> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/databases/in-memory-db/overview/switchover-failover.md).

# Switchover and Failover Processes

## Switchover process

For administrative reasons, automatic switchovers happen in a controlled, planned manner during the scheduled maintenance. However, data is preserved during a switchover.

During a switchover, the IP address of the primary server is moved to the promoted replica server. Meanwhile, the client is signaled about the switchover by closing the TCP connection on the server. The client automatically closes the connection and reconnects to the In-Memory DB instance.

## Failover process

<code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> DBaaS for In-Memory DB has an automatic failover enabled by default. A failover can occur when the primary node fails. As a result, one of the replicas is chosen and promoted to be the new primary node. When the old primary node returns, it is added as a replica of the instance.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** You may lose the data if it is not replicated but only committed to the primary node.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/databases/in-memory-db/overview/switchover-failover.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
