Zerto - Creating VPG and DR testing - 05

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating Virtual Protection Groups (VPGs) and conducting disaster recovery (DR) testing using Zerto. Understanding these processes is crucial for ensuring data protection and maintaining business continuity in the event of a disaster.

Step 1: Accessing the Zerto User Interface

• Open your web browser and navigate to the Zerto user interface.
• Log in using your credentials.
• Once logged in, navigate to the "Virtual Protection Groups" section.

Step 2: Creating a Virtual Protection Group

• Click on the "Create VPG" button.
• In the VPG creation wizard, fill in the following details:
  • Name: Choose a unique name for your VPG.
  • Source: Select the source site from where the VPG will be created.
  • Target: Choose the target site where the VPG will replicate data.
  • Virtual Machines: Select the virtual machines you want to include in this VPG.
• Review the settings and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 3: Configuring VPG Settings

• Configure the settings for the VPG:
  • Recovery Point Objective (RPO): Set the desired RPO depending on your data recovery needs.
  • Replication Settings: Adjust the bandwidth throttling options as necessary.
  • Test Settings: Enable testing if you want to validate the DR process without impacting production.
• Click "Finish" to create the VPG.

Step 4: Conducting Disaster Recovery Testing

• Locate the newly created VPG in your list of VPGs.
• Select the VPG and click on the "Test" option.
• Choose the type of test you want to perform:
  • Non-disruptive: This allows testing without affecting the production environment.
  • Disruptive: This simulates a real disaster recovery scenario but may impact production.
• Follow the prompts to initiate the testing process.

Step 5: Monitoring the DR Test

• Use the Zerto interface to monitor the progress of your DR test.
• Check for any errors or warnings that may arise during the test.
• Once the test is complete, analyze the results to ensure everything functioned as expected.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully create Virtual Protection Groups and conduct disaster recovery testing within Zerto. Regularly testing your DR plan is critical for ensuring that your organization can recover from disruptions effectively. As a next step, consider scheduling regular DR tests and reviewing your VPG configurations to adapt to any changes in your infrastructure or business needs.