The basic conceptual idea of the FOXMAN-UN Main/Standby Solution is rather simple. In the beginning two servers are set up with a FOXMAN-UN system to manage the same network infrastructure (equipment). Apart from using different IP addresses, the setup of the two FOXMAN-UN systems is identical. One of the servers further on is acting as Main Server, the other one as Standby Server.

The Main Server is brought into operational state, meaning FOXMAN-UN clients can connect to it and manage the network.

The Standby Server is brought into standby state, meaning it is waiting to be operated in case of Main Server breakdown.

During this normal operational phase FOXMAN-UN database dumps of the Main Server are periodically copied to the Standby Server and imported to its database and IP addresses of Element Agents are properly replaced.

The Standby Server on the other hand asks the Main Server at regular intervals for its state. In case the Standby Server cannot reach the Main Server or the Main Server reports to be no longer in operational state, the Standby Server deems the Main Server to be broken down. In this situation the Standby Server will behave differently depending on its type. If it is of type “Cold Standby” it will do nothing. An operator explicitly must bring it up to operational state. If it is of type “Warm Standby” it will automatically go up to operational state.

Now the Standby Server is ready to manage the network and FOXMAN-UN clients can connect to it.