Unix® System Management Primer Plus

Using Multiple Network Paths

A network is just as likely to fail as any other component in your infrastructure. You can easily understand the potential for network failure when you consider the number of parts in a network that could fail, including cables, routers, switches, NICs, and telco lines. Highly available networking can be achieved by configuring redundant network paths between your critical systems and between your systems and the Internet.

Provider Redundancy

Sites with a single telco line to the Internet risk losing Internet connectivity if that line goes down. Many times connectivity problems lie with your provider or the phone company, leaving your business in the hands of a potentially overworked and under-responsive support staff ...