Cluster Interconnect

The cluster interconnects provide the hardware pathways for private-network communication between cluster nodes. Each interconnect consists of a cable that is connected in one of the following ways:

• Between two transport adapters

• Between a transport adapter and a transport switch

For more information about the purpose and function of the cluster interconnect, see Cluster Interconnect in Concepts for Oracle Solaris Cluster 4.4.

Note:

You do not need to configure a cluster interconnect for a single-host cluster. However, if you anticipate eventually adding more nodes to a single-host cluster configuration, you might want to configure the cluster interconnect for future use.

During Oracle Solaris Cluster configuration, you specify configuration information for one or two cluster interconnects.

• If the number of available adapter ports is limited, you can use tagged VLANs to share the same adapter with both the private and public network. For more information, see the guidelines for tagged VLAN adapters in Transport Adapters.

• You can set up from one to six cluster interconnects in a cluster. While a single cluster interconnect reduces the number of adapter ports that are used for the private interconnect, it provides no redundancy and less availability. If a single interconnect fails, the cluster is at a higher risk of having to perform automatic recovery. Whenever possible, install two or more cluster interconnects to provide redundancy and scalability, and therefore higher availability, by avoiding a single point of failure.

You can configure additional cluster interconnects, up to six interconnects total, after the cluster is established by using the clsetup utility.

For guidelines about cluster interconnect hardware, see Interconnect Requirements and Restrictions in Managing Hardware With Oracle Solaris Cluster 4.4. For general information about the cluster interconnect, see Cluster Interconnect in Concepts for Oracle Solaris Cluster 4.4.