More than ever before, businesses need network redundancy solutions that keep things up and available, all the time. This standard of “four nines uptime” (99.99%) is vital for those companies that must keep continuity all day, every day, seven days a week. The speed of business allows for nothing less. If your company must stay connected for vital around the clock operations, you need to be sure you have reliable network redundancy solutions in place.
How Do Network Redundancy Solutions Work?
Network redundancy is a basic tenet of maintaining high-speed, high-tech Internet and network communications. If there is a single point of Internet connection and it goes down for any reason, then you are completely disconnected. But if there is a secondary (sometimes called tertiary), independent method of Internet access, then when the main connection fails, the secondary connection keeps you operational.
For example, your business relies heavily on a continuous flow of data through a fiber connection. This is a secure and reliable connection — until a medium-sized earthquake causes underground damage to the local fiber network. Or the city decided to dig up a water main and cuts through a cable. Your Internet service is severed and the flow of data you depend on stops.
Network redundancy solutions allow for such random events, because they provide an alternate Internet connection, completely separate from your main fiber connection. With built-in redundancy, your system could immediately switch over to the backup connection and continue the necessary flow of data.
Essential Factors for Successful Network Redundancy Solutions
Because your business depends on uninterrupted connections throughout your network, you need built-in network redundancy. Therefore, you should consider using independent ISPs to ensure reliable Internet and network connections in the event of a shutdown.
The following factors in network redundancy solutions are essential to ensure that your connections stay up and running.
- Different Building Entrances – Too often, multiple ISPs use the same cabling to connect your building with the cloud. If those cables become compromised, your access will be cut off, regardless of your ISP.
- Different Paths – Research local ISPs to ensure they use discrete protocols to secure the last mile of your connection and are not part of some communications conglomerate that leases fiber to many different ISPs.
- Different Internal Wiring – If all your building’s fiber cables are located together, one accident will cut every connection. Backup connections should not only enter the The building in a different way, they should be routed differently as well.
The best network redundancy solutions include a fixed wireless connection. Fixed wireless delivers superior path redundancy because wireless signals don’t rely on vulnerable underground cables. In fact, many businesses are choosing fixed wireless connections as their primary Internet connection, and not just for use in an emergency.
Does your company have an effective built-in redundancy solution to keep your operations going at the speed of business, no matter what happens? MHO provides effective Internet connections for businesses, including fixed wireless solutions. Contact us today to discuss your company’s Internet needs.
