Author
Home > Technology > What is the Difference Between Active Standby and Active Active?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Active Standby and Active Active?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Active-standby and active-active are two different high availability configurations used to improve the reliability of systems. Here are the main differences between the two:

Active-standby (Active/Passive):

  • Operates with a single active node handling all incoming requests and standby nodes ready for failover.
  • Simplicity in configuration and management, making it an attractive choice for specific use cases.
  • Minimizes complexity by having a single active node at any given time.
  • Usually cost-effective.
  • Outage time may be higher in case of failure compared to active-active configuration.

Active-active:

  • Involves all nodes being active simultaneously, ensuring parallel processing and high scalability.
  • Provides load balancing and high availability.
  • More complex than active-standby, which can lead to potentially higher costs.
  • Failure in one path will not lead to service outage.

In an active-standby configuration, only one node is in active mode, while the other nodes are in standby mode, ready to take over if the active node fails. This setup simplifies management and configuration but may have a higher outage time compared to an active-active configuration.

On the other hand, an active-active configuration involves all nodes being active simultaneously, providing load balancing and high availability. This setup is more complex than active-standby and offers virtually zero outage time in case of failure.

Active-standby is typically used in situations where simplicity of configuration and management is preferred, while active-active is used when load balancing and parallel processing are necessary for seamless operation.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Active Standby and Active Active?
  • Comparative Table: Active Standby vs Active Active

    • Comparative Table: Active Standby vs Active Active

    Active Standby and Active Active are two different configurations for high availability (HA) and load balancing in computer systems. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between these two configurations:

    Feature Active Standby Active Active
    Definition A system architecture where one system is active and handling tasks, while another is on standby to take over in case of failure. A system architecture where two or more systems are active and running tasks simultaneously.
    Resource Utilization The standby system is typically underutilized since it's primarily a backup, waiting to take over in case of failure. Active systems provide optimal resource utilization even during routine operation, as all active units are processing requests. This leads to efficient workload distribution and higher overall system performance.
    Complexity and Cost Generally simpler and less expensive than an Active Active setup because the standby system does not require active processing capabilities. More complex and potentially more expensive than an Active Standby setup, as all systems must be capable of handling active tasks and maintaining optimal performance.
    Ideal Use Cases Suitable for scenarios where downtime can be tolerated for a short period during failover. Best suited for critical applications where downtime is not acceptable and performance is a priority.

    In summary, Active Standby is a simpler and more cost-effective configuration, suitable for scenarios where downtime can be tolerated. On the other hand, Active Active provides optimal resource utilization and performance, making it ideal for critical applications where downtime and performance are crucial factors.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.