Setting up the servers, network, and storage (Microsoft example)

Set up the hardware. Then, configure the network and configure the connection to the storage area network (SAN).

About this task

For detailed information about each step in the procedure, see the Microsoft failover clustering documentation.

Procedure

  1. Set up the servers, network, and storage hardware.
  2. Install the Windows Server 2008 operating system on both servers.
  3. Within Windows on each server, rename the local area network icons so that they reflect the purpose of each network.
    For example, name the public network icon Public. Name the private network icon Private.
  4. Configure the binding order for the networks on each server. Set up the following order: Public, then Private, then Remote Access Connections.
  5. Configure the private network adapter on each server.
    Set the protocol to TCP/IP, and specify a static IP address. Specify a network speed, and duplex mode.
  6. Configure the public network adapter on each server. Specify a static IP address. Verify connectivity by pinging all IP addresses from each server.
  7. Add the servers to the same domain in the domain controller. Verify that each server can access the domain controller.
  8. Set up a domain user account that is dedicated to the Cluster service.
  9. Set up a quorum disk.
    The quorum disk is a separate disk that stores checkpoint data and other information that is required for cluster operation.
  10. Verify that the SAN can be accessed from both servers, and that it is functioning properly.