Serviceguard cluster with 11iv2 nodes and quorum server

[Tom Haddad]

Im running SG A.11.18 with an 8-node cluster. All nodes are 11iv2 on PARISC RP8420. Im running quorum server ( QS_host parameter in cluster ascii file) on a much older HP workstation 11iv1 (of course thats not in the cluster).

Packages run as active/standby.

The quorum server is at end-of-life (has been for some time). As I learn more about SG, whats the impact if I remove quorum server support altogther??

[melvyn burnard]

well it is not mandatory to have a QS, but you need to understand the consewuences if you remove it.
If you were to have a failure scenario that would leave you with EXACTLY 50% of the nodes currently running in the cluster trying to reform, without a QS, they would try to reform, anmd get an arbitration "device", but noe would be available so the remaining nodews would TOC.
Why not put teh QS onto a Linux node?

[Tom Haddad]

Linux node? Funny you mention that?
Been working with another admin (learning some Linux) and he asked me that today?
Can QS run on Linux?
If that the case, we may in good position to do so.
can someone point me to some info or send me a support matrix or such on what QS software runs on LINUX and support SG A.11.18..?
thanks

[melvyn burnard]

simply download the QS for Linux here:

https://h20392.www2.hp.com/portal/swdepot/displayProductInfo.do?productNumber=B8467BA

and then choose the OS version

[Emil Velez]

Maybe I am missing something but you do not need a qs or lock disk with a 8 node cluster.

are you going to go down to a 2 node cluster.

[melvyn burnard]

@ Emil:
>Maybe I am missing something but you do not need a qs or lock disk with a 8 node cluster

Correct you do not NEED a QS, and you CANNOT have a LockLun or ClusterLock disk.
However, for reasons I outlined above, it is always something I recommend given the (albeit remote) possibility that you could encounter a %50 quorum issue

[Tom Haddad]

Heres more..
Im running Quorum Server A.2.00.03
I have downloaded the Quorum server support matrix (as of 12/7/09)

My nodes are running SG A.11.18 and Im looking (as mentioned earlier) to move QS to LINUX host. Linus is SLES11

From a quick read of the matrix and the Release notes for QS A.3. and A.4.., can I place my QS server on a different subnet
(not an alternate or second subnet)?

[melvyn burnard]

The QS can be on a different subnet to your cluster subnets.

[Tom Haddad]

We will be implementing a LINUX host for QS support...