MTBF

Mean Time Between Failures

In plain language

The average time a repairable device runs between breakdowns, as quoted by the maker.

The metaphor

Like the usual gap between service visits for a delivery van.

Going deeper

How it works

It is an average across many units.
A high number says little about how long your unit will last.
It helps compare parts and plan spares.
It describes past behaviour.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

An owner bought drives because the spec sheet showed a very high figure. A drive still failed in the first year, because an average says little about any one unit.

In practice

A spec sheet lists a figure for a storage array.
A vendor compares two switches by it.
A planner keeps spare parts for the most failure-prone gear.

A question owners ask

Can I rely on it?

Treat it as a rough guide. Backups matter more than any figure.

Related terms

Something here sounds like your problem?

Every WILDCARD card exists to solve one named problem. Find yours.

Pick your problem →