It is difficult to evaluate the infrastructure and capabilities of the data center. Many colocation customers don’t know how to evaluate their data center. You need to know about certain terms for understanding the redundant systems. In this article, we are going to discuss the redundancy factor.
Data Center Redundancy
Redundancy is a very important factor for data centers. If your components are not working, then it can have serious consequences. Thus, redundancy is very important for colocation centers. When systems are not working, then companies can’t access services and data. Thus, companies can lose their revenue. Also, you can miss a lot of opportunities. This can also damage the reputation of your data center.
Data centers offer an SLA uptime guarantee to their customers. They determine the downtime that their customers can expect. For example, Amazon AWS is offering an SLA of 99.99% uptime. Thus, companies can face an average of 4 minutes of downtime every month. If data centers are not fulfilling their agreement, then they need to pay money to their customers. Also, their customers will start working with other reliable partners. Thus, data center redundancy is very important for every colocation facility.
Redundant Systems
Data center cooling and power can impact the uptime of the data center facility. These are the two most important factors that affect SLA uptime. You also need these systems for supporting your cooling systems. For example, if your AC is not working properly, then your server can overheat. Also, it is difficult to maintain your power infrastructure. You need to switch off your whole data center for doing maintenance. Data center facilities are using a common system for describing the redundancy they are using.
What is N Redundancy?
The N symbol is used for representing the amount of infrastructure you need for operating the data center facility. Most facilities use it for describing the cooling units or UPS. However, some facilities also use other aspects. The most important thing about N is that it is the baseline capacity. If a facility has N capacity, then it can operate as designed. However, the facility is not using any redundant systems. Thus, they can’t deal with equipment maintenance and failure.
What is N+1 Redundancy?
This is the better version of N redundancy. It means that the data center facility can run at full IT load. Also, it has extra components for dealing with component maintenance or failure. For example, if you need four bolts for assembling the shelf, then the N+1 system will give you five bolts. Thus, you will always have an extra backup. According to the N+1 standard, you need to add an extra unit after every 4 units. Thus, if you need 16 cooling units, then you should have 21 units.
What is 2N Redundancy?
This is also known as the fully redundant system. It has completely independent and mirrored systems. Thus, it can take care of your operational needs. If your system is not working, then these systems can take over. These systems are also known as fault-tolerant systems. They will provide uninterrupted service even if the systems are not working properly. You don’t need to worry about downtime. These types of systems will help you in lowering the downtime. These systems are also easy to maintain. If you need to repair any system, then you can take it down. The mirrored system will provide the services to your customers. Thus, you can easily maintain your systems.
What does 2N+1 Redundancy Mean?
This is currently the highest form of redundancy. These systems will provide you backup systems. Also, you will get access to additional components. You can use these components in case of system failure. Also, you can easily maintain your systems. If you need to fix your system, then you can take them down. The 2N+1 system will provide you amazing versatility. You will get access to fault-tolerant systems. These systems can deal with component failure. You don’t even need to use your backup systems for dealing with these failures.
Which standard is perfect for you?
It is difficult to find the perfect redundant system for your organization. Most companies want to go for the highest redundant systems. They want to work on the 2N+1 redundant system. However, every company has different availability and uptime standards. For example, if you are working in the healthcare industry, then you need 99.99% uptime. If your systems are not working, then patients can lose their life. Thus, you need to work with the best system. However, every company doesn’t need 100% uptime. For example, normal websites don’t need 100% uptime. Thus, it is not a good idea to work with the 2N+1 system. N+1 redundancy is perfect for most companies. It is highly reliable. Thus, you don’t need to worry about downtime. Also, these systems are very affordable. Hence, you don’t need to invest a lot of money buying these systems.
Conclusion
Redundancy is a very important factor for data center design. Enterprises should take this factor seriously. This will help you in finding the perfect colocation partner for your organization. There are hundreds of colocation partners available in the market. Thus, it is difficult to find a perfect partner for your company. You should use factors like redundancy and power for finding the perfect partner. It is always a good idea to check the redundancy of your colocation center. System downtime can be very critical for companies. You can lose a lot of revenue due to system downtime. Also, you can miss a lot of business opportunities. Thus, you can’t ignore the importance of redundant systems. These are all 4 different types of redundant systems. If you are working in the healthcare or finance sector, then you should find the best redundant systems for your organization. These types of systems will ensure that your critical applications are always up. If you want more information regarding colocation centers, then you can contact Bleuwire.
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