Redundant Network

Redundancy, also known as resiliency, in a network provides a maximum level of network uptime. Redundant networks help to ensure the availability of critical applications to employees, partners and customers through an optimized network design.

By providing multiple pathways to your data, a redundant network eliminates single points of failure in the event that network equipment fails or becomes unavailable.

How Will Network Redundancy Benefit My Business?

A redundant network can help your company achieve multiple benefits, including:

• Multiple pathways to ensure application availability
• Maximum bandwidth utilization
• Improvement of disaster recovery posture.
• Increased network management and reporting

How Can I Help My Business Embrace Redundant Network Solutions?

When considering the implementation of a redundant network, it important to:

• Conduct a network audit. Inventory all hardware and software components within your company to identify missing product patches, multiple software versions, product end-of-life or end-of-support deadlines, and any factors that may indicate possible security risks or network performance issues.
  
  
• Perform a network assessment. An assessment maps all network devices, links and protocols and provides a detailed view of the complete LAN and WAN design. It can identify critical network issues and provide a remediation to address them.
  
  
• Develop a strategy plan. Consider all of your company's operational needs to ensure your redundant network has the flexibility to support future growth. Evaluate timelines, availability expectations, and prioritization of each project component.

What Comprises a Redundant Network Solution?

Effective redundant network solutions take the following into consideration:

Network Components

Network components such as routers, switches and chassis should all include multiple points through which data can travel the network to your users.

Load Balancing Software

Load balancing software is key to a successful redundant network. It monitors and distributes traffic on the network based upon defined prioritization of the type of data, the IP address, and the destination.

Management and Monitoring Software

Management tools can quickly identify and diagnose failed network connections from a central location, then repair and/or replace them without disruption to data availability.

Voice and Data Services

Voice and data services provide connectivity between multiple sites and ensure that if one location is lost, users can still access data through other locations. They support wide area network (WAN) connections, and provide failover sites for disaster recovery.

Getting Started with a Redundant Network

Your CDW Account Manager and certified networking specialists are ready to assist you with every phase of choosing and leveraging the right redundant network solution for your IT environment. Our approach includes:

• An initial discovery session to understand your goals, requirements and budget
• An assessment review of your existing environment and definition of project requirements
• Detailed vendor evaluations, recommendations, future environment design and proof of concept
• Procurement, configuration and deployment of the final solution
• Ongoing product lifecycle support

Contact your Account Manager or CDW Specialist today.