In Firebox, what does 'Failover' mean?

In the context of Firebox and networking, 'Failover' refers specifically to the mechanism by which traffic is redirected to a backup device when the primary device experiences a failure. This ensures that connectivity is maintained and minimizes downtime for users and applications relying on network services.

When a primary device, such as a firewall or router, goes down due to hardware failure, software issues, or maintenance, failover allows another device, often configured in a clustered or redundant setup, to take over the responsibilities of the original device. This process is critical for maintaining high availability and reliability of network services, as it prevents significant disruptions in service, allowing businesses to continue operating smoothly.

This capability is a central aspect of many network configurations where redundancy is required, illustrating the emphasis on continuous service availability in modern IT infrastructure.