter the directory path and the file name you want to restore. For example, you can enter
  /archive/backups/Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Linux server, or
  c:\archive\backups\Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Microsoft Windows server..
- IP Address of TFTP Server: Enter the IP address of the TFTP server from which you restore the configuration file.
FTP: Restore a file from an FTP server.
- Filename: Enter the directory path and the file name of the backup file. For example, you can enter
  /archive/backups/Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Linux server, or
  c:\archive\backups\Infoblox_2009_10_20_15_30 on a Microsoft Windows server.
- IP Address of FTP Server: The IP address of the FTP server.
- Username: Enter the username of your FTP server account.
- Password: Enter the password of your FTP server account.
Multi-Grid Master (Local): Restore from a local directory on the Multi-Grid Master. In the Backup Set table, select the file you want to restore.

Click Restore. In the Confirm Restore dialog box, click Yes.
After restoring the file, the appliance restarts. The restore process overwrites all existing data. All pending scheduled tasks are not restored or reverted.
Close your current browser window, wait a few minutes, and then reconnect to the appliance.

Downloading Backup Files from a Different Appliance

When you "force re store" an appliance, you download a backup file from one appliance to a different appliance. In a Master Grid, you can download the backup file from the Multi-Grid Master and "force restore" it to a different appliance. This is useful when you want to replace an appliance that may have operational issues, or to test or troubleshoot issues.
For example, you can force restore the backup file of a Multi-Grid Master that is in one environment, such as a production environment, to an appliance in another environment, such as a lab or test environment, for troubleshooting purposes. Note, though, that if a master candidate promotion occurs in the lab, the newly promoted Multi-Grid Master will try to contact the managed Grids in the production environment. The managed Grids could then start synchronizing their data to the newly promoted Multi-Grid Master in the lab, and stop synchronizing with the Multi-Grid Master in the production environment.
To avoid this, remove the managed Grids from the lab Master Grid immediately after you force restore the backup file of the Multi-Grid Master to the appliance in the lab. Then if the appliance is promoted to Multi-Grid Master, it will not try to synchronize with the Grids in the production environment.
To restore a backup file to the same appliance or Multi-Grid Master, use the Restore function as described in
Restoring Backup Files.
To download a backup file from one appliance to a different appliance:

From the Master Grid tab, select the Members tab, and then click Restore from the Toolbar.
In the Restore wizard, do the following:
- Restore from: Choose a source from which you restore the configuration file, as described in Restoring Backup Files.
Select Force Restore from Different Grid to enable the feature, and then select one of the following:
- Retain Current Grid Master IP Settings (this is the default)

Overwrite Grid Master IP Settings

Click Restore. In the Confirm Restore dialog box, click Yes.
After restoring the file, the appliance reboots. The restore process overwrites all existing data. All pending scheduled tasks are not restored or reverted.
Close your current browser window, wait a few minutes, and then reconnect to the appliance.