Multipathgefährdet

Multipathgefährdet is a German term that describes a situation where a system or component is susceptible to failure due to multiple independent failure paths. This means that if one path fails, another can take over, but if several of these paths fail simultaneously or in quick succession, the entire system can become inoperable.

The concept is particularly relevant in critical infrastructure, such as power grids, communication networks, and transportation systems, where redundancy is often built in to prevent single points of failure. However, the presence of multiple redundant paths can, paradoxically, create new vulnerabilities. For instance, a common cause of failure across multiple paths could be a widespread environmental event like a flood or an earthquake, or a shared resource like a central control system or a particular software vulnerability.

Identifying and mitigating multipathgefährdung is a key aspect of robust system design and risk management. This involves analyzing potential common cause failures and implementing strategies to ensure that even in the event of multiple component failures, the system can continue to operate, albeit potentially at a reduced capacity. Examples of mitigation strategies include physically separating redundant components, using diverse technologies for backup systems, and implementing sophisticated monitoring and control mechanisms. The goal is to achieve a high level of resilience by anticipating and preparing for scenarios where multiple, seemingly independent, failure points could converge.