Backup and Recovery - Oracle Exadata Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach - page 199

Figure 8-2. InfiniBand configuration backup/restore passphrase warning

6. When the backup is complete, a config_backup.xml file will be downloaded to your
browser or file transfer location. Once your configuration is downloaded, you can back it
up using the backup method or software of your choice.
In addition to backing up your InfiniBand switch configuration via the ILOM , you should also plan on periodically
backing up your OpenSM configuration file, /etc/opensm/opensm.conf . OpenSM is InfiniBand's subnet manager
software.

■ oracle does not provide tools or an interface to back up your openSM configuration file; you will need to
transfer the file externally and back it up according to your backup policies.

Note

How It Works
The InfiniBand switches in an Exadata Database Machine are highly capable but minimally complex from an
administration standpoint. As such, the files and software running on the InfiniBand switches do not change very
often. However, as an Exadata DMA, you should still perform backups of your configuration and opensm.conf file for
the following reasons:

• If you experience a hardware failure and require a replacement InfiniBand switch, restoring

from the config_backup.xml will restore your settings to an operational state.

• InfiniBand switch patches can update firmware and the switch configuration. On the rare

occasion that these patches introduce errors, you will need to have backups in order to restore
from a failure.

• Patches could also introduce changes to your subnet manager configuration in

/etc/opensm/opensm.conf .