This graphic illustrates the components of a sample RMAN environment. At the bottom is the RMAN executable. Above the RMAN executable, from right to left, are the following: recovery catalog, duplicate or standby database, and target database. The standby database contains the auxiliary instance and is connected to a tape drive through a media management layer. The target database contains the control file and the fast recovery area. It is connected to a tape drive through a media management layer.

From the RMAN executable there are arrows pointing towards the following: recovery catalog, standby database, and target database.