Active database duplication does not require backups of the source database. It duplicates the live source database to the destination host by copying the database files over the network to the auxiliary instance. RMAN can copy the required files as image copies or backup sets.

For active database duplication, the duplication technique used determines which channel performs the principal work. When active database duplication is performed using backup sets, the principal work of duplication is performed by the auxiliary channels. When image copies are used, the primary work is performed by the target channels.

To perform active database duplication, a connection to the target database is required. Oracle recommends that you use active database duplication in general, unless network bandwidth between the source host and the destination host is a constraint. Active database duplication requires minimal setup and is simpler to perform.