Windows 2003 Server Clustering Boot Camp

Course Length: 4 days

Prerequisites

Before attending this course, attendees should have a working knowledge of:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2003 networking
• Active Directory
• DNS and NetBIOS name resolution
• TCP/IP addressing and configuration

Goals

Upon completion of four days of intensive training in Microsoft clustering technologies, attendees will be able to:

• Identify the best clustering technology to use in various situations
• Identify the best practices for building clusters
• Install and administer clusters
• Troubleshoot cluster problems
• Prepare and perform disaster recovery processes

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Clustering

This module covers the definitions of common clustering terms and basic clustering information.

• Terminology
• The Web Model
• Basics of Clustering
• Benefits
• What is not Provided

Module 2: Types of Clustering

In this module, candidates will learn the differences between the types of clustering and when they are appropriate. Each type of cluster will be discussed, including its pros and cons and some standard recommendations for when they should be deployed.

• Risk Audit
• Capacity Planning
• Microsoft Clustering Services (MSCS)
• Network Load Balancing (NLB)
• High Performance Computing
• Component Load Balancing
• MSCS Cluster Models

Module 3: Server Hardware and Storage

This module describes the storage that is used for Server Clustering (another term for MSCS), the benefits, and a bit about the security of the disks.

• Server Hardware
• SAN vs. NAS vs. iSCSI
• Storage Terms
• Arbitrated Loop vs. Switched Fabric
• Hardware Components
• Zoning and Masking

Module 4: Operating System Configuration

This module describes the issues and concerns around the operating system installation as a foundation to the rest of the installation of clustering and clustered applications. Candidates will also learn how to configure a basic cluster.

• Operating System Choices
• Installing the Operating System
• Patching
• Antivirus
• Network
• Names
• Accounts

Module 5: Install and Configure Cluster Service

This module describes how to perform common cluster management tasks using a variety of tools. Candidates will also learn how to manage different resources in a clustered environment.

• Installing Cluster Service
• Using the Server Cluster Wizard
• Using the Application Configuration Wizard
• Using the Command Line
• Server Cluster Footprint
• Connecting with Cluster Administrator
• Configuring Properties
• Changing the Networks
• Configuring Groups
• Configuring Resources
• File and Print
• Generic Resources
• Network Services

Module 6: Majority Node Set

This module describes the uses of Majority Node Set and how it can be used as part of a maintenance plan.

• New Form of Quorum
• Why MNS?
• MNS Limitations
• MNS Application Requirements
• SMB Issues
• MNS and Standard Quorum

Module 7: Maintenance and Troubleshooting

In this module, candidates will learn how to perform basic troubleshooting of a cluster.

• Backup
• Restoring a Failed Node
• Restore Cluster Disk
• Troubleshooting Tools
• Logs
• Network

Module 8: SQL Server 2000/2005 Clustering

This module describes instances and their relation to server clustering. Candidates will also learn how to install SQL Server 2000/2005 in a server cluster environment.

• Multiple Instances
• How SQL Server 2000 Clustering Works
• Enhancements to SQL Server 2000 Failover
• Requirements
• Node Location
• Installation
• Memory
• SQL Server 2005 Clustering
• SQL Server 2005 Mirroring

Module 9: Exchange Server 2003 Clustering

This module covers the issues with the number of virtual servers in relation to the number of nodes, requirements and prerequisites to installing Exchange Server 2003 in a server cluster and how the resources are monitored.

• Nodes (Active/Active vs. Active/Passive)
• 3-8 Nodes
• Requirements
• Disks
• Installation
• Exchange Resources
• Exchange Cluster Limitations
• Resource Checks
• Memory
• Standby Cluster

Module 10: Network Load Balancing

This module covers the difference between NLB and other competing technologies. Candidates will also learn about the different configuration options and how to install NLB.

• Common Solutions
• How NLB Works
• NLB Features
• Service Environment
• Balancing
• Cluster Convergence
• Why?
• Architecture
• Topology
• IP Address
• Port Rules
• Affinity
• Driver Install
• Parameters
• TCP/IP Properties
• Management