Install Portworx Backup on an On-premise or Cloud Cluster
You can install Portworx Backup on any Kubernetes cluster (on-premise or on cloud) using Helm charts. The Kubernetes cluster can be either one of your application clusters or a dedicated cluster. You do not need to install Portworx Backup on every application cluster that you back up. After installing Portworx Backup on one cluster, you can add other application clusters that you want to back up using the Portworx Backup web console.
Supported Environments
You can install Portworx Backup in both non-air-gapped and air-gapped environments.
Air-Gapped Environment
Air-gapped environments are isolated networks that are completely disconnected from the internet. Portworx Backup installation in an air-gapped environment requires careful planning and preparation to ensure successful deployment.
The air-gapped installation follows a structured approach that begins with comprehensive preparation outside the isolated environment. You will start by identifying and downloading all required container images, then transferring them into your air-gapped network and loading them into your private registry.
Key Considerations for Air-Gapped Installations
The fundamental difference between air-gapped and internet-connected installations lies in image sourcing and dependency management. Instead of pulling images from public registries, your deployment will reference your private registry for all container images. This requires careful attention to image tagging and registry configuration.
Image preparation becomes a critical step that must be completed outside the air-gapped environment. You will need to pull all required images, save them to portable media, and then load them into your private registry. This process includes not just the main Portworx Backup images, but also any dependencies and supporting components.
Network isolation, while providing security benefits, means that any troubleshooting or updates must be planned and executed without external connectivity. This makes thorough testing and validation even more important than in connected environments.
Security and Compliance Benefits
Air-gapped deployments provide additional security because they eliminate external network dependencies. The isolation reduces the attack surface and ensures that your backup infrastructure operates within your organization's security boundaries. However, this security comes with the responsibility of maintaining image integrity and managing updates manually.
Non-Air-Gapped Environment
In a non-air-gapped environment, Portworx Backup can be installed using any of the following methods:
- Portworx Central Spec Generator — A web-based tool that guides you through configuring and generating Helm installation specifications. For more information, see Install Portworx Backup Using Portworx Central.
- Argo CD — A continuous delivery tool that lets you manage the Portworx Backup installation declaratively through the Argo CD web console, without relying on the Spec Generator. For more information, see Deploy Portworx Backup Using Argo CD.
The following topics provide the detailed information on Portworx Backup installation process.