CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)Security and Disaster RecoveryMedium
A small business uses a single server for all its critical operations. The IT administrator is setting up a backup rotation scheme for daily incremental backups and weekly full backups, using tape media. To minimize the risk of data loss due to a single tape failure and to optimize the use of media, which backup rotation scheme is generally recommended for this scenario?
- AGrandfather-Father-Son (GFS)
- BLinear
- CTower of Hanoi
- DFIFO (First-In, First-Out)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Grandfather-Father-Son (GFS)
The Grandfather-Father-Son (GFS) rotation scheme is widely recommended for tape backups as it provides multiple generations of backups (daily, weekly, monthly/yearly) with varying retention periods, which minimizes the risk of data loss from a single tape failure and allows for recovery to different points in time. It balances storage efficiency with recovery capabilities.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Linear rotation typically overwrites the oldest backup, similar to FIFO, without providing generational protection.
- C. Tower of Hanoi is a more complex scheme, often not practical for typical business backup needs and can be confusing.
- D. FIFO simply rotates tapes in order, offering poor protection against long-term data loss or corruption.
Grandfather-Father-Son (GFS) Backup Rotation
A backup rotation scheme that uses daily (Son), weekly (Father), and monthly/yearly (Grandfather) backups to provide varying retention periods and recovery points.
- Balances storage space with recovery capability.
- Provides multiple generations of backups.
- Widely used for tape and disk-based backup strategies.
Memory trick: Backup Rotation: GFS is the 'Grand' standard for generations!