This topic provides answers to frequently asked questions about the backup and restoration feature of PolarDB for MySQL.
Data backup FAQ
Is the total size of level-1 backups (snapshots) equal to the sum of the sizes of all level-1 backups (snapshots)?
No, the total size of level-1 backup of a cluster is the sum of the dedicated physical storage occupied by all level-1 backup, as shown in part ①. It is not the sum of the logical data sizes of all level-1 backup, as shown in part ②.
Why is the total size of level-1 backups smaller than the sum of the sizes of all level-1 backups?
The size of level-1 backups in PolarDB has two measurements: the logical size of backups and the total physical storage of backups. PolarDB uses snapshot chains to store level-1 backups. Only one record is generated for each data block. Therefore, the total physical storage of all level-1 backups is smaller than the total logical size of all level-1 backups. In some cases, the total physical storage of all level-1 backups is smaller than the logical size of a single backup.
How am I charged for backups in PolarDB?
You are charged for storage space of level-1, level-2, and log backups. By default, the level-1 backup and log backup features are enabled, and a free storage quota is provided. By default, the level-2 backup feature is disabled.
How are the fees of level-1 backups calculated?
The fee is calculated based on the following formula: Storage fee per hour = (Total size of level-1 backups - Used database storage space × 50%) × Price per hour. For example, assume that a cluster is deployed in a region within the Chinese mainland. The total size of level-1 backups of a PolarDB database is 700 GB, and the used database storage space is 1,000 GB. The storage fee per hour is calculated based on the following formula: (700 GB - 500 GB) × USD 0.000464/GB = USD 0.0928.
Can I use a storage plan to offset the storage fees of backups?
Yes, you can purchase a storage plan to offset the storage space used by all PolarDB clusters within your account. The remaining capacity of the storage plan is automatically used to offset the storage space that exceeds the free quota for level-1 backups at a ratio of 1:1.6 until the storage plan is exhausted. If the remaining capacity of the storage plan is insufficient to offset the storage space of level-1 backups, you are charged for the excess storage space on a pay-as-you-go basis. For more information, see FAQ about billing of storage plans.
Are level-1 backups the only type of backup that can be manually created?
Yes.
How long are manually created backups retained?
The retention period of manually created backups is specified by the Level-1 Backup parameter in the Data Backup Retention Period section.
How do I view the size of a level-2 backup?
You can view the size of a level-2 backup on the Backups tab in the console.
How do I download PolarDB for MySQL backup sets to my computer?
PolarDB uses a snapshot backup mechanism at the storage layer. Exported files cannot be directly restored to your computer. To download a backup set, you can use the mysqldump tool or use Database Backup (DBS) to back up a PolarDB for MySQL cluster and manually download the backup. For more information, see Back up a PolarDB for MySQL cluster by using logical backup and Manually download a backup set.
How do I archive PolarDB for MySQL backup files to OSS for a long period of time?
You can use one of the following methods to archive PolarDB for MySQL backup files to OSS:
Use DBS to store PolarDB for MySQL backup files to OSS. Perform the following steps:
Log on to the OSS console and Create buckets.
Configure a backup schedule. After the backup is complete, you can manage backup sets. For example, you can query backup sets or download backup sets.
Use mysqldump or Data Management (DMS) to export backup files and upload them to OSS. Perform the following steps:
Use mysqldump or DMS to export PolarDB for MySQL backup files.
Manually upload the exported backup files to OSS. For more information, see Upload objects.
Data restoration FAQ
How can I restore data that was deleted or modified by accident?
You can choose different methods to restore data based on your business scenario and database engine version. For more information about the data restoration methods and steps, see Data restoration methods for different scenarios.
Can I customize the names of restored databases or tables?
Yes.
If my cluster does not have a data backup, can I restore the data to a previous point in time?
No. To restore data to a previous point in time, you must restore the data of a full backup that was created before the specified point in time. Then, you must restore the data generated after the backup that was created and before the specified point in time based on the redo logs.
Can I use the cross-region backup and restoration feature for a cluster that has TDE enabled?
Yes.
Can I enable TDE for a cluster after cross-region restoration?
Yes.