Principles of DRP testing #
DRP testing covers two complementary aspects:
- The IT back-up test, the main aim of which is toVerify
- the correct operation of servers and appliances within the PRA perimeterVerify
- the management of dependencies between serversVerify
- WAN connectivity and box settings when using the RCA box
This test generally does not involve any interruption of production.
- The main purpose of the reconnection test is to
- Verify production network switchoverTest
- mobility reconnection (VPN SSL, etc.).
By its very nature, this test involves a production shutdown.
IT back-up tests #
By default, the IT back-up test is carried out every six months, at a date agreed between the parties. It takes place during working hours, and consists of restarting in the customer’s backup space in the cloud:
- All servers within the scope of the DRP,
- Any security appliances within the scope of the DRP,
- If the RCA box is used, the VPN reconnecting the user site(s) to the backup site in the cloud.
The IT backup test covers :
- Restore and restart automations and procedures,
- Verification of dependency management between servers,
- Check that LANs and restarted servers are working properly.
The customer is responsible for running the test on each server and application, and for indicating his tests on the Console Atlas test page.
The test also provides an opportunity to identify any changes in the scope of the DRP, and to consider whether the associated procedures need to be modified.
Backup test report #
For each test, a test report is generated and stored in the Atlas Console.
It incorporates comments from client tests on each server/application.
This DRP test report (PDF document) indicates :
- Time to availability of first server.
- Last server availability time.
- General summary.
- Then, on the following pages, details of the user tests for each server/application.
Following each computer backup test, this report defines any action to be taken.
Reconnection tests #
The frequency of the reconnection test depends on the customer’s architecture, and is an extension requested by the customer when planning a standard IT back-up test. By default, it takes place on the same day as the IT back-up test.
It consists of verifying the switchover of the customer’s production network in the event of activation of a DRP and, depending on the scope of the project, testing mobile reconnection mechanisms (SSL VPN, etc.).
It takes place during working hours, and if the customer’s architecture requires a test during non-working hours, this will give rise to an additional estimate.
A report is completed by the customer at the end of the test to record all aspects (what worked and what didn’t).
Reconnection file #
A reconnection file is created for each customer.
It includes the following elements:
- Risk scenarios to be covered
- Network architecture diagram
- Network operations to be carried out before or after switching to standby mode on the customer and Nuabee sides