Define: Single Point of Failure
Ξ February 21st, 2010 | → | ∇ Definition |
According to Google Analytics, “Single Point of Failure” is one of the expressions that brings more people to this humble place. I guess people searching Google for this expression would like to see the actual definition, and not only the title of the blog.
Single Point of Failure refers to a specific part of a system, that in case of failure can cause major disruption to the normal work-flow. If you are talking about a computer network, think about the centralized Internet access point of the database server But you can also thing about you hard-disk system, if you are not using a RAID system.
Once the single point of failure goes down, there’s major loss of functionality possibly the complete halt of the system. One simple technique that can be used to mitigate the existence of a single point of failure. Redundancy is done by having several instances critical components working in cooperation avoids the dependence on one unique piece of equipment. It is important to consider implementing distinct approach for the redundant equipment, as this ensure there is no relation between failures of each independent piece of equipment.
For instance in your home, if you’re like me, a modem breakdown or a torn phone line can totally mean the end-of-times (knock on wood). I’m talking about the sky turning black and thunderstorms breaking havoc. The last time it happened I was almost three weeks without Internet, phone and TV. I mean, all that was left to do in the evening was to read. 
Total misery.
Now, for all of you not interested in this subject, just wait for people to start coming here looking for… You tell me!
