Software → System Design
Failover
Switching traffic or responsibility to a standby component when the primary component fails.
Motivation
Failover moves traffic or responsibility away from a failed component. It solves the problem of continuing service when something breaks.
Mental model
Failover is the practiced handoff from a broken path to a working one.
Where it fits
Failover belongs to the Software track, inside System Design. It connects to nearby concepts through the graph relationships on this page and in the graph explorer.
Common mistakes
- Assuming failover works because it exists on paper.
- Failing over to a component that is stale or overloaded.
- Not defining when to fail back.
Related concepts
Use the metadata panel or return to the graph to explore concepts that this one requires or relates to.