Strengthening Your Network: Best Practices for Adding Redundancy to Your LAN/WAN Environment!

In today's fast paced and interconnected world, having a reliable and robust network infrastructure is crucial for the success of any business. One of the key components of network infrastructure is redundancy, which ensures that there are backup systems and mechanisms in place to prevent network downtime and ensure continuous connectivity. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to add redundancy to a company's LAN/WAN environment.

1. Redundant Hardware

One of the most basic ways to add redundancy to a company's network infrastructure is to have redundant hardware in place. This includes having backup routers, switches, and other networking equipment that can kick in automatically in case of a failure. Redundant hardware can help minimize downtime and ensure continuity of operations.

2. Redundant Connections

Having redundant connections is another important aspect of adding redundancy to a company's LAN/WAN environment. This can be achieved by having multiple internet service providers (ISPs) or utilizing technologies such as multihoming and link aggregation to ensure that there are backup connections available in case one connection fails. This can help prevent network downtime and ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Consider having one land based and one air based provider (e.g. land & RF based ethernet).

3. Redundant Power Supply

Power outages can be a major cause of network downtime, so having redundant power supplies is essential for adding redundancy to a company's LAN/WAN environment. This can be achieved by using uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems or generators to ensure that the network equipment remains operational even in the event of a power outage. Make sure to ask your existing providers how they would handle a power outage, how do they protect they edge devices from an unforeseen disruption?

4. Redundant Data Centers

Another way to add redundancy to a company's network infrastructure is to have redundant data centers in different geographical locations. This can help ensure that there is always a backup system available in case of a disaster or outage at one data center. By spreading out the network infrastructure across multiple data centers, companies can minimize the risk of downtime and ensure continuous connectivity.

5. Network Monitoring and Management

In addition to adding redundant hardware, connections, and power supplies, it is also important to have robust network monitoring and management systems in place. This can help detect and address issues proactively before they lead to network downtime. Monitoring tools can provide real time visibility into the network performance and alert IT staff to any potential problems so that they can be addressed promptly.

6. Regular Testing and Maintenance

Adding redundancy to a company's LAN/WAN environment is not a one time job but requires ongoing testing and maintenance to ensure that the backup systems are functioning properly. Regular testing of redundant hardware, connections, and power supplies can help identify any potential issues and address them before they lead to network downtime.

In conclusion, adding redundancy to a company's LAN/WAN environment is essential for ensuring continuous connectivity and minimizing network downtime. By incorporating redundant hardware, connections, power supplies, data centers, network monitoring, and regular testing and maintenance, businesses can build a robust and resilient network infrastructure that can withstand potential failures and disasters. Investing in redundancy is not only a best practice but also a sound business decision that can help protect the company's operations and reputation. DM me to learn more about true network protection, and about how I can assist your endeavors!