Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Understanding Your Failover Cluster 39
When MSCS is configured on a node, the administrator chooses whether
that node forms its own cluster or joins an existing cluster. When MSCS is
started, the node searches for other active nodes on networks that are enabled
for internal cluster communications.
Forming a New Cluster
MSCS maintains a current copy of the cluster database on all active nodes.
If a node cannot join a cluster, the node attempts to gain control of the
quorum resource and form a cluster. The node uses the recovery logs in the
quorum resource to update its cluster database.
Joining an Existing Cluster
A node can join a cluster if it can communicate with another active node in
the cluster. When a node joins a cluster, the node is updated with the latest
copy of the cluster database. MSCS validates the node's name, verifies version
compatibility, and the node joins the cluster.
Cluster Resources
A cluster resource is any physical or logical component that can be:
• Brought online and taken offline
• Managed in a cluster
• Hosted by one managed system at a time
When MSCS makes a resource request through a dynamic link library (DLL),
the Resource Monitor checks and controls the resource's state.
Setting Resource Properties
Using the resource Properties dialog box, you can perform the following tasks:
• View or change the resource name, description, and possible owners.
• Assign a separate resource memory space.
• View the resource type, group ownership, and resource state.
• View which node currently owns the resource.
• View pre-existing dependencies and modify resource dependencies.
• Restart a resource and configure the resource settings (if required).