1-to-1 configuration

When setting up a one-to-one configuration (see Figure 2 (page 9)), consider the following:

Cluster nodes are split between two or more geographically dispersed data center sites and use redundant, diversely routed network connections for intra-cluster communications. Those links must be as reliable as possible to prevent false failover operations or split-brain situations.

Each cluster node connected to a HP 3PAR storage system should have redundant I/O paths to the HP 3PAR storage system. Connections to both the source (primary) and the destination (secondary) copy of the application disk set are not allowed from the same host. Configure your servers only in the zone that allows access to the local HP 3PAR storage system.

HP recommends a minimum of two cluster nodes per site. This allows for preferred local failover in case of server system failure. Local failover operations are faster than remote failover between HP 3PAR storage systems because you do not need to change the mirroring direction of the Remote Copy volume group members.

You can deploy HP 3PAR Cluster Extension in environments where several clusters use the same HP 3PAR storage system pair.

You can use HP 3PAR Remote Copy in synchronous replication mode between two HP 3PAR storage systems connected using FC switches and extender hardware.

HP 3PAR Cluster Extension supports synchronous replication mode in all the configurations supported by HP 3PAR Remote Copy Software.

The HP 3PAR Remote Copy links must have redundant, separately routed links. The cluster network must have redundant, separately routed links. However, cluster networks and HP 3PAR Remote Copy can share the same links if the link technology is protocol independent (for example, WDM) or if the FC protocol is transformed into IP.

Figure 2 1-to-1 configuration

Storage system configurations

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HP Cluster Software manual To-1 configuration

Cluster Software specifications

HP Cluster Software is a robust solution designed to enhance the reliability, availability, and scalability of computing environments in enterprise settings. This software is instrumental in managing clusters of servers, providing a unified framework that allows for efficient resource management, workload distribution, and high availability.

One of the main features of HP Cluster Software is its ability to deliver high availability through failover mechanisms. In the event of a hardware or software failure, the software automatically shifts workloads from the affected node to a standby node within the cluster, minimizing downtime. This feature is critical for organizations that require continuous access to their data and applications.

Scalability is another significant characteristic of HP Cluster Software. Organizations can easily add or remove nodes from the cluster without disrupting ongoing operations. This flexibility ensures that enterprises can adapt to changing workloads and resource demands efficiently, making it suitable for environments ranging from small businesses to large data centers.

Load balancing is a key technology employed by HP Cluster Software. It intelligently distributes workloads across the available nodes, optimizing resource utilization and ensuring that no single server is overwhelmed. By balancing the load, organizations can achieve better performance and enhance the response times of applications, which are essential for user satisfaction.

HP Cluster Software supports various clustering topologies, including active-active and active-passive configurations. This versatility allows organizations to choose the architecture that best fits their operational requirements. Additionally, the software integrates seamlessly with various HP and third-party hardware and software solutions, thus providing a holistic environment for managing IT resources.

Moreover, HP Cluster Software offers centralized management tools that simplify cluster administration. Administrators can monitor cluster performance, manage workloads, and configure settings all from a single interface. This ease of use reduces the complexity often associated with managing large clusters and empowers IT teams to respond rapidly to issues.

In summary, HP Cluster Software is an essential tool for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure's availability, reliability, and performance. With its failover capabilities, scalability options, load balancing technology, and centralized management features, it stands out as a comprehensive solution for modern computing challenges.