What is Failover?
Failover is a mechanism that ensures a network, system, or connection automatically switches to a backup whenever there is a failure in the primary connection. The goal is to minimize downtime and disruptions—crucial for business networks, IoT solutions, and communication infrastructures.
Instead of manually intervening when a failure occurs, the system automatically switches to an alternative connection or server. This ensures the continuity of mission-critical processes.
Why is Failover Important?
Companies and organizations are increasingly dependent on constant connectivity. When the internet connection fails, the consequences can be significant:
• Loss of access to cloud applications
• Halted production or logistics processes
• Non-functioning payment terminals or POS systems
• Inaccessible sensors or IoT devices
• Security risks in alarm or camera systems
Failover prevents these issues by automatically switching to an alternative connection, such as 4G or 5G.
How Does Failover Work in Practice?
A failover solution continuously monitors the status of the active internet connection. In the event of a failure or unavailability, the router or network device immediately switches to a secondary standby connection. This could be a mobile connection (LTE/5G) or a second fixed line.
There are different types of failover:
• Active-passive: The backup connection remains on standby and is only activated during a failure.
• Active-active: Both connections are active. Traffic is distributed (load balancing), and one takes over if the other fails.
• WAN failover: Routers with dual-WAN or SIM/ethernet combine fixed lines with mobile networks.
Where Is Failover Used?
Failover is widely used in environments where internet continuity is critical:
• Retail & hospitality: For POS systems and payment processing
• Industry & manufacturing: For automation systems
• Logistics & mobility: For vehicle tracking, order picking, and scanners
• Security & healthcare: For alarm centers, cameras, and sensors
• Offices & SMEs: For workstations, VoIP, and cloud services
Which Devices Are Suitable for Failover?
A reliable failover solution requires appropriate hardware:
• Routers with dual-WAN functionality
E.g., a combination of ethernet and mobile connection
• Routers with dual-SIM slots
For backup via a second mobile operator
• Automatic link detection and switching
The system detects a failure and switches without interruption
• Remote management
Through platforms such as Teltonika RMS
Thingsdata offers routers from brands such as Teltonika and Robustel, specifically designed for failover scenarios.
More Information
Want to know what failover can mean for your organization or IoT solution? Thingsdata is happy to advise you on choosing and implementing a reliable internet backup. Contact us at +31 (0)85 0443500 or info@thingsdata.com, or view suitable routers with automatic failover functionality in the Thingsdata webshop.
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