Originally Posted by
IFLY_INDIGO
Another point I would like to add is that redundancy means duplication which usually 'kicks in' AFTER a failure.
Sharing processing job among many computer is not redundancy. it is reducing risk of failure by not letting a single computer run the entire show.
Not always true. Even simple redundant systems such as multiple elevator (as in lift) cables can have all of them sharing a load at any given time, it's just that losing one or more of them will allow the system to continue functioning enough to ensure a safe outcome. Likewise, the cross-checking that goes on between the ADIRU modules has all of them working on similar data, monitoring for discrepancies.
Such functions in the computing world are a specialised form of redundancy known as "Defence In Depth".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense...pth_(computing)