Chapter 9: Implementing Windows Cluster Services and Network Load Balancing


Introduction

Fault tolerance generally involves redundancy; for example, in the case of disk fault tolerance, multiple disks are used. The ultimate in fault tolerance is the use of multiple servers, configured to take over for one another in case of failure or to share the processing load. Windows Server 2003 provides network administrators with two powerful tools to enhance fault tolerance and high availability: server clustering (only available in the Enterprise and Datacenter Editions), and Network Load Balancing included in all editions.

This chapter looks first at server clustering and shows you how to make clustering services part of your enterprise-level organization’s high-availability plan. We’ll start by introducing you to the terminology and concepts involved in understanding clustering. You’ll learn about cluster nodes, cluster groups, failover and failback, name resolution as it pertains to cluster services, and how server clustering works. We’ll discuss three cluster models: single-node, single quorum device, and majority node set. Then we’ll talk about cluster deployment options, including N-node failover pairs, hot standby server/N+1, failover ring, and random. You’ll learn about cluster administration, and we’ll show you how to use the Cluster Administrator tool as well as command-line tools.

Next, we’ll discuss best practices for deploying server clusters. You’ll learn about hardware issues, especially those related to network interface controllers, storage devices, power-saving features, and general compatibility issues. We’ll discuss cluster network configuration and you’ll learn about multiple interconnections and node-to-node communications. We’ll talk about the importance of binding order, adapter settings, and TCP/IP settings. We’ll also discuss the default cluster group. Next, we’ll move onto the subject of security for server clusters. This includes physical security, public/mixed networks, private networks, secure remote administration of cluster nodes, security issues involving the cluster service account, and how to limit client access. We’ll also talk about how to secure data in a cluster, how to secure disk resources, and how to secure cluster configuration log files.

The next section addresses how to make Network Load Balancing (NLB) part of your high-availability plan. We’ll introduce you to NLB concepts such as hosts/default host, load weight, traffic distribution, convergence, and heartbeats. You’ll learn about how NLB works and the relationship of NLB to clustering. We’ll show you how to manage NLB clusters using the NLB Manager tool, remote-management tools, and command-line tools. We’ll also discuss NLB error detection and handling. Next, we’ll move onto monitoring NLB using the NLB Monitor Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in or the Windows Load Balancing Service (WLBS) cluster control utility. We discuss best practices for implementing and managing NLB, including issues such as multiple network adapters, protocols and IP addressing, and NLB Manager logging. Finally, we’ll address NLB security.




MCSE Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. Exam 70-293 Study Guide and DVD Training System
MCSE Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure: Exam 70-293 Study Guide and DVD Training System
ISBN: 1931836930
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 173

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