Managing Systems and Workgroups: A Guide for HP-UX System Administrators

Setting Up and Administering an HP-UX NFS Diskless Cluster
What Is an NFS Diskless Cluster?
Chapter 10900
PostScript form in the file /usr/share/doc/NFSD_Concepts_Admin.ps.
If you are unfamiliar with NFS diskless cluster concepts, you should
read the white paper before continuing to set up an NFS diskless cluster.
Also see the white paper NFS Client/Server Configuration, Topology,
and Performance Tuning Guide (supplied on most 10.x systems in the file
/usr/share/doc/NFS_Client_Server.ps) for information on
optimizing NFS client/server configuration and performance.
NOTE HP-UX NFS diskless technology also supports older Series 700
computers that were designed to operate as clients in a “DUX” clustered
environment.
Reasons for Creating an NFS Diskless Cluster
An NFS diskless cluster offers you these advantages:
1. Efficient sharing of resources. A cluster will allow you to share
resources, such as peripherals, file system space, and swap space,
easily and effectively. Because clients can share system software
(rather than having to store their own copies on their own disks), you
can save considerable disk space.
2. Ease of administration. Managing individual computers is
time-consuming and expensive. Given an appropriate set of sharing
policies, many functions can be managed from a single point through
the use of SAM, the System Administration Manager.
3. Data security. Your site’s security arrangements might require that
physically-unsecured systems contain no data after they are powered
off. Diskless operation ensures this element of security.
In less stringent environments, concentrating the data on the server
simplifies arrangements for backup and electrical power
management.
Terminology
A number of terms are of particular importance in describing the HP-UX
implementation of NFS diskless clusters.
alternate root See shared root.