Backup vs. Redundant Circuits- Options to Safeguard your Connection
Having a fail-safe for Internet isn’t a luxury for schools and libraries anymore—it is a safeguard against the very real cost of downtime. At a basic level, redundancy means having a backup internet connection via a different path so that if your primary circuit fails, traffic automatically fails over and instruction or community and workforce development can continue with minimal disruption.
We probably don’t need to remind you why this is important (although we will), but first want to make sure you know the options you have through MOREnet.
A Backup Circuit consists of two circuits that terminate into a single router, with both circuits active and capable of passing traffic. One circuit is designated as the primary path, while the other serves as a backup. If the primary circuit were to fail, traffic would automatically shift to the backup circuit using the same router. While both circuits are continuously monitored, only one circuit carries traffic at any given time, so usage will only be visible on the active path A backup circuit from MOREnet carries no Network Connectivity Fee (NCF), only pass-through charges as we receive them from the tail circuit vendor.
A Redundant Circuit is a second circuit, used simultaneously with your primary circuit. For example, if St. George Elementary School has a circuit and St. George High School has a circuit, and there is an existing connection between the two schools, those circuits can be configured to be redundant. In this scenario, each school uses its own circuit as the primary path. However, if one circuit were to go down, traffic from the affected school could be rerouted through the other school until service is restored. Because it’s being used regularly as a connection, NCF applies.
As with every connection through MOREnet, our E-Rate funding experts can help you identify implications for USAC funding (or lack thereof) for each option.
Here’s why having a backup of some sort matters:
- Business operations must go on: Whether you rely on VoIP phone systems, security cameras and access control, transportation routing or cloud-based HR and payroll systems, redundant connectivity helps ensure your school or library can fully function, even in the event of an outage.
- Instruction doesn’t stop when the internet does: Modern classrooms rely heavily on cloud-based tools—LMS platforms, testing systems, video content, and real-time collaboration. A single outage can halt lessons across an entire district. Redundant circuits keep learning moving, even if one provider goes down.
- Meet expectations for uptime: Cybersecurity insurance carriers and IT best practices increasingly ask for documented continuity plans. Redundant internet is often part of demonstrating reasonable safeguards.