Data Centre Services: Understanding N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1 Redundancy & which one do you need

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of data centre solutions for anyone availing colocation services is the knowledge and application of data redundancy. For data centre services, the facilities have redundant systems supporting infrastructurelike the power and cooling systems that keep the operations running seamlessly.

Data centre services providers use these components to ensure that the working of the facility isn't hampered due to failure of systems or power outages by providing for backups. Service providers who invest in the upkeep of the data centre facility and its infrastructure become reliable and a cherished name in the industry.

What Is Redundancy?

In simple terms, redundancy is a tool designed to duplicate an element. In the event of failure of that element, this tool acts as a safeguard against downtime by acting as a stand-in or replacement for that element andsaving from damage to IT equipment<1>.

Importance of Data Redundancy for Data Centre Services

In terms of revenue, service providers and businesses, alike, can be negatively impacted if any mission-critical system fails, as none of the data centre services are feasible at that moment, which further halts operations on all levels.

Deploying human resources to tackle this situation means the partnering business cannot properly function according to its day-to-day goals. Exactly why data redundancy is important for businesses availing colocation services as it can halt operations if there's any component failure. Potential losses and added financial costs due to such disruption can be critical for businesses.

Redundancy or backup for data centre services can significantly increase uptime which makes a service provider resilient. For continued operations and uninterrupted power and cooling systems, data redundancy becomes highly essential.

Having appropriate redundant systemsfor the facility can save the data during system failures from getting corrupted and protect from potential loss of entire database for various clients in casea part of system becomes irretrievable. In addition, it is important to keep assessing the upgrades needed and subsequent routine checks to figure out how much downtime can the customers expect during peak overload hours.

When we talk about data redundancy, uptime forms its core value. It means the availability of data annually, that is guaranteed by the data centre services provider. Businesses today have high-functioning goals to achieve and requires maximum uptime to carry out such tasks. It requires the systems to run properly and be readily available.

Uptime is usually measured as a ratio of the number of minutes by the number of total minutes in a year the system was up and active. Data redundancy systems become a highly important component of data centre services in such cases.

Forms of Data Centre Redundancy

Understanding the key pointers and differences between N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1 data redundant systems will make you one step closer from knowing which one is ideal for your business.

• N Redundancy

The UPS or Uninterrupted Power Supplies and cooling systems needed to operate the data centre servicesat full capability is represented by N. It signifies the standard capacity to run as per the design without accommodating any system failures or the upkeep ability of the facility.

If any technical failure, virus, physical damage, or any other environmental factor like storms were to hit the infrastructure, a N redundancy system will shut down until someoneacts upon it with manual access. This can cost the partnering companies as well as the data centre services provider a lot of money as during this outage, all transactions and functioning come to a standstill.

• N+1 Redundancy

This data centre redundancy system has the ability to accommodate for backups by providing additional components for operations to run at full capacity. In such a system, there is one extra unit provided for every four that are needed. This means that if the facility is running at 12 power backup units, a N+1 redundancy will have 15 units in place.

As compared to N redundancy systems, there is no added costs of repairing and replacing such equipment as there's at least one storage option that is available for when there's a system failure<2>.

• 2N Redundancy

Also known as N+N Redundancy, this system is acomplete substitute to the main operating system and acts like a shadow of the mainframe, if it shuts down for any reason such as maintenance. It is a separate, independent systemworking as a backup without compromising access to the baseline server<2>.

• 2N+1 Redundancy

The ultimate reserve for data with additional components that act like the main server in all its forms. Not only does it grant access to the original database, but it alsoacts like a complete replacement of it. It differs from 2N redundant systems as the data centre services for 2N redundancy can come crashing down if some damage was to happen to the backup server<2>.

With 2N+1, you have a stand-by for a stand-by meaning multi-layered protection for all your important data. This is the highest form of redundancy to be in place and will minimize the losses incurred from damage to the facility as all the data is stored on various levels and the functioning does not come to a halt due to these faults.

Your Ideal Choice for Data Centre Redundancy

If your business requirements are small-scale and does not need all-round customer support, investing in N/N+1 redundant systems are viable as hardware backups aren't necessary. However, if the scale of business expandsfrom medium to multi-billion-dollar, advance redundant systems are recommended. Reliability and colocation costs are also factors one needs to consider as when availing data centre services, gathering insight about the service provider's data redundancy systemsis essential.

You should aim for colocation services that promise industry highest uptime so that your business doesn't suffer. Choosing a renowned player in the market, like STT GDC India, who thrive to provide mission-critical data with maximized security and reliability, along with stellar uptime records would be a wise move. You can be assured of their colocation data centre services that are specifically designed to fulfil your business needs. So, check their website and contact them for a detailed understanding about their services!