This topic describes how to back up an ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance by using the cross-region backup function. This function automatically replicates the backup files of the RDS instance from the source region to a specified destination region. You can use the backup files in the destination region to manage and restore the RDS instance. In this case, the RDS instance is known as the original RDS instance.
Prerequisites
Background information
You can use a cross-region backup file of the original RDS instance to restore data to a new or existing RDS instance that resides in the destination region. For more information, see Restore the data of an ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance across regions.
Differences between cross-region and default backups
- The cross-region backup function is disabled by default and must be manually enabled. The default backup function is enabled by default.
- Cross-region backup files are stored in the destination region. Default backup files are stored in the source region.
- Cross-region backup files can be restored to a new or existing RDS instance in the source or destination region. Default backup files can be restored to the original RDS instance or a new RDS instance in the source region.
- Cross-region backup files are independent of the original RDS instance. If you release the original RDS instance, cross-region backup files are still retained based on the specified retention period. However, default backup files are retained for up to seven days.
Billing
- Remote storage: USD 0.0002/GB/hour.
- Traffic consumption: For more information, see Billing methods and billing items.
Precautions
- Cross-region backup files can be restored to the source or destination region. However, if transparent data encryption (TDE) is enabled, you can restore these files only to the source region. For more information, see Configure TDE for an ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance.
- Cross-region backups do not affect default backups. These two types of backups can be used in combinations.
- After a default backup is completed, the original RDS instance triggers a cross-region backup. This allows you to dump the generated default backup files to the destination region.
- After the cross-region backup function is enabled, the original RDS instance triggers a data backup to its secondary RDS instance. This applies if no valid data backup files are generated over the last 24 hours.
- After the cross-region log backup function is enabled, the original RDS instance checks
for valid log backup files that are generated over the last 24 hours.
- If continuous log backup files are archived following a valid log backup file, the original RDS instance dumps these log backup files.
- If no continuous log backup files are archived following a valid log backup file, the original RDS instance triggers a data backup to its secondary RDS instance.
- Cross-region backups are not supported in some regions due to network reasons. The
following table lists the regions that support the cross-region backup function.
Source region Destination region China (Hangzhou) China (Shanghai), China (Qingdao), China (Shenzhen) China (Shanghai) China (Hangzhou), China (Qingdao), China (Shenzhen) China (Qingdao) China (Hangzhou), China (Shanghai), China (Shenzhen) China (Beijing) China (Hangzhou), China (Shanghai), China (Qingdao), China (Shenzhen) China (Shenzhen) China (Hangzhou), China (Shanghai), China (Qingdao) China (Hong Kong) China (Hangzhou), China (Shanghai), China (Qingdao), China (Shenzhen)
Enable the cross-region backup function for a single RDS instance
Enable the cross-region backup function for multiple RDS instances at a time
Modify the cross-region backup settings of an RDS instance
A menu item named Cross-region Backup is added to the homepage of the ApsaraDB RDS console. You can modify the cross-region backup settings of an RDS instance even after the RDS instance is released.
Disable the cross-region backup function for an RDS instance
Perform the following steps:
View the cross-region backup settings of an RDS instance
FAQ
Why am I still charged after I disable the cross-region backup function for my RDS instance?
After you disable the cross-region backup function for your RDS instance, you must still pay for the storage of the existing cross-region backup files within the specified retention period. This applies even if the function no longer consumes traffic and your RDS instance no longer generates new cross-region backup files. The existing cross-region backup files are retained for at least seven days. You can set the retention period to seven days. For more information, see the "Modify the cross-region backup settings of an RDS instance" section of this topic. After the retention period elapses, all of the existing cross-region backup files are deleted. You are no longer charged for the storage of these backup files.
Related operations
Operation | Description |
---|---|
Check whether an ApsaraDB for RDS instance can be restored across regions | Checks whether an ApsaraDB RDS instance has a cross-region backup set that can be used to restore data. |
Create disaster recovery instance | Restores the data of an ApsaraDB RDS instance to a new RDS instance that resides in a region different from the region of the original RDS instance. |
Modify cross-region backup settings | Modifies the cross-region backup settings of an ApsaraDB RDS instance. |
Query cross-region backup settings | Queries the cross-region backup settings of an ApsaraDB RDS instance. |
Query cross-region data backup files | Queries the cross-region data backup files of an ApsaraDB RDS instance. |
Query cross-region log backup files | Queries the cross-region log backup files of an ApsaraDB RDS instance. |
Query regions that support cross-region backup | Queries the destination regions that are available to store cross-region backup files from a source region. |
Query the time range to which you can restore data by using a cross-region backup set | Queries the restorable time range that is supported by a cross-region backup file. |
Query ApsaraDB for RDS instances on which cross-region backup is enabled | Queries the ApsaraDB RDS instances for which the cross-region backup function is enabled in a region and the cross-region backup settings of these instances. |