Red Hat Cluster Suite, Manual

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Chapter 2. Hardware Installation and Operating System Configuration 11
Warning
The minimum cluster configuration is not a supported solution and should not be used in
a production environment, as it does not ensure data integrity under all failure conditions.
Hardware Description
At least two server systems Each system becomes a node exclusively for use in the
cluster; system hardware requirements are similar to that
of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.
One network interface card
(NIC) for each node
One network interface connects to a hub or switch for
cluster connectivity.
Network cables with RJ45
connectors
Network cables connect to the network interface on each
node for client access and heartbeat packets.
RAID storage enclosure The RAID storage enclosure contains one controller with
at least two host ports.
Two HD68 SCSI cables Each cable connects one host bus adapter to one port on
the RAID controller, creating two single-initiator SCSI
buses.
Table 2-1. Example of Minimum Cluster Configuration
The minimum hardware configuration is a cost-effective cluster configuration for develop-
ment purposes; however, it contains components that can cause service outages if failed.
For example, if the RAID controller fails, then all cluster services become unavailable.
To improve availability, protect against component failure, and ensure data integrity under
all failure conditions, more hardware is required. Refer to Table 2-2.
Problem Solution
Disk failure Hardware RAID to replicate data across multiple
disks
RAID controller failure Dual RAID controllers to provide redundant
access to disk data
Network interface failure Ethernet channel bonding and failover
Power source failure Redundant uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
systems
Machine failure Power switches