In the context of failover configurations, the terms "primary" and "secondary" are used to describe the roles and responsibilities of devices in an active-passive or active-active failover setup. Here are the differences between primary and secondary failover:

Primary Failover :

* Active Device : The primary device is the active or primary device that handles the network traffic and provides services or functionality.

* Primary Responsibilities : The primary device is responsible for processing and forwarding network traffic, executing security policies, and performing all necessary operations to ensure the proper functioning of the network.

* Priority : The primary device has a higher priority or preference over the secondary device. It handles the majority of the network traffic and actively provides services.

* Failover Triggers : In an active-passive failover configuration, the primary device initiates failover when it becomes unavailable or experiences a failure. This triggers the secondary device to take over the primary responsibilities.

* Active-Active Configuration : In an active-active failover configuration, where both primary and secondary devices actively handle network traffic, the primary device typically carries a higher load or more critical services compared to the secondary device.
Secondary Failover :

* Standby Device : The secondary device is the standby or backup device that remains in a standby state, ready to assume the primary responsibilities when the primary device fails or becomes unavailable.

* Backup Responsibilities : The secondary device is responsible for monitoring the primary device's availability, synchronizing its state and configuration, and taking over the primary responsibilities when necessary.

* Priority : The secondary device has a lower priority compared to the primary device. It remains passive and does not handle network traffic or provide services unless the primary device fails.

* Failover Activation : When the primary device fails or becomes unavailable, the secondary device activates and assumes the primary responsibilities. It starts processing network traffic, executing security policies, and providing services.

* State Synchronization : The secondary device continuously synchronizes its state and configuration with the primary device. This ensures that it has the latest network state information and can seamlessly take over the primary responsibilities without disruption.