CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)Security and Disaster RecoveryHard
A server administrator is configuring a new storage area network (SAN) for a critical application that requires continuous data availability and minimal data loss in the event of a primary storage failure. Which replication method would best meet these requirements?
- AAsynchronous replication
- BFile-level replication
- CSnapshot-based replication
- DSynchronous replication
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Synchronous replication
Synchronous replication ensures that data is written to both the primary and secondary storage volumes simultaneously, guaranteeing zero data loss (RPO=0) in the event of a primary failure. This is ideal for applications requiring continuous availability and minimal data loss.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Asynchronous replication offers a lower RPO than synchronous but does not guarantee zero data loss, as there might be a delay in replication.
- B. File-level replication operates at the file level and typically has higher latency and a higher RPO compared to block-level synchronous replication for SANs.
- C. Snapshot-based replication creates point-in-time copies, which are not suitable for continuous availability and minimal data loss as there would be data loss between snapshots.
Synchronous Replication
A data replication method where data is written to both primary and secondary storage simultaneously, ensuring zero data loss (RPO=0) but potentially introducing latency.
- Guarantees zero data loss (RPO=0).
- Writes are acknowledged only after being committed to both sites.
- Introduces latency, making it unsuitable for long distances.
Memory trick: Synchronous is instant, Asynchronous is delayed.