•5 min read
Designing systems for unstable infrastructure
How to build resilience when power and internet connectivity cannot be guaranteed.
The Reality of Constrained Environments
In many global markets, "always online" is a myth. System architects often design for 99.99% uptime assumptions that simply don't exist in regions with unstable power grids or intermittent fiber connectivity.
The Conflict-Free Replicated Data Type (CRDT) Solution
Moving logic to the client isn't just a performance optimization; it's an operational necessity. By using CRDTs and local-first databases like SQLite or PouchDB, we ensure that business continues even when the connection drops.
- Optimistic UI: Show success immediately, sync later.
- Background Sync: Use Service Workers to retry requests.
- Conflict Resolution: Last-write-wins is rarely enough for inventory management.
"A system that stops working when the internet blinks is a system that loses money."