Clustering Help

[DrSql]

Currenlty I have an ACTIVE/ACTIVE cluster running on NODE-A and NODE-B.
SQL1==>NODE-A
SQL01\VS2 NODE-B

Recently I recived a request to add another two more instances to the NODE-A and B.
Is its possible?
What are the pro's and con's of it.
Is there any pit fall during the install?
How many intances I can install on one NODE?

After its ste and done I will have 4 instances running on 2 NODES.
SQL1 & SQL01\VS3 ==>NODE-A
SQL01\VS2 & SQL01\VS4 NODE-B
Might need to add a 5th instance
Any reccoemdation or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks





Dr.Sql
Good Luck.

 

[mutley1]

It's early morning (pre-coffee) so can't go too in depth, but one of the main things to consider is memory. Don't know what you have in your 2 boxes, or if AWE is switched on, but think of it this way. If it's a bog standard set up, each instance can use up to 2GB of memory. If any of the nodes failed, then you would have 4 instances on 1 box, each possibly trying to use up to 2GB - if you only have 6GB in that box, things could slow down. Consider throttling the memory if it is feasible (if you haven't got enough in each box or cant buy any).


I just remember this when trying to explain to non technical management that they couldn't have all the instances they wanted in our cluster without buying some more juice.

From MS Clustering page:

SQL Server 2000 supports multiple instances, allowing simultaneous support of up to 16 instances of SQL Server.

HTH.

 

[DrSql]

Thanks.. for the response.
Other than memory anything that I need to take into considerations?

Dr.Sql
Good Luck.

 

[mrdenny]

Each instance will need it's own resource group, it's own IP address, Network Name, etc.

The only real issue is going to be memory and CPU power. Since your instances will now be sharing resources daily if one instance uses up all the CPU power then the second instance on that machine won't be able to do anything until some CPU power is released.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com