Replicating Data Across Continents

Organisations replicate data between regions for disaster recovery, analytics, backup and to keep globally distributed applications in sync. Replication across continents introduces challenges that local replication does not.

Estimate change rates

Replication bandwidth depends on how much data changes, not on total data size. Measure daily change rates for databases, file systems and virtual machines, and identify peak periods.

Define replication windows and objectives

If data must be replicated within minutes (low RPO), you need continuous replication bandwidth. If nightly replication is acceptable, you can use scheduled windows.

Synchronous vs asynchronous

Synchronous replication waits for confirmation from the remote site before completing each write — impractical over long distances because latency slows applications. Asynchronous replication tolerates distance and is standard for intercontinental DR.

Choose predictable paths

Private international links provide consistent throughput and latency, making replication schedules reliable. Internet-based replication can work for smaller volumes but is less predictable.

Optimise traffic

Compression, deduplication and WAN optimisation reduce the amount of data sent.

Security

Encrypt replication traffic, even on private links, and protect replication credentials.

Monitor lag

Track replication lag continuously and alert when it exceeds objectives.

Test failover

Regularly test that replicated systems can actually be brought online at the remote site.

Data residency

Check whether regulations or contracts restrict replicating certain data outside India.

The bottom line

Plan replication around real change rates, latency and recovery objectives to keep DR targets realistic and reliable.

Learn more about Global Ethernet from UbiFi, or talk to our team.