LifeKeeper for Windows provides the ability to monitor local switchable IP addresses and moves them to another network adapter in the same system when a failure is detected. This can avoid an entire resource hierarchy failing over to a backup server.

IP Local Recovery imposes requirements and limitations on the system configuration.

Requirements for IP Local Recovery

IP local recovery allows an optional backup network interface for each LifeKeeper for Windows-protected IP address on a server. In order for the backup interface to work properly, it must be attached to the same physical network as the primary interface. The system administrator is expected to ensure that a valid interface is being chosen. Note that it is reasonable and valid to specify a backup interface on one server but not on another within the cluster (i.e., the chosen backup interface on one server has no impact on the choice of a backup on any other server).

The backup adapter, also known as the Local Recovery Adapter where the switchable address will become active after a failure of the primary adapter, must be configured in the following way:

  • The IP Local Recovery feature requires that a network gateway exist on the network. Specifically, the default gateway field in the TCP/IP configuration for the server must contain the address of a valid network gateway.
  • IP Local Recovery can only be enabled at the time the IP resource is created. Local Recovery can not be added to an IP resource by modifying its resource attributes after the resource has been created.
  • IP Local Recovery may be disabled for an IP resource by using the “ins_setlocalrecovery” command line utility. This utility is located in the LifeKeeper \bin directory (C:\LK\bin by default). From a command prompt, type “ins_setlocalrecovery” for the usage and switch options.

Before you create and use IP Address resources in LifeKeeper for Windows hierarchies, your network should be configured and tested as described in the Verifying Network Configuration topic.

Also verify that the switchable IP address you plan to use is unique using the ping command. The switchable IP address does not need to be created as a prerequisite; it is created when you create the IP address hierarchy.

To create an IP address resource hierarchy from the primary server, you should complete the following steps:

  1. Select the server, and then select Create Resource Hierarchy from the server context menu or server context toolbar.
  1. A dialog entitled Application to Protect will appear with a list of all recognized recovery kits installed within the cluster. Select IP Address and click Next.
  1. The Wizard will prompt you to enter the following information. When the Back button is active in any of the dialog boxes, you can go back to the previous dialog box. This is especially helpful should you encounter an error that might require you to correct previously entered information. If you click Cancel at any time during the sequence of creating your hierarchy, LifeKeeper for Windows will cancel the entire creation process.
Field
Tips
IP Address This is the switchable IP address that LifeKeeper for Windows will use for this resource. This is used by client applications to login to the parent application over a specific network interface.
Subnet Mask The IP subnet mask which your TCP/IP resource will use on the target server. Any standard netmask for the class of the specific TCP/IP resource address is valid. Note: The subnet mask you choose, combined with the IP address, determines the subnet that will be used by the TCP/IP resource and should be consistent with the network configuration.
IP Resource Tag

Select or enter a unique IP Resource Tag name for the IP resource instance you are creating. This field is populated automatically with a default tag name that matches the resource name or IP address. You can change this tag if you want to.

Note: The tag name must consist of printable ASCII characters.

Network Connection This is the physical Ethernet card that the IP address is interfacing with. Valid choices will depend on the existing network configuration and values chosen for the TCP/IP resource address and netmask. The default value is the interface within the set of valid choices which most closely matches the address and netmask values you have selected in previous dialogs.
Local Recovery Network Connection If you answered “Yes” to Local Recovery, you must select a network connection to use as the backup interface. Specify the backup NIC if one exists; otherwise, specify the primary NIC.
  1. After all of the data is entered, click Next and LifeKeeper for Windows will create and validate your resource hierarchy.
  1. After receiving the message that the resource hierarchy has been created successfully, click Next to continue. If LifeKeeper for Windows has detected a problem, an ERROR will appear in the information box, the partially created resource hierarchy will be removed, and the Next button will be disabled. In that case, click Cancel to exit the Wizard.

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