Ensuring Continuous Connectivity
Internet connections are not fool proof, nor is the infrastructure within most buildings. Therefore, businesses must develop disaster recovery plans for their internal networks and internet connections to ensure continuous cloud connectivity, even in the event of a system failure. As a company that maintains 100% uptime in our data centre, here are several key considerations for creating a resilient system:
Redundant Connections
Internet connections can and will fail, so having more than one connection via different methods is essential. A budget internet connection at around £35 a month is insufficient to guarantee continuous operation. Businesses should evaluate the potential costs of losing connectivity to their CRM, databases, communications, and other systems.
Diversify Connections:
Avoid relying solely on two broadband connections as they likely share the same infrastructure cabling. A failure in the shared infrastructure will take down both connections.
Leased Lines:
Consider investing in a leased line. Though it may cost around £350 per month, for businesses with more than a few employees, this is a necessary expenditure to ensure uptime. Leased lines operate on different infrastructure from broadband, allowing for automatic failover between connections, they also come with an SLA.
Mobile Connectivity:
If a leased line is beyond your budget, consider using 4G or 5G. Modern routers can include a SIM card for automatic failover, keeping core services running during outages and with fixed IP SIM, your technology can meet the same security requirements as your broadband.
VoIP Phone Systems:
Using your phone system over VoIP enables backup connectivity through an app on your mobile phone via 4G. To ensure this functionality, remember to log in and save your login credentials. This way, you can answer business calls on your mobile in case of an emergency.
Internal Network Reliability
Routers and switches are critical components that can also fail. If a switch fails, waiting 24 hours for a replacement can severely disrupt operations. To mitigate this risk:
Spare Hardware:
Keep duplicate hardware on hand. Unpowered spare switches, which cost only a few hundred pounds, can be invaluable in minimising downtime. The cost of such spare hardware is negligible compared to the potential loss from a day without operational phone lines or network access.
Backup Configuration:
Ensure that your configuration for your router is backed up. This ensures that replacement hardware is rapidly brought back up to your required setup.
Home Users and Remote Work
Home users are a valuable addition to a resilience plan, allowing staff to work remotely in the event of a major office fault. However, many companies overlook the need for resilient home connections for their employees. Providing backup internet solutions for home users can ensure continuous productivity.
Backup Strategies
When backing up systems, many businesses fail to account for the time required to restore data from the cloud. A system failure might reveal that backups could take weeks to download, causing unexpected delays.
Multi-Tiered Backups:
Implement a multi-tiered backup approach with both local and cloud solutions. Local backups provide quick recovery options, while offsite cloud backups offer additional security.
Spare Hardware:
Consider maintaining spare hardware to quickly replace failed components. Waiting for new hardware shipments can be surprisingly time-consuming during a critical failure, so make sure to analyse what hardware is essential.
The Importance of Investing in Infrastructure
We often encounter customers who are devastated when their infrastructure fails. SMEs frequently cite the loss of revenue, customer service disruptions, and reputational damage caused by downtime. Yet, many have not invested adequately in infrastructure to prevent such occurrences. The internet, once viewed as a cheap commodity, now demands more consideration and budget due to businesses’ increasing reliance on it.
Written on 10/06/2024 by Juliet Moran
As the Technical Director at TelephoneSystems.cloud and an MSc in Computing, I bring over 27 years of extensive experience in cloud technology. As a woman in the tech industry, I am committed to paving the way for the next generation, demonstrating that innovation in technology should be inclusive of both women and men. My goal is to inspire and empower future generations to actively contribute to the advancement of technology regardless of gender. About Juliet
