What is the significance of N+1 redundancy?

N+1 redundancy is a design concept used primarily in critical systems, particularly data centers, to enhance reliability and availability. The significance of this approach lies in the fact that it provides a backup component or unit that can take over in case the primary unit fails. This means that for every essential piece of equipment or system component (the "N"), there is an additional one (the "+1") that is ready to handle the load if needed.

For instance, if a data center has one power supply unit that is required to keep operations running, an N+1 configuration would involve having one extra power supply unit available. In the event that the primary supply fails, the additional unit can immediately step in without any disruption to the operations.

This redundancy is critical in environments where uptime is paramount, such as in data centers, where any unplanned downtime can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage. By ensuring that there is a sufficient backup, N+1 designs help organizations meet their reliability requirements and maintain continuous service.