Define "network redundancy" in the context of a data center.

Network redundancy in the context of a data center refers to the strategy of implementing multiple network paths or connections to enhance reliability and minimize downtime. This approach ensures that if one path or connection fails, alternative routes can immediately take over, allowing continuous operation. This is critical in a data center environment where uptime is essential for business operations and client trust.

With network redundancy, data centers can achieve high availability by making sure that they do not rely on a single point of failure in their network setup. For instance, having multiple routers, switches, and connections means that if one fails, the other can maintain network functionality without significant interruption. This setup can include things like redundant Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or diverse physical paths for network cables.

Implementing redundancy ultimately supports disaster recovery and fault tolerance in data center operations, enabling businesses to maintain service levels and avoid costly outages that can affect operations and revenue.