Continuous operations in the face of unexpected challenges is the hallmark of a dependable IT infrastructure. To achieve this level of dependability, introducing redundancy into your power protection system is crucial. Redundancy serves a dual purpose: it minimizes service interruptions due to failures and creates a fault-tolerant architecture.
Understanding Redundancy in IT Systems
Redundancy involves incorporating duplicate components that can perform essential tasks in the event of a failure. This introduces an extra layer of protection to ensure system reliability.
N Redundancy
‘N’ redundancy is the minimum number of components required for system to function, typically a single module UPS. In this configuration:
– There is no redundancy solution available for the system.
– The system becomes non-functional in case of a failure until the issue is resolved.
– This level should be considered as the base level. Organizations should build upon this foundation to introduce proper redundancy into their systems.
N+1 and N+2 Redundancy (Parallel Redundancy)
‘N+1’ redundancy includes the base level of resources required for system functionality, plus a single backup. If one of the modules is offline for any reason, the load is spread among all remaining UPS modules. This minimal redundancy level is suitable for smaller IT systems.
‘N+2’ redundancy goes a step further, incorporating resources for essential system functionality along with two separate backups. An example of an N+2 system is five UPS modules connected to the IT load, but the peak IT load never exceeds the capacity of three of the UPS modules.
2N and 2N+1 Redundancy
In ‘2N’ redundancy, there are double of all the necessary resources available in the system. Two completely independent systems with separate distribution systems to support the critical load. An entire UPS group can stop functioning and the load will still be supplied with power.
‘2N+1’ redundancy takes redundancy a step further by adding a backup to the already doubled capacity. Not only can this architecture withstand multiple component failures, even in a worst-case scenario when the entire primary system goes down, it can sustain N+1 redundancy.
2N+2 Redundancy
‘2N+2’ redundancy involves maintaining additional capacity along with two backups, making it one of the highest levels of redundancy.
2N+2 redundancy is considered a top-tier redundancy methodology, most used in the critical IT industry.
3N/2 and 4N/3 Redundancy
‘3N/2’, ‘4N/3’, and similar configurations involve additional capacity based on system load. In a 3N/2 scenario, three power delivery systems would power two servers, which means each power delivery system utilizes 67% of the available capacity.
Redundancy Configurations
Redundancy methodologies come in active, passive, and load-sharing (standby) configurations:
Active: Redundant components operate simultaneously, with the redundant unit taking over the full load if the original fails.
Passive: Redundant components are available but not operational while the original component is active. They activate only in case of a failure.
Load Sharing: Load sharing bridges the availability gap until the original component becomes completely available.
Ready to Explore UPS Redundancy for Your IT System?
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, redundancy is not just critical—it’s an essential component that ensures the seamless operation of IT systems even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
If you’re ready to explore UPS redundancy solutions tailored to your specific needs, contact us today. Our experts are here to guide you in selecting the right redundancy configuration to ensure the reliability and availability of your IT infrastructure. Don’t leave your system’s dependability to chance—partner with NPS for a seamless, uninterrupted IT experience!