Creating an Active/Passive cluster

  • Friends,

    I am exploring an option to create SQL cluster with active/passive node on an already existing cluster.

    Here is the scenario:

    Existing: Server 1 is Active and server 2 is passive

    Required: I need to add discs and on separate resource group I want to create Server 2 as active with different SQL server instance, of course, and Server 1 will be passive node for this cluster.

    I have done a lot of research on this and I think is it possible.

    Please provide some points to consider before going ahead with this plan, I cant afford to mess up on this one.

    Response is much appreciated.

  • Isn't the definition of an active/active cluster one that runs a separate instance on each node, each with their own resource groups?

    So you are wanting to go from active/passive to active/active.

  • Yes correct. Existing cluster needs to remain untouched and cluster should become active-active.

  • It should be fairly straightforward. Make sure you're licenced for the extra running hardware.

    Brent Ozar has a screenshotted install

    http://www.sysads.co.uk/2012/02/add-additonal-sql-instance-to-existing-sql-server-2008-r2-cluster/

    Also, you need to install the 2nd instance from the 1st node, then fail it over. Make sure your SQL max memory settings are suitable (either change them through a SQL agent job on SQL startup or ensure both instance will fit in RAM on the same node)

  • foxxo (1/23/2013)


    Also, you need to install the 2nd instance from the 1st node, then fail it over.

    Actually, no you don't!

    chandrakant_gaurav (1/23/2013)


    Yes correct. Existing cluster needs to remain untouched and cluster should become active-active.

    Ensure you present any storage for the new instance to both nodes, it's probably easier (and I prefer too) install the new instance on the currently passive node which will then make it active. You may then simply run the add node wizard on the partner node that has the original instance running.

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

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