What does 2N redundancy refer to in a data center system?

2N redundancy in a data center system indicates a fully redundant configuration where there are two of everything necessary to operate the system at full capacity. This includes power supplies, cooling systems, and critical components required for the operation of equipment. The "N" stands for the necessary components to meet the standard operational needs, while "2N" signifies that there is a complete duplicate of those components.

For example, if a data center requires one power supply to function, 2N redundancy would mean there are two independent power supplies simultaneously providing the required power. This setup ensures that if one power supply fails, the second one can seamlessly take over, thus maintaining uninterrupted service and enhancing reliability. This level of redundancy is particularly crucial in mission-critical environments where downtime can lead to significant financial loss or operational disruption.

The other options, such as single source power supply or multiple independent systems, do not convey the same level of redundancy and reliability that 2N redundancy provides. A single source power supply lacks any redundancy, while partial system redundancy does not meet the complete dual requirements that define 2N configurations.