Example: Verifying the Cluster and Enabling Client Access

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

The organization mentioned in the examples earlier in this chapter is now ready to complete the implementation of the new IIS 6.0 Web farm. The Web farm servers are implemented and basic connectivity is provided to the Web farm. The organization has verified that Network Load Balancing is distributing client traffic evenly and that all cluster hosts are servicing client requests.

In this step, the organization verifies that the Web farm and the cluster function as a whole. Although operation of each cluster host was verified during the implementation process, now the organization must ensure that the new Web farm meets or exceeds the design specifications established by your design team before enabling client access to the applications.

Figure 9.7 illustrates the network environment after the implementation of the new IIS 6.0 Web farm and Network Load Balancing.

Figure 9.7   Network Environment After Implementing the New Cluster

Network Environment After Installing New Cluster

Table 9.6 lists the deployment steps that were performed to verify the new cluster and enable client access.

Table 9.6   Verifying the New Cluster and Enabling Client Access

Deployment Step Reason

IIS-03 taken off line.

Automatic failover to other Web servers must be proven.

IIS-02 restored.

Restoration process for Web servers must be proven.

Client attached to the Internet and security attacks performed.

Mitigation of security threats must be proven.

Monitoring and health checking enabled on IIS-01, IIS-02, IIS-03, IIS-04, IIS-05, IIS-06, IIS-07 and IIS-08.
  • Proper operation of the IIS 6.0 Web farm must be verified during and after the implementation process to ensure that load balancing is occurring and that system resources are adequate for client requests.

A DNS entry created for the cluster IP address of NLBCluster-01.

Clients must have a DNS entry to access the Web applications running on the cluster.