What characterizes synchronous replication?

Synchronous replication is characterized by the method in which data is replicated simultaneously across different systems, ensuring that both the primary and secondary locations have identical copies of the data at all times. This real-time synchronization means that, when a write operation occurs in the primary system, the data is immediately replicated to the secondary system, creating a mirror image of the data.

This approach provides a high level of data recovery and consistency, making it particularly valuable for mission-critical applications where data integrity is paramount. By storing data on two separate arrays concurrently, organizations can safeguard against data loss and maintain operational continuity in the event of hardware failures or other disruptions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe synchronous replication. Incremental storage pertains to a different backup strategy that focuses on minimizing storage usage rather than real-time data synchronization. The notion that data is sent only after it is fully written suggests a delayed method, which contradicts the immediacy of synchronous replication. Lastly, while synchronous replication offers numerous benefits, it is generally considered more expensive than some other methods due to the infrastructure and technology requirements necessary to maintain real-time data consistency.