Snapshot and Restore

Image Snapshot and Restore

The Snapshot and Restore function allows you to take a snapshot of the image (including VNF image, VNF attributes, and device configuration) to the local system, then provides an ability to restore the VNF by re-provisioning the image with a backup image. A maximum of 3 snapshots can be allowed per VNF image. The backup image cannot be downloaded and it is only available to restore in the Network Edge infrastructure.

Supported functions of Snapshot and Restore include:

  • Only the Self-configured device type are supported. Snapshot and Restore is not available for the Equinix-configured device type.

  • The VNF needs to be shut down before creating a backup. Users should expect service interruption. The user is highly recommended to go through this backup process by creating a maintenance window.

  • Only 3 snapshots can be saved as backup per VNF. Older backups need to be deleted before creating new one if the limit is reached.

  • For Cluster deployment, 3 backups per node will be allowed. Both nodes need to be backed up at the same time.

  • Primary and Secondary image snapshots cannot be taken simultaneously. Only one device can be backed up at a time so that the other device can assume the active role.

  • The restore function requires deletion of the current VNF. If any resources such as Connection and Device Link Group are deleted after image snapshot is taken, the device will not be restored.

Feature availability is based on the VNF type and the IBX the VNFs are provisioned. Refer to the following table to see if your VNF supports snapshot and restore features. For some VNFs, you need to de-register and re-register the license due to the internal identifier changes during restoration process.

VNF Type Snapshot and Restore Support Required User Action
Any VNF provisioned in the AM4, FR6, LD6,
CH1, DA1, DC11, SV5, SG3, SY4 		No N/A
Aruba EdgeConnect No N/A
Arista CloudEOS Yes
(BYOL) 		No action required. VNF should retain the license after restoring
Aviatrix Edge Yes No action required
Check Point Firewall Yes
(BYOL) 		No action required. VNF should retain the license after restoring
Cisco CSR1000v Yes
(BYOL) 		User should de-register and register with the smart license after the restoring
Cisco CSR1000v SD-WAN Yes
(BYOL) 		User should de-register and register with the smart license after the restoring
Cisco Catalyst 8000V (Autonomous Mode) Yes
(BYOL) 		User should de-register and register with the smart license after the restoring
Cisco Catalyst 8000V (Controller Mode) Yes
(BYOL) 		User should de-register and register with the smart license after the restoring
Cisco FTDv Yes
(BYOL) 		User should de-register and register with the smart license after the restoring
Cisco ASAv Yes
(BYOL) 		User should de-register and register with the smart license after the restoring
Fortinet FortiGate vFW / SD-WAN Yes
(BYOL) 		No action required. VNF should retain the license after restoring
Juniper vSRX Yes
(BYOL) 		No action required. VNF should retain the license after restoring
NGINX Plus Yes
(Subscription) 		No action required. VNF should retain the license after restoring
Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Firewall Yes
(BYOL) 		User should de-register and register their license after restoring
Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN No N/A
Check Point Firewall Yes
(BYOL) 		No action required. VNF should retain the license after restoring
VERSA Yes
(BYOL) 		No action required. VNF should retain the license after restoring
VMWare SD-WAN No N/A
VyOS Yes
(Subscription) 		No action required. VNF should retain the license after restoring

Create a Snapshot of VNF Image

  1. From the Network Edge menu, select Virtual Device Inventory.

  2. Select the device you want to backup, then click Tools.

  3. In the Snapshot Management card, click Create a Snapshot.

    Important: The device will not be operational during the image snapshot process. Plan your maintenance window if necessary to avoid any service interruption.

  4. In the Create Image Snapshot prompt, enter a Name for this back up image. Be aware that estimated time to complete the snapshot may vary based on the size of the VNF.

  1. Click Submit to start the snapshot process. Another prompt displays indicating that the image back up is in progress. Click Back to Device Detail or X to close this prompt.

    In the Tools section, the Snapshot Management card indicates that the Image Snapshot is in progress, and shows an estimated time for completion. Device status indicates Image snapshot is in progress.

  2. In the Snapshot Management card, click Manage and Restore from Snapshot to manage your backups.

  3. Rename or delete your snapshot by selecting the image and then clicking the edit icon to make a selection.

Restore VNF

  1. From the Network Edge menu, select Virtual Device Inventory.
  2. Select the device for which you want to create an image backup, then click Tools.

  3. In the Snapshot Management card, click Manage and Restore from Snapshot. All of the snapshots will display.

  4. Select the image you want to use to restore and click Restore Device from this Snapshot.

    Warning: Once the snapshot process begins, it cannot be undone.

  5. We recommend you create a backup of the current state of the device in case any change to the VNF needs to be saved. Click Restore Now in the Create a Snapshot Before Restoring (Recommended) prompt.

After the restoration process is started, your device will not be operational. Your device status will indicate that restore in progress.