For institutions conducting high-stakes or large-scale computer-based tests, system downtime or disruptions are not an option. Our High Availability (HA) Architecture for Online Exam Software offers a robust infrastructure that ensures reliability, security, and uninterrupted performance — even under high user loads.
This architecture is part of our Professional Computer-Based Testing (CBT) variant, designed for mission-critical exams requiring 24/7 uptime and enterprise-grade performance.
To achieve high availability, the system uses:
Both application servers are connected to the same database server. These frontend servers can operate simultaneously, enabling load balancing and failover capabilities. If one server goes down, the second instantly takes over — ensuring uninterrupted exam access.
The Database Server is protected and accessed only by frontend servers through IP-restricted channels, improving security by eliminating direct network access.
Dual Application Servers for load balancing or redundancy
Centralized, mirrored Database Server with real-time sync
Zero downtime architecture for live exams
Option to download encrypted question papers to application server to reduce DB load
Enhanced security with IP-restricted database access
Support for IP-specific logins, limiting user access to predefined networks
Flexible scaling — add servers or licenses based on demand
This high availability configuration requires 2 Online Exam Software licenses and 3 servers. While PCBT pricing is custom, the base upgrade cost for HA setup starts from USD 1000 — this is a one-time setup cost for linking both licenses and configuring the multi-server architecture (not per license).
Further pricing depends on selected features, such as:
Real-time database mirroring
Encrypted question paper caching
Advanced IP login restrictions
Scheduled backup configurations
In cases of very high expected user load, additional performance tweaks like:
Encrypted Question Paper Caching (2L)
Load sharing between application servers
Tiered server deployment (regional & centralized)
Can be enabled to minimize stress on the central database.
However, if high availability is needed for reliability rather than scale, lightweight caching features can be excluded to keep infrastructure simple and cost-effective.
Database is inaccessible from public network
Application-to-DB access only via whitelisted IPs
User login IP restriction ensures access only from approved locations
Fully compliant with enterprise-level security protocols
Ensure Exam Continuity. Eliminate Downtime. Boost Exam Security.
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