Reference Guide

Introduction 5

Introduction

A Dell Failover Cluster combines specific hardware and software components

to provide enhanced availability for applications and services that are run on

the cluster. A Failover Cluster is designed to reduce the possibility of any

single point of failure within the system that can cause the clustered

applications or services to become unavailable. It is recommended that you

use redundant components like server and storage power supplies,

connections between the nodes and the storage array(s), and connections to

client systems or other systems in a multi-tier enterprise application

architecture in your cluster.

This document provides information to configure your Dell Compellent

Storage Center Fibre Channel storage array with one or more Failover

Clusters. It provides information on specific configuration tasks that enable

you to deploy the shared storage for your cluster.

For more information on deploying your cluster with Microsoft Windows

Server 2008 operating systems, see the Dell

Failover Clusters with Microsoft

Windows Server 2008 Installation and Troubleshooting Guide at

support.dell.com/manuals.

For a list of recommended operating systems, hardware components, and

driver or firmware versions for your Failover Cluster, see the Dell Cluster

Configuration Support Matrices at dell.com/ha.

Cluster Solution

Your cluster implements a minimum of two nodes to a maximum of sixteen

nodes and provides the following features:

• 8 Gbps and 4 Gbps Fibre Channel technology.

• High availability of resources to network clients.

• Redundant paths to the shared storage.

• Failure recovery for applications and services.

• Flexible maintenance capabilities, allowing you to repair, maintain, or

upgrade a node or storage system without taking the entire cluster offline.