Cluster benefits and requirements

This section explains what an IBM® Domino® cluster is, how a cluster can benefit you, and the hardware and software requirements for setting up and using a cluster.

Server requirements are as follows:

  • All servers in a cluster must run on the Domino® Enterprise server or the Domino® Utility server
  • All servers in a cluster must be connected using a high-speed local area network (LAN) or a high-speed wide area network (WAN). You can also set up a private LAN for cluster traffic.
  • All servers in a cluster must use TCP/IP and be on the same Notes® named network
  • All servers in a cluster must be in the same Domino® domain and share a common Domino® Directory.
  • You must specify an administration server for the Domino® Directory in the domain that contains the cluster. If you do not specify an administration server, the Administration Process cannot change cluster membership. The administration server does not have to be a member of a cluster.
  • Each server in the cluster must have a hierarchical server ID. If any servers have flat IDs, you must convert them to hierarchical IDs to use them in a cluster.
  • A server can be a member of only one cluster at a time.
  • Each server must have adequate disk space to function as a cluster member. Because clusters usually require more database replicas, servers in clusters require more disk space than unclustered servers.
  • Each server must have adequate processing power and memory capacity. In general, clustered servers require more computer power than unclustered servers.