LifeKeeper configurations may use the facilities of shared Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) host adapters and shared disk hardware to switch resources from a failed server to a designated backup server. A Fibre Channel Storage Area Network (SAN) may also be used to switch resources from a failed server to a designated backup server.
Perform the following tasks before creating disk-based application resource hierarchies that enable LifeKeeper to provide failover protection.
- Partition disks and LUNs. Because all disks placed under LifeKeeper protection must be partitioned, your shared disk arrays must now be configured into logical units, or LUNs. Use your disk array management software to perform this configuration. You should refer to your disk array software documentation for detailed instructions.
Note: Remember that LifeKeeper locks its disks at the LUN level. Therefore, one LUN may be adequate in an Active/Standby configuration. But, if you are using an Active/Active configuration, then you must configure at least two separate LUNs, so that each hierarchy can access its own unique LUN.
- Verify that both servers recognize the shared disks (for example, using the fdisk command). If Linux does not recognize the LUNs you have created, then LifeKeeper will not either.
- Create file systems on your shared disks from the system you plan to use as the primary server in your LifeKeeper hierarchy. Refer to the Linux documentation for complete instructions on the administration of file systems.
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