Seamless Failover

Seamless failover is the ability of Edge device to switch network traffic to a backup internet link if the primary link connected to the device fails or degrades to a quality that affects application performance. This mechanism provides a robust protection to businesses against productivity loss caused due to internet outages. Both Business Connect and Enterprise Connect offer this feature. IP address changes and interruptions to ongoing sessions are prevented by seamless failover. This is accomplished by employing a novel technique for dynamic network link management, in which the underlying internet links are virtualized and IP addresses are used at the gateway, more precisely at the Points of Presence (PoP).

Seamless Failover

The seamless failover feature is the result of the interaction of three essential mechanisms.

Virtualization of underlays or physical network links: The virtualization of underlays or physical links forms the backbone of seamless failover capability. In traditional networking, physical links are tied to specific IP addresses, meaning that a failure or change in the link can disrupt active sessions. The SD-WAN solution from Adaptiv decouples the IP addresses from the physical links by abstracting the physical underlays into a virtual layer. By avoiding the need to change IP addresses, this abstraction enables the network to reroute traffic with ease while preserving session continuity and integrity.
Gateway IP utilization: Seamless failover benefits from the strategic use of IP address at the gateway, specifically at the PoP. We guarantee that the IP address stays constant even when the physical links change by anchoring it at the PoP. This stability is crucial for maintaining ongoing sessions and avoiding the need for IP reconfiguration. The PoP acts as a central point through which all traffic is routed, enabling quick and efficient link switching without the end-users ever noticing any disruption.
Millisecond failover process: Speed is a crucial factor in failover processes. With a failover mechanism that operates in milliseconds, seamless failover guarantees that any link failure is resolved nearly instantly. Sophisticated algorithms and real-time network condition monitoring enable this quick response. The system minimizes packet loss and latency by automatically rerouting traffic to an optimal path as soon as a degradation or failure is detected. Because this process is so quick, end users don't notice any disruptions, preserving productivity and service quality.

Businesses can benefit from seamless failover in many ways:

Uninterrupted Connectivity: Maintain continuous network availability, even during link failures or maintenance activities.
Enhanced Reliability: Reduce the risk of downtime and associated costs, ensuring business operations run smoothly.
Improved User Experience: Provide a consistent and reliable user experience, crucial for applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud services.
Operational Efficiency: Simplify network management by eliminating the need for manual IP reconfigurations during link changes.

For practical examples of how Seamless failover is a beneficial feature for businesses, click Seamless Failover Business Use Cases.