GFE Focal Point Curriculum

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Service Backup

Service Backup Troubleshooting

Page Contents

  1. Logs
  2. File Age

When troubleshooting Service Backup problems, there are two main areas of focus:

  1. Failed site's data on the Central Server.
  2. Backup site's Service Backup files.

In order for a backup site to perform Service Backup for a failed site, the failed site must have exported its configuration and grid data to the Central Server successfully. Indications of problems with gridded or configuration data on the Central Server include:

  • Cannot download data
  • Grid database is incomplete
  • Error messages or disabled functions in failed site's GFE

When running Service Backup multiple times or for multiple sites, files can accumulate on the backup site's system that may prevent service backup from running smoothly. Indications this is occurring include:

  • Cannot import site data
  • Cannot exit Service Backup
  • System indicates you are backing up a site erroneously

Focal points can avoid many of the problems associated with Service Backup by running periodic tests of Service Backup functionality on their system. Service Backup tests are recommended:

  • After a software upgrade
  • After a change to configuration data uploaded to the Central Server
  • Before a planned server backup event

When possible, focal points should also test their backup offices' configuration data each time it is updated on the Central Server. Focal points should perform a test using the same procedure used during a "real" Service Backup scenario. Things to check include:

  • Configuration data is compatible with your system
  • All of the necessary grids are available
  • There are no map errors
  • Formatters run correctly

In most cases, the operations staff should not notice you are running a test, and it should not interfere with normal operations.

Logs

Log files pertaining to Service Backup are located in the /awips2/GFESuite/ServiceBackup/logs directory, which is mounted on the dv and pv servers. The contents of this directory are dependent on GFE Service Backup activity in the office. Only one "routine" log file exists in this directory. The svcbu_export_grids log file includes information on the creation and transmission of the grid package to the Central Server for NDFD and Service Backup. The file is appended with the time in (HHMM format) so a unique log file is created each time the process runs. The number of log files, and the times they are created is dependent on which method your office uses to transmit grids to the Central Server. Logs in this directory provide information on processes related to spinning up Service Backup for another site. These are other logs that are in this directory:

  • svcbu_request/receive_configuration - information on the office's request for/receipt of the failed site's configuration data
  • svcbu_request/receive_grids - information on the office's request for/receipt of the failed site's grids
  • svcbu_export_bksite_grids - information on the transmission of a failed site's grids to their Restore database
  • svcbu_receive_grids_from_bksite - information on the receipt of grids into the Restore database from the backup site (your office was the failed site)

All log files are appended with the time (in HHMM format) the process starts, so each event has its own unique log file.

File Age

Check this link to see the age of your configuration and forecast data files. The link displays the date, time, file name, and size. The configuration data file name is xxx.cfg and the forecast grids file name is xxxGrd.cfg, where xxx is your site ID.