Which disaster recovery plan is BEST for a central communications processor in a large chain of shops?

The best disaster recovery plan for a central communications processor in a large chain of shops involves having an alternative standby processor at another network node. This approach provides robust fault tolerance and continuity of service. In the event of a failure at the primary site, the alternate processor can quickly take over, minimizing disruption to communication services across the shops.

Having this redundancy at a separate network node also enhances resilience, as it reduces the risk that both the primary and backup processors would be affected by the same disaster, such as a natural catastrophe or localized power failure. This geographical separation helps ensure that, even if one location is compromised, the overall communications network remains operational.

In contrast, other options, like offsite storage of daily backups, while helpful for data recovery, do not provide real-time operational continuity. An alternative standby processor onsite might not be sufficient if a disaster affects the entire site. Similarly, installation of duplex communication links enhances data transmission capabilities but does not directly address the issue of processor fault tolerance in a widespread outage. Thus, the solution involving an alternative standby processor at another network node is the most comprehensive and effective choice for ensuring resilient communication.