LSI MegaRAID Express 500 - Manual (Page 81)

Chapter 7 Cluster Installation and Configuration 67
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.