Could someone kindly answer in brief these two questions:

1. What is a MIRROR SERVER ?
2. What is the benefit of having a MIRROR SERVER ?

Thanks.

Learner

Learner,

1. A mirror server is basically another server somewhere else on the Net which has the same files as another server. Hence the term 'mirrored'. E.g. I may wish to mirror a server based in the US which has game files, so I set up a games server in Australia which has the same files as the server in the US.

2. Benefits include :

- Local access times are far quicker (don't have to wait as long)
- People can be directed to the mirror server if the original server goes down

Disadvantages include :

- Files may be out of date if not continuously updated
- Consumes a lot of bandwidth especially if mirroring large zip or executable files
- Requires someone dedicated enough to maintain the mirror server often
- There may not be an apparent advantage in mirroring if the original server has redundant drives, redundant routers/lines and maintains continuously updated files etc.

Adding to what BC said, TUCOWS (http://tucows.com) is a good example of a mirrored site. it has several mirrors in different countries and states to facilitate file transfers. It is best to select one closest to minimize delays and connectivity problems.

Reflecting one of the points BC mentioned, TUCOWS indicates which mirrors are updated more frequently than others.