Installation guide

Chapter 2. Hardware Installation and Operating System Configuration 19
connect the nodes to the optional console switch and network switch or hub. Follow these
steps:
1. In all nodes, install the required network adapters and host bus adapters. Refer to
Section 2.3.1 Installing the Basic Cluster Hardware for more information about per-
forming this task.
2. Set up the optional console switch and connect it to each node. Refer to
Section 2.3.3 Setting Up a Console Switch for more information about performing
this task.
If a console switch is not used, then connect each node to a console terminal.
3. Set up the network switch or hub and use network cables to connect
it to the nodes and the terminal server (if applicable). Refer to
Section 2.3.4 Setting Up a Network Switch or Hub for more information about
performing this task.
After performing the previous tasks, install Red Hat Enterprise Linux as described in
Section 2.4 Installing and Configuring Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
2.3.1. Installing the Basic Cluster Hardware
Nodes must provide the CPU processing power and memory required by applications.
In addition, nodes must be able to accommodate the SCSI or Fibre Channel adapters,
network interfaces, and serial ports that the hardware configuration requires. Systems
have a limited number of pre-installed serial and network ports and PCI expansion slots.
Table 2-10 helps determine how much capacity the employed node systems require.
Cluster Hardware Component Serial
Ports
Ethernet
Ports
PCI
Slots
SCSI or Fibre Channel adapter to shared disk storage One for
each bus
adapter
Network connection for client access and Ethernet
heartbeat pings
One for
each
network
connec-
tion