Configuring the HPC Pack Head Node for High Availability

Article
11/20/2015

Applies To: Microsoft HPC Pack 2012, Microsoft HPC Pack 2012 R2

This guide provides procedures and guidance for deploying HPC Pack where the head node is configured in a failover cluster.. The failover cluster will contain two servers (or more, depending on the version of HPC Pack) that work together, so if the server that is acting as the head node fails, another server in the failover cluster automatically begins acting as the head node (in a process known as failover). Even if an outage occurs on a server, existing jobs can continue to run and new jobs can be submitted.

Setting up failover clustering enhances the availability of head node services for unscheduled and scheduled outpaages.

Unscheduled outages If there is a failure of a resource such as a hardware or software failure on a server that is acting as the head node, the result is a brief interruption during failover. After failover, you can work on the server that has the problem while the needed functionality continues to run on another server in that cluster.
Scheduled outages You might not want to lose functionality during routine node maintenance (for example, applying a service pack or hotfix, upgrading hardware, or updating an application). If your head node is configured in a failover cluster, one server in that cluster can support needed functionality while you apply software updates or upgrade hardware on another server in that failover cluster.

Important

Before you begin your deployment, review the Release Notes for your version of HPC Pack.