Using EBS Volume While Snapshot is in Progress
Scenario:
SecureCart, an e-commerce platform, relies on an On-Demand EC2 instance with an attached Amazon EBS volume to store transaction logs, product inventory data, and real-time analytics. Every night at 12 AM, SecureCart performs automated EBS snapshots to create backups while the system is inactive. However, during a recent incident, engineers needed to make critical updates to the application and storage while the snapshot was in progress.
Key Question:
Can SecureCart continue using the EBS volume while the snapshot process is running?
✅ Correct Answer: The EBS volume can be used while the snapshot is in progress.
1️⃣ Understanding EBS Snapshots and Live Usage
🔹 What is an EBS Snapshot?
EBS Snapshots are point-in-time backups of an EBS volume stored in Amazon S3.
Snapshots are incremental – only changed blocks are stored after the first snapshot.
The snapshot process does not disrupt ongoing read/write operations.
🔹 Can You Use an EBS Volume During a Snapshot?
✔ Yes, SecureCart’s application can continue reading and writing to the EBS volume while a snapshot is in progress. ✔ Data consistency may be affected if changes are made while the snapshot is being taken. ✔ For application consistency, it is best to pause I/O operations before creating a snapshot.
2️⃣ How EBS Snapshots Work in SecureCart?
Feature
Description
Incremental Backups
Only changed data blocks are saved after the first snapshot.
Asynchronous Process
Snapshot creation does not lock the volume.
Data Consistency Concerns
If updates occur during snapshot creation, the backup might contain partial writes.
Instance Usage
EC2 instances can continue reading and writing while a snapshot is running.
3️⃣ Key Considerations for SecureCart
🔹 Scenario 1: Application Writes to EBS During Snapshot
If SecureCart’s database is updating order transactions, the snapshot may capture incomplete changes.
Solution: Flush the database or pause writes before starting the snapshot.
🔹 Scenario 2: Restoring Data from an Incomplete Snapshot
If SecureCart restores from a snapshot taken during high activity, the restored volume may be in an inconsistent state.
Solution: Use application-consistent snapshots with AWS Backup or database quiescing.
🔹 Scenario 3: Detaching EBS Volume During Snapshot
SecureCart’s team cannot detach or attach an EBS volume to a different EC2 instance until the snapshot completes.
Solution: If a detach/attach is needed, wait for snapshot completion before modifying volume settings.
4️⃣ Best Practices for SecureCart’s EBS Snapshots
✅ Use Application-Consistent Snapshots – Pause database writes before snapshot creation. ✅ Leverage AWS Backup for Automated Backups – Ensures full data protection. ✅ Enable Multi-Volume Snapshots for EC2 Instances – Ensures consistency across multiple attached EBS volumes. ✅ Monitor Snapshot Progress Using AWS CloudWatch – Track snapshot status to prevent conflicts.
🔹 Example AWS CLI Command to Create a Snapshot with Tags:
5️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake
Why It's a Problem
Solution
Assuming the EBS volume is unavailable during a snapshot
Leads to unnecessary downtime and delays
Continue using the volume during the snapshot
Modifying the volume structure (detaching/attaching) during snapshot creation
Can cause snapshot failures or inconsistencies
Wait until the snapshot is complete before modifying
Not using AWS Backup for automated backups
Can lead to data loss or incomplete recovery
Implement AWS Backup for scheduled snapshots
Failing to monitor snapshot progress
Can impact system changes or recovery plans
Use AWS CloudWatch and SNS alerts
6️⃣ Summary & Key Takeaways
🚀 EBS Snapshots allow SecureCart to back up data without stopping the application. 🚀 EC2 instances can read/write to EBS volumes during snapshot creation. 🚀 Detaching or attaching an EBS volume should only be done after the snapshot is complete. 🚀 Best practice: Use application-consistent snapshots for databases and critical systems.
🔹 Hands-On Lab: Creating and Using EBS Snapshots in SecureCart
🔹 Goal: Verify that SecureCart’s EC2 instance can continue using an EBS volume while taking a snapshot. 🔹 Tools Used: AWS CLI, AWS Management Console, AWS Backup.
✅ Step 1: Create an EBS Snapshot using AWS CLI:
✅ Step 2: Confirm that the EC2 instance continues running without issues. ✅ Step 3: Monitor snapshot progress using:
✅ Step 4: Restore a new volume from the snapshot:
✅ Step 5: Attach the new volume to an EC2 instance and verify data integrity.
Final Thought
By properly managing EBS snapshots, SecureCart ensures business continuity, data security, and efficient recovery without downtime. 🚀
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