Steps for Setting Up the Cluster Systems
After identifying the cluster hardware components described in the Section called Choosing a Hardware Configuration, set up the basic cluster system hardware and connect the systems to the optional console switch and network switch or hub. Follow these steps:
In both cluster systems, install the required network adapters, serial cards, and host bus adapters. See the Section called Installing the Basic System Hardware for more information about performing this task.
Set up the optional console switch and connect it to each cluster system. See the Section called Setting Up a Console Switch for more information about performing this task.
If a console switch is not used, then connect each system to a console terminal.
Set up the optional network switch or hub and use conventional network cables to connect it to the cluster systems and the terminal server (if applicable). See the Section called Setting Up a Network Switch or Hub for more information about performing this task.
If a network switch or hub is not used, then conventional network cables should be used to connect each system and the terminal server (if applicable) to a network.
After performing the previous tasks, install the Linux distribution as described in the Section called Steps for Installing and Configuring the Red Hat Linux Distribution.
Installing the Basic System Hardware
Cluster systems must provide the CPU processing power and memory required by applications. It is recommended that each system have a minimum of 450 MHz CPU speed and 256 MB of memory.
In addition, cluster systems must be able to accommodate the SCSI or FC adapters, network interfaces, and serial ports that the hardware configuration requires. Systems have a limited number of preinstalled serial and network ports and PCI expansion slots. The following table will help to determine how much capacity the cluster systems employed will require:
Table 2-13. Installing the Basic System Hardware
| Cluster Hardware Component | Serial Ports | Network Slots | PCI Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote power switch connection (optional, but strongly recommended) | One | ||
| SCSI or Fibre Channel adapter to shared disk storage | One for each bus adapter | ||
| Network connection for client access and Ethernet heartbeat | One for each network connection | ||
| Point-to-point Ethernet heartbeat channel (optional) | One for each channel | ||
| Point-to-point serial heartbeat channel (optional) | One for each channel | ||
| Terminal server connection (optional) | One |
Most systems come with at least one serial port. Ideally, choose systems that have at least two serial ports. If a system has graphics display capability, it is possible to use the serial console port for a serial heartbeat channel or a power switch connection. To expand your serial port capacity, use multi-port serial PCI cards.
In addition, be sure that local system disks will not be on the same SCSI bus as the shared disks. For example, use two-channel SCSI adapters, such as the Adaptec 39160-series cards, and put the internal devices on one channel and the shared disks on the other channel. Using multiple SCSI cards is also possible.
See the system documentation supplied by the vendor for detailed installation information. See Appendix A for hardware-specific information about using host bus adapters in a cluster.
Figure 2-2 shows the bulkhead of a sample cluster system and the external cable connections for a typical cluster configuration.
Setting Up a Console Switch
Although a console switch is not required for cluster operation, it can be used to facilitate cluster system management and eliminate the need for separate monitors, mouses, and keyboards for each cluster system. There are several types of console switches.
For example, a terminal server enables connection to serial consoles and management of many systems from a remote location. For a low-cost alternative, use a KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) switch, which enables multiple systems to share one keyboard, monitor, and mouse. A KVM switch is suitable for configurations in which access to a graphical user interface (GUI) to perform system management tasks is preferred.
Set up the console switch according to the documentation provided by the vendor.
After the console switch has been set up, connect it to each cluster system. The cables used depend on the type of console switch. For example, if you a Cyclades terminal server uses RJ45 to DB9 crossover cables to connect a serial port on each cluster system to the terminal server.
Setting Up a Network Switch or Hub
Although a network switch or hub is not required for cluster operation, it can be used to facilitate cluster and client system network operations.
Set up a network switch or hub according to the documentation provided by the vendor.
After the network switch or hub has been set up, connect it to each cluster system by using conventional network cables. When using a terminal server, a network cable connects it to the network switch or hub.