Mirror Sites
What are Mirror Sites?
Many users using the same website at the same time leads to a website crash. To avoid this and to make the website activities faster, mirror sites are created. Mirror sites are duplicate versions of a website. The original website is called the primary website. Mirror sites are created by primary website owners or someone with their permission. Mirror sites are created and hosted on a different server, sometimes in another geographical location.
Why are Mirror Sites created?
- To avoid primary website crash during heavy traffic
- To Improve user experience by loading contents faster
- Can be used as backup sites when primary websites lose its contents or undergo cyberattacks
- To make the website accessible to everyone across the globe
How are Mirror Sites created?
Creating a mirror site follows the steps below:
- Choosing a server
Choosing a reliable service provider (host) is the primary step. Most businesses choose a host with global data centers. Each region has separate service providers. Local hosts are chosen due to reduced latency and cost efficiency.
- Choosing a software
Choosing a software to duplicate and synchronise the contents of the primary website. This is done to ensure that whenever the primary system gets updated, the same update will reflect on the mirror site too. There are open-source free software as well as paid software with advanced features available.
- Server configuration
After setting up the host and software, the next step is to configure the server. This includes installing necessary software including a firewall to ensure security. Also, there should be software to handle unexpected traffic.
- Setting up the mirror site
Contents from the primary website are replicated into the mirror site so that the mirror site has all the contents and appearance similar to the primary website. This includes copying files, images, and background code.
- Testing and Optimization
This is the final step in the creation of a mirror site. Testing is done to ensure that the mirror site works smoothly, and if any errors are found, they will be corrected at this stage.
Benefits of creating a Mirror Site
Faster access due to different websites working on different servers.
Wider reach
Backup of contents in case of cyberattacks
Reduced server load
Challenges
- High maintenance is required for multiple websites, which may increase cost and time
- There is a chance users may get confused
- Site’s ranking maybe affected because search engines sometimes consider mirror sites as duplicate content
- Security risks