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Replication Data Paths

In this article

VM replication can run over two data paths:

Direct data path
Via a pair of WAN accelerators

Replication Data Paths Note:

Replication via WAN accelerators is supported only for a snapshot replica.

Direct Data Path

Replication over a direct data path is recommended if you replicate VMs over LAN or fast connections. In this case, Veeam Backup & Replication transports data directly from the source host or off-host backup proxy to the target host.

Replication via WAN Accelerators

If you have a weak WAN link, you can replicate VM data via a pair of WAN accelerators. WAN accelerators provide advanced technologies to optimize VM data transfer:

Global data caching and deduplication
Resume on disconnect for uninterrupted data transfer

WAN accelerators add a new layer in the backup infrastructure — a layer between the source-side Veeam Data Mover Service and the target-side Veeam Data Mover Service. The data flow goes from the source host or off-host backup proxy via a pair of WAN accelerators to the target host.

To replicate VMs via WAN accelerators, you must deploy a WAN accelerator at each end of a WAN link:

Source WAN accelerator must be deployed in the source site. The source WAN accelerator must have access to the backup server, source host or off-host backup proxy and target WAN accelerator.
Target WAN accelerator must be deployed in the target site. The target WAN accelerator must have access to the backup server, source WAN accelerator and target host.