Create a cluster

To create and configure a cluster, you need to include at least one node in the cluster and you must have access to at least one of the nodes that will be in the cluster.

Start of changeIf only one node is specified, it must be the server that you are currently accessing. For a complete list of requirement for creating clusters, see the Cluster configuration checklist.End of change

If you will be using switchable devices in your cluster, there are additional requirements than that of a cluster that does not use switchable devices. To set up a cluster environment that includes switchable devices, care must be taken so that conflicts are avoided across the cluster. See Create a switchable independent disk pool for step-by-step instructions on how to configure a cluster to use switchable devices.

Parent topic: Configure clusters

Using iSeries Navigator

This requires Option 41 (HA Switchable Resources) to be installed and licensed.

iSeries™ Navigator cluster management features a wizard that takes you through the steps to create and start a simple cluster consisting of one or two cluster nodes. Once you have created a one- or two-node cluster, you can add nodes to it. A cluster created and managed in iSeries Navigator can contain as many as four nodes. This wizard will guide you through the steps to specify servers to include and create cluster resource groups. When you are creating a simple cluster, the server you are creating the cluster on must be one of the nodes.

To create a simple cluster using the New Cluster wizard in iSeries Navigator, follow these steps:

  1. In iSeries Navigator, expand Management Central.
  2. Right-click Clusters, and select New Cluster.
  3. Follow the wizard's instructions to create a cluster.

Once you have created the cluster, be sure to:

  1. Add all of the nodes that you want to include in the cluster. Up to four nodes can be added to a cluster created and managed in iSeries Navigator.
  2. Add desired nodes to device domains (for use with switchable hardware groups and independent disk pools).
  3. Create and start the switchable resources (switchable device, switchable application, and switchable data).

The online help in iSeries Navigator contains step-by-step procedures on completing these tasks.

Using CL commands and APIs

You can also use CL commands or APIs to create a cluster:
  1. Create the cluster.
  2. Add nodes to your cluster from the active cluster node.
  3. Start of changeStart a cluster node. End of change
  4. Define device domains. If you plan to use switchable devices, you must include the desired nodes in the device domain.
  5. Create cluster resource groups (CRG).
  6. Start the cluster resource groups (CRG).