I did not want to create a new post, so I am bumping this sort of old topic...

I am trying to determine what would be better to restore a larger (96GB) database from a remote server as far as I/O on the production server.

The backup file is located on the production server and I want to restore into a test box. My two options are:

1. Copy the bak file to the test server and restore locally

2. Restore using an UNC path

Which would have the least impact on the Prod server (where the bak file is located)?

I am new to the DBA field and want to make the best decision possible.

Thanks for any help