Synchronous Replication (Definition)

Technique for replicating data between databases (or file systems) where the system being replicated does waits for the data to have been recorded on the duplicate system before proceeding.

Synchronous Replication has the advantage that it is guaranteed that the duplicate system has a copy of the data, but the disadvantage that the primary system must wait for the secondary system before proceeding, leading to an increased response time.

Because of the increased response time and communication delays, synchronous replication is often impractical unless the secondary system is physically located close to the primary system.