
7 Cluster Installation and Configuration
Overview | This chapter contains the procedures for installing Cluster Service for servers running the |
| Windows 2000 server operating system. |
Clusters | Physically, a cluster is a grouping of two independent servers that can access the same data storage |
| and provide services to a common set of clients. With current technology, this usually means |
| servers connected to common I/O buses and a common network for client access. |
| Logically, a cluster is a single management unit. Any server can provide any available service to |
| any authorized client. The servers must have access to the same data and must share a common |
| security model. Again, with current technology, this generally means that the servers in a cluster |
| will have the same architecture and run the same version of the same operating system. |
The Benefits of Clusters Clusters provide three basic benefits:
•improved application and data availability
•scalability of hardware resources
•simplified management of large or rapidly growing systems
Software Requirements
The software requirments for cluster installation are:
•MS Windows 2000 Advanced Server or Windows 2000 Datacenter Server must be installed.
•You must use a name resolution method, such as Domain Naming System (DNS), Windows Internet Naming System (WINS), or HOSTS.
•Using a Terminal Server for remote cluster administration is recommended.
Chapter 7 Cluster Installation and Configuration | 75 |