Reference Guide

Understanding Your Failover Cluster 37

Understanding Your Failover Cluster

Cluster Objects

Cluster objects are the physical and logical units managed by a cluster. Each

object is associated with the following:

• Properties that define the object and its behavior within the cluster

• A set of cluster control codes used to manipulate the object's properties

• A set of object management functions to manage the object through

Microsoft

Cluster Services (MSCS)

Cluster Networks

A cluster network provides a communications link between the cluster nodes

(private network), the client systems in a local area network (public network),

or a combination of the above (public-and-private network).

Preventing Network Failure

When you install MSCS, identify the public and private network segments

connected to your cluster nodes. To ensure cluster failover and non-

interrupted communications, perform the following procedures:

Configure the private network for internal communications.

Configure the public network for all communications to provide a

redundant path if all of the private networks fail.

Configure subsequent network adapters for client system use only or for all

communications.

You can set priorities and roles of the networks when you install MSCS or

when you use the Microsoft

Cluster Administrator software.