Installation guide

Appendix B
Installation Verification Testing
Installation Verification testing is a procedure performed to validate the
configuration of the server Cluster and its performance after installation.
Testing a SolarWinds Failover Engine Pair
Important: The following procedure provides information about performing
Installation Verification testing on a SolarWinds Failover Engine pair to ensure
proper installation and configuration. Additionally, this procedure provides
step-by-step procedures to perform a controlled switchover in the event of an
application failure and failover in the event of network or hardware failure
resulting in excessive missed heartbeats.
Note: In this document, the term “Pair” refers to a SolarWinds Failover Engine
pair. Refer to the for more information about SolarWinds Failover Engine Pairs.
Exercise 1 - Auto-switchover
SolarWinds Failover Engine monitors SolarWinds services and the system
environment to ensure that protected services are available for end users. To
monitor services and the system environment, SolarWinds Failover Engine
uses plug-ins which are designed for SolarWinds services and the system.
If a protected service or the system begins to operate outside of preconfigured
thresholds, SolarWinds Failover Engine can automatically switch to make the
passive server the active server in the pair that provides services for end users.
Important: These exercises are examples and should be performed in order.
SolarWinds recommends against attempting to test failover on a properly
operating pair by methods such as unplugging a power cord. At the moment
power is lost, any data not written to the passive server is lost. SolarWinds
recommends that all actions intended to verify operation of the passive server
be performed as a switchover rather than a failover.
Starting Configuration
Prior to initiating the Installation Verification process in a pair, SolarWinds
Failover Engine must be configured with the primary server as active and the
secondary server as passive. Additionally, the following prerequisites must be
met:
•
The secondary server must be synchronized with the primary server.
•
All protected services must be operating normally.
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SolarWinds Failover Engine - Installation Guide