Storage array network backup configuration

A method for performing a backup operation on a redundant communication network, the network including a plurality of servers having a plurality of production servers and a backup server;

• a storage system including a plurality of production volumes for storing data and a corresponding plurality of backup volumes connected to each of the production volumes;
• a first channel and a second channel for allowing communication between the production servers and the production volume, the second channel further allowing communication between the backup server and the backup volume of the storage system;
• and a backup storage unit connected to the backup server, the method comprising:
• selecting, by one of the production servers, one of the production volumes for backup;
• disconnecting the selected ones of the production volumes from a corresponding one of the plurality of backup volumes;
• determining the relative load on each of the first and second channels of the redundant communication network;
• adjusting, if necessary, the load on each of the first and second channels during the backup operation;
• transferring data stored on the corresponding one of the plurality of backup volumes to the backup storage unit;
• determining that the backup operation is complete;
• and
• re-connecting the selected ones of the production volumes from the corresponding one of the plurality of backup volumes.