What is the best practice for setting up redundant networks?

The best practice for setting up redundant networks involves using multiple independent switches. This approach helps ensure that there is a backup path for data transmission in the network should one network link or switch fail. By utilizing independent switches, potential single points of failure can be minimized, enhancing the overall reliability of the network.

Implementing multiple independent switches allows for a more robust network architecture, where if one switch fails, the other can still manage data traffic without interruption. This setup also facilitates load balancing, where traffic can be distributed across different paths, optimizing network performance while simultaneously protecting against complete network outages.

While other options may seem appealing, setting up one network and then the other does not fully utilize the redundancy concept, as it creates a reliance on a primary network only. Creating a mirror network could lead to unnecessary complexities and might not provide the real-time switch-over capabilities that multiple independent switches do. Meanwhile, designing a fully integrated system typically encompasses the redundancy aspects but doesn't necessarily prioritize independence among switches or paths, which is critical for effective redundancy.

In summary, the correct practice of utilizing multiple independent switches offers significant advantages in enhancing network resilience and performance in a redundancy setup.