Installation guide

Section 2.3:Steps for Installing and Configuring the Red Hat Linux Distribution 33
Set up the console switch according to the documentation provided by the vendor.
After the console switch has been set up, connect it to each cluster system. The cables used depend on
the type of console switch. For example, if you a Cyclades terminal server uses RJ45 to DB9 crossover
cables to connect a serial port on each cluster system to the terminal server.
2.2.3 Setting Up a Network Switch or Hub
Although a network switch or hub is not required for cluster operation, it can be used to facilitate
cluster and client system network operations.
Set up a network switch or hub according to the documentation provided by the vendor.
After the network switch or hub has been set up, connect it to each cluster system by using conventional
network cables. When using a terminal server, a network cable connects it to the network switch or
hub.
2.3 Steps for Installing and Configuring the Red Hat
Linux Distribution
After the setup of basic system hardware, proceed with installation of Red Hat Linux on both cluster
systems and ensure that they recognize the connected devices. Follow these steps:
1. Install the Red Hat Linux distribution on both cluster systems. If customizing the kernel, be sure
to follow the kernel requirements and guidelines described in Section 2.3.1, Kernel Requirements.
2. Reboot the cluster systems.
3. When using a terminal server, configure Linux to send console messages to the console port.
4. Edit the /etc/hosts file on each cluster system and include the IP addresses used in the cluster.
See Section 2.3.2, Editing the
/etc/hosts File for more information about performing this task.
5. Decrease the alternate kernel boot timeout limit to reduce cluster system boot time. See Section
2.3.3, Decreasing the Kernel Boot Timeout Limit for more information about performing this task.
6. Ensure that no login (or getty) programs are associated with the serial ports that are being used
for the serial heartbeat channel or the remote power switch connection (if applicable). To perform
this task, edit the /etc/inittab file and use a pound symbol (
#) to comment out the entries
that correspond to the serial ports used for the serial channel and the remote power switch. Then,
invoke the init q command.
7. Verify that both systems detect all the installed hardware:
• Use the dmesg command to display the console startup messages. See Section 2.3.4, Display-
ing Console Startup Messages for more information about performing this task.