Adhering to Quorum Device Best Practices

Use the following information to evaluate the best quorum configuration for your topology:

• Do you have a device that is capable of being connected to all cluster nodes of the cluster?

  • If yes, configure that device as your one quorum device. You do not need to configure another quorum device because your configuration is the most optimal configuration.

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    Caution  - If you ignore this requirement and add another quorum device, the additional quorum device reduces your cluster's availability.

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  • If no, configure your dual-ported device or devices.

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  Note - In particular environments, you might want fewer restrictions on your cluster. In these situations, you can ignore this best practice.

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• In general, if the addition of a quorum device makes the total cluster vote even, the total cluster availability decreases. If you do not have more than 50% of the total cluster vote to continue the operation, both subclusters will panic with a loss of operational quorum.

• Quorum devices slightly slow reconfigurations after a node joins or a node dies. Therefore, do not add more quorum devices than are necessary.

For examples of recommended quorum configurations, see Recommended Quorum Configurations.