What is redundant routing? (Failover)

Imagine your business's network as a city grid. On a busy day, one main road gets blocked—perhaps due to an accident or construction. Without an alternative route, the whole city would come to a standstill.

This is where redundant routing comes into play for your network. It ensures that when one path is blocked, data can continue to travel through another, keeping your operations running consistently without missing a beat.

This article covers:

• The definition of redundant routing
• Key components of redundant routing
• How failover routing works
• Redundant routing benefits 
• Redundant routing use cases
• Implementation tips
• Next steps with Meter

What is redundant routing?

Redundant routing, often known as failover routing, is a critical aspect of network design that ensures continuous network availability even when primary routes fail.

Such an approach involves setting up multiple pathways for data to travel, so if one route encounters issues, the traffic is automatically redirected to another, minimizing downtime and maintaining seamless operations.

Key components of redundant routing

Redundant routing is built on several components that ensure data can travel multiple paths, enhancing network resilience and reliability. Here’s a breakdown of its central elements:

Primary and secondary routes

Establishing multiple paths for data is the foundation of redundant routing.

By configuring both primary and secondary routes using appropriate routing protocols and hardware, networks can ensure that there is always an alternative path available if the primary one fails.

Think of it as having multiple roads to reach the same destination; if one road is blocked, you can take another without any hassle. A redundancy like this is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted network service.

Failover mechanisms

Failover mechanisms, including the use of failover routers, are automated processes that detect failures in the primary route and switch to a backup route. These mechanisms are essential for ensuring that the transition between routes is smooth and does not disrupt network traffic.

It's like having an automatic backup generator that kicks in when the power goes out, ensuring that the lights stay on. Failover routers play a major role here, quickly adapting to network changes, minimizing downtime, and maintaining operational continuity.

Load balancing

Load balancing distributes network traffic across multiple routes to optimize performance and prevent any single path from becoming overloaded.

By balancing the load, networks can operate more efficiently, similar to how a well-coordinated team shares tasks to achieve better productivity. It helps in preventing bottlenecks and ensures that all available resources are utilized effectively.

Failover routers can also contribute to load balancing by distributing traffic based on current network conditions, thereby enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the network.

How failover routing works

Failover routing is a dynamic process that ensures continuous network operation even in the event of a route failure. It will require both detection mechanisms and pre-configured alternative routes to function effectively. Here’s how it functions:

Detection of route failures

The first step in redundant routing is the detection of route failures. Network devices, including redundant routers, continuously monitor the status of all configured routes.

When a failure is detected, whether due to hardware issues, software glitches, or physical interruptions, the system is alerted immediately. Real-time monitoring, using specialized network monitoring tools and software, can ensure quick response to potential issues.

Automatic redirection of traffic

Once a failure is detected, the failover mechanism redirects the traffic to an alternative path. This automatic redirection happens in real time, ensuring that users experience minimal to no disruption.

Imagine driving on a highway and encountering a sudden roadblock; the navigation system instantly reroutes you to an alternate route without you having to stop. Immediate redirection, often managed by proper routing protocols, is key to maintaining smooth network operations.

Continuous monitoring and switching back

Continuous monitoring ensures that when the primary route is restored, traffic can be switched back to it efficiently. This back-and-forth capability keeps the network robust and flexible, maintaining optimal performance and reliability. The constant vigilance over network status helps in promptly restoring the preferred routes once they are available.

Benefits of redundant routing

Implementing redundant routing offers numerous advantages that enhance the overall performance and reliability of a network. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

Increased network reliability

Redundant routing significantly enhances network reliability by providing multiple paths for data to travel. A redundancy like this ensures that a single point of failure does not cripple the network. With redundant routes, networks can handle failures gracefully, maintaining steady operations.

Reduced downtime

By automatically switching to backup routes during failures, redundant routing reduces downtime, which is important for businesses that rely on constant connectivity. Less downtime translates to more productivity and fewer disruptions. This is particularly pivotal for enterprises where even minor interruptions can lead to significant operational and financial losses.

Improved disaster recovery capabilities

Redundant routing plays a vital role in a broader disaster-recovery strategy that involves backup systems and data replication. It ensures that pertinent data and services remain accessible, supporting business continuity. In the face of disasters, redundant routing allows businesses to continue their operations without major setbacks.

Enhanced user experience

With uninterrupted connectivity, users experience fewer disruptions, leading to higher satisfaction and improved productivity. Whether it's employees in a corporate office or customers accessing an online service, a smooth network experience is invaluable. Continuous availability of network resources contributes to a better user experience and operational efficiency.

Use cases for redundant routing

Redundant routing is vital across various industries and scenarios, ensuring reliable network performance and availability. Here are some core use cases:

Data centers

Data centers require high availability to ensure services remain accessible at all times and allow for continuous operations. Redundant routing in data centers minimizes the risk of outages, providing reliable access to data and applications so that you reduce the risk of downtime.

Corporate networks

Redundant routing helps corporate networks avoid downtime, ensuring that communication and collaboration tools, including services like VoIP, email, and cloud applications, remain functional. It supports uninterrupted business processes, which is important for maintaining productivity and service quality with:

• Continuous operations: Prevents downtime, ensuring business tools are always operational.
• Business continuity: Supports seamless business processes.
• Enhanced reliability: Improves overall network reliability, allowing smooth business operations.

ISPs

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) use redundant routing to deliver consistent and reliable Internet service to their customers. The redundancy helps ISPs manage high traffic volumes and maintain service quality. Redundant routing allows them to offer dependable Internet service, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty through:

• Consistent service delivery: Provides reliable Internet services.
• High traffic management: Manages and balances high volumes of traffic.
• Customer satisfaction: Enhances satisfaction and loyalty through reliable services.

Public services

Airports, hospitals, and emergency services require reliable communication networks to operate efficiently because any downtime could have serious consequences. Redundant routing allows these services to remain connected. 

Implement redundant routing in public services for:

• Safeguarding critical communication: Ensures reliable networks for essential services.
• Preserving public safety: Maintains connectivity in complicated situations.
• Boosting operational effectiveness: Enhances the efficiency of public services by ensuring reliable network performance.

Tips for implementing redundant routing

Implementing redundant routing involves careful planning and execution.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Assess network requirements

Maintaining a robust and reliable system requires you to evaluate your network's requirements and identify potential failure points. To systematically identify vulnerabilities and potential points of failure, you should use network assessment tools to:

• Identify major data paths: Map out all integral data paths and determine which ones require redundancy.
• Evaluate network traffic: Analyze traffic patterns to understand peak usage times and potential bottlenecks.
• Consider business impact: Assess the impact of potential failures on business operations to prioritize which parts of the network need redundancy first.

Choose appropriate routing protocols

Implementing redundant routing requires selecting the right routing protocols, such as BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) or OSPF (Open Shortest Path First). The choice depends on the specific network size and architecture:

• BGP for large networks: Use BGP for large, complex networks that require multiple ISPs and have diverse routing needs.
• OSPF for internal networks: Implement OSPF for internal routing within an organization, as it quickly adapts to changes.
• Consider hybrid approaches: In some cases, using a combination of protocols can offer the best balance of performance and reliability.

Configure routers with primary and backup routes

Proper configuration of routers, including redundant routers, with both primary and backup routes ensures that the network can switch paths efficiently during a failure. 

Follow these guidelines to configure your routers:

• Define primary and backup routes: Clearly configure primary and backup routes in the routing tables.
• Set priority levels: Use administrative distance and metric settings to prioritize primary routes over backup routes.
• Implement health checks: Configure health checks and monitoring on routers to detect failures and trigger failovers.

Test failover scenarios

Regularly test failover scenarios to verify that the failover mechanisms function correctly. Automated testing tools can simulate failures to validate the failover process during these steps:

• Simulate various failures: Conduct tests for different types of failures, such as link failures, hardware failures, and configuration errors.
• Document and review: Document the results of each test and review them to identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement.
• Schedule regular drills: Plan regular failover drills to ensure that the system remains robust and that staff are familiar with the procedures.

Implement advanced monitoring and alerting

Monitoring tools are great for maintaining a high level of network performance and for quickly identifying issues that may require failover. Implement advanced network monitoring tools to track the health and performance of all routes.

With a network monitoring system, you can set up alerts for any anomalies or failures detected in the network to enable prompt action.

You can also use the monitoring data to analyze trends and anticipate potential issues before they occur.

Plan for scalability and future growth

To ensure your redundant routing strategy can scale with your business growth and changing network demands, focus on the following actions:

• Design a scalable system: Discuss your options with Meter’s support team and network engineers for creating a network design that is scalable and flexible. Ideally, you should use modular hardware and software solutions that can easily adapt to increased demands.
• Regularly review needs: Periodically assess your network requirements and update your redundancy plans to accommodate new technologies and business expansions.
• Invest in quality hardware: Use high-quality, reliable hardware that can handle increased loads and complex routing tasks as your network grows.

Engage with experts

Executing a redundant routing strategy can be complex, so consider engaging with network professionals who can provide specialized expertise and support. 

Start by taking these steps:

• Consult with network engineers: Work with experienced network engineers to design and implement your redundant routing strategy.
• Ensure staff training and certification: Make sure your IT staff are well-trained and certified in relevant networking technologies and protocols.
• Encourage continuous learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in network technology to keep your routing strategy effective and up to date.

Next steps: Enhance your network with Meter

Why waste your network engineer’s time on the daily minutiae of infrastructure maintenance when there is so much more they could be spending their expertise on?

Meter specializes in designing and implementing redundant routing solutions tailored to meet specific business needs, freeing up your network staff to tackle other tasks.

Here's how Meter can help:

• Expertise in designing solutions: Meter's team of experts can design customized redundant routing solutions that fit your business's unique requirements.
• Tailored failover strategies: Meter develops failover strategies that are specific to your network's architecture, guaranteeing that the transition between primary and backup routes is smooth and efficient.
• Advanced monitoring tools: Meter provides advanced monitoring tools that detect and respond to route failures in real-time.
• Continuous support and maintenance: With continuous support and maintenance services, Meter makes sure your network remains in top condition.
• Scalability and future-proofing: Meter’s network design is built with scalability in mind, allowing your infrastructure to grow alongside your business without major overhauls.

Request a demo tailored to your specific requirements and dive into what Meter has to offer.