Chapter Summary

A cluster is a group of servers that appear as a single virtual server with an IP address, a network name, and disk resources. A virtual server allows users to access all the resources in the cluster, such as Exchange 2000 services, without having to know the names of the individual nodes. If one system fails and a second node assumes the workload, users can immediately reconnect. Cluster technology provides a mechanism for minimizing system downtime. One cluster can contain multiple virtual servers.

Windows 2000 Cluster service relies on the partitioned data model, which does not support concurrent access to physical disks from more than one node. Therefore, each virtual Exchange 2000 server requires its own disk resource. Because resources cannot be assigned to more than one resource group, each virtual server also requires an individual IP address and network name. In the event of a failure, an Exchange 2000 resource group (virtual server) can be failed over from the failed node to another node in the cluster, but it is impossible to activate the same virtual server on more than one node at the same time.

To install Exchange 2000 Server in a clustered environment, the Cluster service must be installed and properly configured first. Then, you need to install Exchange 2000 Server on all nodes, one at a time. Each node must be rebooted to complete the installation of the node. When all nodes are prepared, you can launch Cluster Administrator to configure virtual Exchange 2000 servers. Each virtual Exchange 2000 server requires an IP address, a network name, at least one disk resource, and an Exchange SA resource. Further Exchange services and resources are added to the cluster automatically. As soon as the configuration is complete, you can take the virtual server online with Cluster Administrator. It is important to keep in mind that clustered services must not be started using the Services Management tool or Exchange System Manager. You must control virtual servers from Cluster Administrator.



MCSE Training Kit Exam 70-224(c) Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server Implementation and Administration
MCSE Training Kit Exam 70-224(c) Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server Implementation and Administration
ISBN: N/A
EAN: N/A
Year: 2001
Pages: 186

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