What is wireless network failover and why is it important to business continuity?

In the intricate web of modern business operations, the importance of network failover has transcended from being merely significant to becoming an indispensable component of business continuity.

As organisations increasingly rely on cloud-based services, the need for uninterrupted network access has never been more critical. This article delves into the realm of wireless network failover, exploring its mechanics and unveiling six strategies that leverage wireless broadband to fortify network diversity and minimise single points of failure.

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Understanding failover and fallback mechanisms

Network failover involves the seamless transition to standby equipment and connections when the primary network connection encounters a failure. With cloud-based services integral to daily operations, the failover and fallback mechanisms have evolved from being important to essential in the realm of remote and branch networking. Diversifying network components and connection types becomes paramount, and the integration of wireless network connections emerges as a flexible and cost-effective strategy to enhance uptime, application performance, and overall business continuity.

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How failover works: A closer look at configuration

Network outages can stem from various sources, including hardware issues, configuration errors, software glitches, security attacks, and unforeseen accidents. In a failover configuration with two routers, one designated as primary and the other as backup, a redundancy protocol ensures continuous monitoring of both routers and wide-area network (WAN) links. If the primary router or network connection falters, the backup seamlessly takes charge. Network parameters are shared to maintain operational continuity, and when the primary router or WAN link stabilises, connections smoothly 'failback' to it.

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The added value of wireless links in failover

While introducing failover capabilities through a second wired link is beneficial, it still leaves potential weak points. To elevate resilience and continuity, employing two routers, each with a distinct WAN connection, proves superior. Modern cellular LTE and 5G wireless data links inject backup and diversity into the network, reducing single points of failure. These high-bandwidth wireless connections can cater to mission-critical traffic or the entire branch network load, providing flexibility based on needs and budget constraints.

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Utilising failover for traffic management and segregation

Beyond mere failover, a secondary WAN connection facilitates swift accommodation of traffic spikes and the segregation of applications for security or performance reasons. Activation of the secondary link during peak times allows dynamic routing of traffic to optimise paths. This approach ensures cost-effectiveness, as the secondary link is released when traffic returns to normal levels. Alternatively, a continuous and affordable wireless link can be used, segregating sensitive applications from generic web traffic or guest networks. Advanced traffic management capabilities empower organisations to define policies aligned with wireless services, restrictions, and caps.

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Simplified deployment and operation of wireless routers

The integration of network failover and wireless WAN links need not be a complex or costly endeavour. Zero-touch deployment features, coupled with cloud-based network management and data plan monitoring, make deploying and operating wireless routers swift and straightforward. Software-defined networking capabilities offer sophisticated control, allowing organisations to define routing policies based on security, application performance, and WAN capacity.

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Embracing the future of wireless: An assessment for your organisation

As cloud services, IoT devices, and increased mobility push businesses beyond the constraints of wired networks, the assessment of how wireless can shape the future becomes imperative. Discover how your organisation can embrace the resilience and diversity offered by wireless solutions, paving the way for a seamlessly connected future by contacting us today.