We have NetApp F740. For backups we are using Budtool 4.6.1 with two media servers (Sun's) and tape library connected to them. Right now, when we are doing backups, all data bits are flying over the network from the NetApp to the media server and finally to the tape.
I'm curious, if we can connect one SCSI channel from the tape library to the NetApp? And a) use it as NDMP media server b) eliminate data transfer over the network while doing NetApp backups.
Sure it'll work. Generally it's recommended to hang the backup device off the filer to eliminate the network traffic.
Any hidden traps?
Off hand, you need to watch your level of OnTap. From recent messages here, DOT5.3.5P2 may (most likely?) break your NDMP backups. We're still running 5.2.1 as we've talked to people who've tried more recent versions with the same stackers we have (single ended narrow SCSI going through a converter to the differential on the filer) and the setup becomes unstable.
Can I use all those jbmgr commands to load and unload tapes there?
I've used them a few times to load/unload tapes. Most times I just walk over to the drives and do it that way.
Will index tables be updated correctly on main Budtool server?
For file history, in our experience most times, yes. We've had problems with half our file history vanishing (file 2 of 2) for our filer. The problem comes and goes (right now it's behaving). It is important to note, you can't re-create the file history from tapes from an NDMP backup though.