Network Configuration: Public/Private IPs, heartbeat communication
Storage: Shared storage (Sandisks) vs. local disks, potential issues, and Microsoft’s evolution to AlwaysOn availability group
Practical Lab Setup
Lab Environment: Creation of VMs, deployment of virtual networks, configuring subnets
Firewalls and Ports: Disabling firewalls, enabling necessary ports (like 3389, 5050 for SQL-related ports)
Active Directory: Setting up domain controller, DNS server, and ISCSI Target server
Cluster Preparation: Installation of required features on nodes (dotnet framework and failover cluster manager)
Domain Configuration: Promoting server to domain controller, adding VMs to the domain
Preliminary Steps Completed (Practical)
Resource Group: Creation and subnet configuration
Virtual Machines: Deployed 3 VMs (one acting as domain controller, sandbox, etc.), installed necessary features and roles
Firewall Settings: Disabled firewalls and enabled ports on all VMs
Domain Promotion: Promoted server to domain controller, configured DNS settings
Cluster Features: Installed active directory, DNS server, ISCSI Target server, and failover cluster on DC; dotnet framework and failover cluster manager on other nodes
To Do in Next Session
Storage Configuration: Creating shared storage for cluster
Cluster Configuration: Configuring cluster, quorum settings, and active/passive or active/active setup
SQL Server Installation: Deploying SQL Server in the clustered environment
Notes
Participation: Active involvement in the sessions and discussion group is crucial
Upcoming Sessions: Deep dive into practical lab setup, hands-on with storage and cluster configurations
Practice Tips: Regularly stop VMs to minimize cost, save configurations to maintain continuity in practice