HP LH4r HP Netserver High Availability SPOFless MSCS Cluster Solution - Page 2
The Hardware Components
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white paper HP NetSserver Documentation Configuration Techniques One type of highly available (HA) solution is the cluster. Clusters consist of two or more servers that share networking and storage. An example of a two-node cluster appears below. In the example, there are many single points of failure, assuming there are no redundant components in the system. For instance, if the shared storage in the cluster fails, the rest of the cluster fails as well. SPOFless clusters eliminate single points of failure. To create a SPOFless cluster, several techniques must be applied in the following manner: • Use hardware RAID1 to mirror the internal system disk on each server and on the quorum drive for the cluster. Use RAID1, 10, or 5 for shared disks containing data. The level chosen is dependent on what type of applications and I/O transfers will be used on each volume. • Use at least two FCALs or paths to access redundant RAID controllers on the external storage subsystem. • Use redundant network interface controllers (NICs) configured for adaptive load balancing and fault tolerance for both public and private networks. • Install redundant power supplies and fans. • Connect the servers and external storage to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The remainder of this document discusses clustering components and configurations that were used for this project. Some limitations of the current solutions and desired future enhancements are disclosed as well. The Hardware Components HP Netservers While investigating SPOFless configurations, two types of Netservers were used. One cluster was formed from a pair of LPr servers, while the other was created from a pair of LXr 8500 servers. Host Bus Adapter High Level View of Clustered Systems Public Network Server #1 Private Network Server #2 Shared Storage The host bus adapter used in all of our testing was the D8602A HBA. External Storage The Hewlett-Packard RS/12FC external storage subsystem was used for all configurations. Another storage subsystem could be used if it is on the Microsoft® Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) and meets the same level of functionality and redundancy. RS/12FC Storage Subsystem The RS/12FC is a disk storage unit that has up to two HP Fibre Channel array controllers installed. Additionally, the installed array controllers can manage up to two RS/12 SCSI cabinets. 2