Configuration in WebLogic Server 7.x

The cluster configuration screen for WLS 7.x is shown in Figure 6-2. The organization differs slightly between WLS 6.x and WLS 7.x, but the fields are similar.

Figure 6-2. Configuring Clusters in WLS 7.x

Configuration of a cluster is a relatively simple process, provided you plan carefully and attend to the prerequisites. Note that all the servers in the cluster must be running the same version of WebLogic server, including the Administration server.

To create a cluster, click on the Clusters tab in the left pane. Click on the "Create a new cluster" link that appears in the right pane. Fill out the following fields:

Name	The unique name for the cluster.
Default Load Algorithm	The system by which requests will be distributed to members of the cluster. "Round Robin" sends to all members in order, "Weight Based" gives to some more than others, and "Random" is in fact more or less random.
Service Age	The threshold, in seconds, used to define whether one service is "older" than another.

You will need to install and configure each of the managed servers in the cluster separately.