Specifying Cluster Network Connectivity
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
The scalability and availability improvements provided by your cluster depend on the network connectivity that is provided to the cluster. An improperly designed network infrastructure can cause client response-time problems and application outages. Specify the connections between the cluster and the client computers, the other servers within your organization’s network, and the operation consoles to achieve the connectivity goals of your network.
The goals of network connectivity to the cluster are to provide:
High-capacity network connectivity to ensure adequate client response time.
Redundant routing and switching infrastructure.
Restricted management of the cluster and cluster resources.
Valid IP configuration for each network interface in each cluster host.
Specify the cluster network connectivity by completing the following steps:
Select the number of network adapters in each cluster host.
Select the unicast method or the multicast method of distributing incoming client requests to cluster hosts.
Include support for teaming network adapters.
Determine the network infrastructure requirements.
After you have specified the cluster network connectivity, document your decisions on your organization’s network diagram (for example, on a Microsoft® Visio® drawing).
Note
- For a Word document to assist you in documenting your decisions, see "NLB Cluster Host Worksheet" (Sdcnlb_1.doc) on the Windows Server 2003 Deployment Kit companion CD (or see "NLB Cluster Host Worksheet" on the Web at https://www.microsoft.com/reskit).