Synchronous replication

Definition

Synchronous replication is a data management technique where changes made to a primary data source are simultaneously replicated to one or more secondary data sources in real-time. This method ensures that all copies of the data are consistent and up-to-date, providing high availability and data integrity, which are critical aspects of replication and redundancy techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Synchronous replication minimizes the risk of data loss by ensuring that every write operation is confirmed by both the primary and secondary systems before it is considered complete.
2. This replication technique is often used in mission-critical applications where data integrity and availability are essential.
3. Synchronous replication can introduce latency in operations, as the primary system must wait for acknowledgment from the secondary systems before proceeding.
4. It is typically implemented in environments where network bandwidth is sufficient to handle the real-time data transfer without significant delays.
5. In case of a network failure, synchronous replication ensures that any changes made to the primary source are not lost, as they have already been committed to the secondary systems.

Review Questions

• How does synchronous replication differ from asynchronous replication, and what implications does this have for data integrity?
  • Synchronous replication differs from asynchronous replication primarily in its approach to data consistency. In synchronous replication, changes are immediately written to both primary and secondary sources, ensuring that all copies of the data remain consistent at all times. Conversely, asynchronous replication allows changes to be made on the primary source without instant updates to secondary systems, which can lead to potential data loss during failures. This difference greatly impacts data integrity, as synchronous replication provides stronger guarantees against inconsistencies.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using synchronous replication in a distributed computing environment.
  • The benefits of using synchronous replication include enhanced data integrity, real-time updates across multiple locations, and improved reliability for mission-critical applications. However, it also has drawbacks such as increased latency due to the need for immediate acknowledgment from secondary sources and potential performance bottlenecks if network bandwidth is insufficient. Balancing these factors is essential for optimizing system performance while ensuring data reliability.
• Evaluate how implementing synchronous replication might impact disaster recovery strategies within an organization.
  • Implementing synchronous replication can significantly enhance disaster recovery strategies by providing real-time backups of critical data across multiple locations. This approach ensures that in the event of a system failure or disaster, organizations can quickly switch to secondary systems with minimal data loss. However, it requires careful planning regarding network resources and can complicate recovery processes if latency issues arise. Ultimately, the effectiveness of synchronous replication in disaster recovery depends on the specific needs and infrastructure of the organization.

Related terms

asynchronous replication:

A method where changes to the primary data source are not immediately reflected in the secondary sources, allowing for potential data loss during network failures.

data consistency:

A property ensuring that all copies of data reflect the same information at any given point in time, crucial for maintaining reliable databases.

failover:

The process of switching to a standby database, server, or network upon the failure of the currently active system, ensuring continued operation.