HP Netserver High Availability SPOFless MSCS Cluster Solution

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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

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.

Server

Private

Network

Shared Storage

Public Network

High Level View of Clustered Systems