Restore Chain is the sequence of backup files or restore points needed to reconstruct data at a selected restore time.
Simple definition
Restore Chain is the sequence of backup files or restore points needed to reconstruct data at a selected restore time. It belongs to the Backup / PRA vocabulary and is useful when reading architecture diagrams, product documentation, logs, or administration procedures.
What is it used for?
Its main purpose is to identify dependencies required for restore and estimate risk associated with a long chain. The practical value depends on the surrounding architecture, security model, and operational requirements.
How does it work?
The engine starts from the relevant full and applies required incremental/differential data in logical order to produce the requested state.
Key points
- Scope: The sequence of backup files or restore points needed to reconstruct data at a selected restore time.
- Operational goal: Identify dependencies required for restore and estimate risk associated with a long chain.
- Implementation: The engine starts from the relevant full and applies required incremental/differential data in logical order to produce the requested state.
Points to watch
A backup is reliable only if restore is tested; document RPO/RTO, retention, immutability, and chain dependencies.
In short
Restore Chain = the sequence of backup files or restore points needed to reconstruct data at a selected restore time. Use it when you need to identify dependencies required for restore and estimate risk associated with a long chain.