1 Preparing to install HP 3PAR Cluster Extension

This chapter provides information about general environment considerations and pre-installation requirements.

Ideal environment

The ideal configuration environment consists of at least five servers (two at each data center site and one as an arbitrator at a third site) with separate, redundant communications links for cluster heartbeats, client access, and a pair of HP 3PAR storage system with Remote Copy configuration. All communications interfaces must be installed in pairs to serve as failover components, in order to prevent single points of failure.

Network communication requirements

When using HP 3PAR Cluster Extension, note the following:

•Network communications links and components between the dispersed data centers must be redundant and physically routed differently to prevent the “backhoe” issue that is created when all links between data centers are cut together. This redundancy and routing is especially important to prevent the split-brain syndrome that occurs when systems in both data centers form new clusters and allow access to both copies of the data. Using redundant and separately routed communication links and components, you can configure the failover behavior so that the application service startup procedure stops if none of the remote cluster members can be reached.

•Multi-pathing software must be used for host-to-storage connections.

Storage replication link requirements

To ensure reliable data backup between the local (primary) and remote (secondary) storage systems, at least two HP 3PAR Remote Copy links must be available when the storage systems are connected to provide redundancy and protection against single points of failure. Although communications links can cover considerable distances, each network segment must be extended to the dispersed data center to maintain a heartbeat among all servers. For extended distances, you must purchase extender components to bundle the HP 3PAR Remote Copy links.

Server cluster infrastructure requirements

Use two cluster nodes at each site to give local application service failover procedures among local cluster systems priority over remote, more time-consuming failover procedures. When failing over, the software must reconfigure the storage systems to change the mirroring direction. At the remote site, two systems should be available in case the primary failover system experiences a hardware or power failure.

For windows, using a Node Majority quorum requires an odd number of cluster nodes, with at least one system in a third location. Where as, using a Node Majority with file share witness requires even number of cluster nodes at each site with file share witness server at the third location.

CAUTION: HP 3PAR Cluster Extension works with one server at each location, with a single I/O path between the server and storage system, and a single link between storage systems. However, any configuration with a single point of failure is not considered highly available or disaster tolerant. HP does not support configurations with single points of failure; configurations with one system at each location are supported only if there are no single points of failure.

How HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software interacts with its environment

This section describes the ways in which HP 3PAR Cluster Extension interacts with its environment.

Ideal environment

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HP Cluster Software Preparing to install HP 3PAR Cluster Extension, Ideal environment, Network communication requirements
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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.
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