Here is a comprehensive guide about different types of Azure storage
Azure Storage Replication is an important feature of Azure Storage that helps prevent data loss and failure. It allows stored data to remain available and safe from loss. Azure Storage creates and stores data in various locations by copying data in real-time.
In the event of a network outage or a hardware failure, the data remains safe and available to the users. Read more below to learn about the different types of Azure Storage Replications that are available.
Locally Redundant Storage (LRS)
- In this type of Azure storage replication, the data is stored three times at a single physical location. This physical location is also sometimes referred to as a zone. It can be considered a data center, a building, or something similar.
The data stored at such a physical zone is bound to this location. Each physical location has its network and IT infrastructure along with electricity supply and climatic conditions. However, since the data is stored at only this single location, a system breakdown or a power failure can result in permanent data loss. Despite this risk and with the lowest security level, LRS outperforms the other storage replication options.
Zone Redundant Storage (ZRS)
- In this type of storage replication, the data is stored three times at three physical locations. This storing is done synchronously at all three locations. While LRS is limited to one location, ZRS adds two more locations however they must be within the same region which is known as a zone.
Similar to LRS, each physical location has its infrastructure, electricity supply, and climate. However in the case of ZRS, if one location suffers a breakdown, only the data stored at that specific location is at the risk of being lost permanently.
- The data stored at the remaining locations stay safe. However if the entire zone suffers a breakdown, then and only then the data be at the risk of being permanently lost.
Geo-Redundant Storage (GRS)
- The storage replication option after LRS and LZS is geo-redundant storage. In this type of storage replication, Azure can access another region by breaking down the region boundary. The second region is usually more than 300 miles away from the first region.
As with LRS, the data is synchronously stored three times at one physical location however an asynchronous copy is also stored at a location in the second region. This strategy helps provide increased protection to data from failures.
- When two or more regions are used together by Azure, they are known as geography. The two regions will consist of markets and national borders. For example, in Switzerland’s geography, there are two regions: Switzerland North and Switzerland West. The data will be stored in both these regions however it will not be stored outside Switzerland.
Geo Zone Redundant Storage (GZRS)
- In a geo zone redundant storage replication, Azure storage stores the data three times in two regions simultaneously. The data is created and synchronously stored in real-time in both the regions as compared to GRS where only one location in the second region would receive the data.
GZRS offers the highest level of durability and security. It would be highly unlikely that a complete system breakdown would occur in multiple regions and geographies. GZRS, unlike all the other storage replication types, stores data using LRS in the secondary region thus offering more security.
- The client cannot directly read and write data in the secondary region unless there is a failover. If the client wishes to have read/write capability, then they can opt for an RA-GZRS (Read-Access Geo Zone Redundant Storage) storage replication.
If you are unsure about selecting the best type of Azure Storage Replication for your business, then get in touch with us today. We, at Henson Group, are one of the best and most highly qualified managed service providers (MSP) for Microsoft. We have been working with businesses all over the world and helping them with all their Azure-related needs.