Backhaul Redundancy Vs Diversity

January 17, 2023 | By Chris Sayles

What is the difference between network redundancy and network diversity? Redundant routes ensure if a primary link fails the secondary takes over on the same network path.  Network diversity ensures that if the redundant route fails there will be alternate path. Having both traits in your network ensures your mission critical infrastructure stays up and running in the face of avoidable and unavoidable network outage conditions.

Redundancy and Diversity come into play when you are looking at transmission mediums and equipment as well.  Leaning on one transmission method too heavily can limit your options to bolster your network infrastructure. For example, too many fiber optic links traversing the same routes can lead single points of failure if the fibers all converge on one common cross connect.

Introducing properly designed microwave radio links can add both redundancy and diversity to any network.  Running a microwave radio link in parallel to an existing fiber route will provide a redundant path in the event of a fiber outage. Additionally opening a new path in your network using microwave radio can deliver network diversity that fiber or lease circuits may not be able to deliver. Strategically placed microwave radio links can dramatically improve the redundancy and diversity of your infrastructure.

In conclusion, keeping an open mind to your network infrastructures redundancy and diversity will lead to a more reliable network.  Infiniti Wireless has a team of network engineers that are well versed in designing redundant and diverse networks.  Our engineering team will call on our expertise working with public safety, utilities, private enterprise, and wireless carriers to design a network for your specific needs.  Please contact Infiniti Wireless today to discuss how we can assist you in creating a more robust network.