3-Node MSSQL Cluster

[vmproteau]

I noticed a limitation of 2-nodes for clusters with shared disks in this detailed KB http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=103795....

I generally advise against MSCS in VMware but, I can understand Lab, Dev, Test scenerios where it would be useful. In this case our DBA's want to create a 3-node SQL Cluster to test an upgrade scenerio that will be used in the physical world.

Does anyone know if the 2-node limitation described in the KB is a technical limitation where it isn't even a functional possibility or if this is more of a supportability stance. Just trying to figure out if this could be done temporarily for the proposed testing?

[hmus]

upon browsing the link i read it as "This table outlines VMware vSphere support for Microsoft clustering solutions" so it should be for support one.

but a good one to try out and check in the test lab. i have a lab setup and need to try this out

[JimKnopf99]

Hi,

i read about the new version 5.1 that support a 5 Node Cluster.

See

http://www.insidetheregistry.com/blog/2012/08/28/esxi-chronicles-vsphere-5-1-new-storage-features/

Frank

[MKguy · Accepted solution]

The 2-node limitation is more of a supportability thing. It should work fine with even with more nodes. Especially in the in-guest iSCSI case I don't see any technical reason why it shouldn't work.

vSphere 5.1 will also formally support MSCS with up to 5 nodes:

http://blogs.vmware.com/vsphere/2012/08/vsphere-5-1-new-storage-features-2.html