 - A mirror is a Web site or set of files on a computer server that has been copied to another computer server so that the site or files are available from more than one place. For files that are popular for downloading, a mirror helps reduce network traffic, ensures better availability of the Web site or files, or enables the site or downloaded files to arrive more quickly for users close to the mirror site. Mirroring is the practice of creating and maintaining mirror sites.
A mirror site is an exact replica of the original site and is usually updated frequently to ensure that it reflects the content of the original site. Mirror sites are used to make access faster when the original site may be geographically distant (for example, a much-used Web site in Germany may arrange to have a mirror site in the United States). In some cases, the original site (for example, on a small university server) may not have a high-speed connection to the Internet and may arrange for a mirror site at a larger site with higher-speed connection and perhaps closer proximity to a large audience.
In addition to mirroring Web sites, you can also mirror files that can be downloaded from an File Transfer Protocol server. Netscape, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and other companies have mirror sites from which you can download their browser software.
Mirroring could be considered a static form of content delivery.
Also see port mirroring.
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Learn more about Remote data protection |
| Data replication technologies and disaster recovery planning tutorial: In this tutorial, learn how to choose the best replication product, and about how technologies like data deduplication and virtual servers are changing replication. |
| Remote data backup and recovery technology tutorial: In our remote backup tutorial, learn remote backup options like using in-house software, outsourcing to the cloud, WAN optimization, replication, data deduplication and CDP. |
| Disaster recovery and business continuity planning templates: Free downloads: We've compiled our best resources on disaster recovery and business continuity templates for your convenience. |
| Disaster recovery planning and operations tutorial: In our tutorial on disaster recovery operations, learn about how to choose a DR facility, virtual servers and DR, and outsourcing disaster recovery services. |
| Business continuity testing templates: A free download and guide: Business continuity/disaster recovery testing can be a major challenge. Download our free business continuity test template and guide to learn how to conduct a successful test. |
| CONTRIBUTORS: |
Rene Alejandaro, Daniel Singer, and Jill Wingenbach |
| LAST UPDATED: |
14 Apr 2003
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