Steps to Implement a Redundant and Fault Tolerant IT Infrastructure

Things eventually and inevitably break down, including a well-designed IT infrastructure. Hence, it is important to make sure that in case your server fails, it can quickly and efficiently be restored. This is where fault tolerance becomes crucial. Specially developed hardware, software, and technologies can be implemented to prevent failures and enable the restoration or replacement of failed components while ensuring minimal interruption to your workflow. This way, you get a redundant and fault tolerant IT infrastructure that is highly reliable and available. Here are some of the steps to implement such an infrastructure:

• Choose the right type of fault tolerance – Many fault tolerant systems are made to handle various possible failures, like hard disk failures, hardware-related issues, permanent and temporary failures, software bugs, interface errors, driver failures, and output and input device failures. Redundancy (i.e. dual modular redundancy) is implemented to prevent hardware component failure. In a redundant and fault tolerant IT infrastructure, components are made up of multiple backups and separated into smaller parts, which should contain the fault. Additional redundancy is established into physical connectors, fans, and power supplies, too.
• You may need to use special instrumentation and software packages – These are specially designed to detect failures and they must nullify programming errors with real-time redundancy. Some solutions can implement static subprograms to compensate for any crashed programs. Fault regulation can be conducted depending on your hardware and the application.
• Find out if your current system has built-in fault tolerance – Windows systems, for instance,

supports underlying system hardware by enabling fault tolerance. For instance, hot adding memory enables more RAM while your system is running, without requiring a reboot to make the system identify the new memory. Another solution is hot plugging PCI-X slots, which enable the removal or adding of PCI cards while your system is running, or hot swap your hard disks to enable the removal or adding SCSI or SATA disks without turning off the system.

• Have reliable hardware – Redundant cooling fans and power supplies may enable your system to run continuously in the event of a power supply failure or one of the fans stop working.
• Keep your surrounding environment fault tolerant – You could enhance the reliability of your IT infrastructure and increase its fault tolerance by making sure that its location is fault tolerant, too. Some of the ways to achieve this is by having UPS (uninterruptible power supply), generators, switches and routers in a network infrastructure, redundant WAN, and voltage filters.
• Consult with IT experts – Find a reputable IT services provider that can audit your existing IT infrastructure and recommend the best and most cost-effective fault tolerance solutions to your organization.

About the Author:Mike Rana is the Chief Technology Advisor of Orion Network Solutions. Orion Network Solutions specializes in providing Computer Installation, Maintenance, and Consulting services along with 24x7 help desk services for small and midsize companies. We provide network solutions that enable small businesses to not only lower their management cost but also increases employee productivity at the same low price. We offer network solution that becomes an integral part of your organization and can provide an increase in productivity of your organization.

Mike Rana is the Chief Technology Advisor of Orion Network Solutions. Orion Network Solutions specializes in providing Computer Installation, Maintenance, and Consulting services along with 24x7 help desk services for small and midsize companies.