  Multi-site OpenVMS Cluster configuration? 
 The Question is:
 
 
I have a existing CI cluster running 2 x ES40s on V7.1-2, with redundant
HSJ50s on V54 in 2 x
SW800 disk cabinets.
 
I would like to split the above up into 2 sites,
with each site consisting of 1 x es40, 1 x star coupler and 1 x SW800 (with
its own redundant HSj50s). The media between the 2 sites will be via fibre
link.
 
Without having to junk any of the existing hardware but also able to mirror
disks across the fibre link (fddi) between the 2 sites, what
sort of VMScluster configuration are we looking at? The nearest I got so far
is the multi-mode VMScluster that was mentioned in the Cluster Manual. Is
this the only way to go? What about the latest VMS 7.2-1 - we are willing to
explore
upgrading to this VMS version or Galaxy.
 
Anything in the pipeline?
 
Rgds
 
Mike
 
 
 The Answer is:
 
  The requirements for OpenVMS Cluster communications are quite simple
  on the surface, each OpenVMS Cluster member must have a direct
  communications path with every other OpenVMS Cluster member, and the
  minimum acceptable latency and bandwidth for the path must match that
  (or better that) provided by a traditional Ethernet (1 megabyte per
  second) network connection.  This includes the ability to use an FDDI
  or ATM or T3 link as a point-to-point LAN connection between "lobes"
  of the OpenVMS Cluster.  (Connections such as a 56 kilobit dial-up or
  a 1.54 megabit T1 point-to-point connection are insufficient for OpenVMS
  Cluster operations.)  This requirement for total connectivity can be met
  via point-to-point connections, or via via a shared (local, bridged, or
  switched) LAN environment, or via a combination of multiple interconnect
  technologies.
 
  Host-based volume shadowing can span "lobes" of an OpenVMS Cluster.
 
  Consideration must be made to the requirement for achieving and
  maintaining quorum within this configuration -- please see the OpenVMS
  FAQ for a discussion of VOTES and EXPECTED_VOTES.  Additional requirements
  around the correct operation of the cluster during a (potential) failure
  of the local (or remote) lobe must also be considered -- this centrally
  involves the particular voting configuration and operator procedures,
  and can include the configuration of additional (voting) nodes.
 
  OpenVMS Galaxy is an operating environment with multiple instances
  of OpenVMS coexisting within one physical (SMP) system enclosure.
  OpenVMS Galaxy configurations by definition do not span sites, though
  OpenVMS Cluster configurations comprised of multiple standalone and/or
  multiple OpenVMS Galaxy systems can certainly span sites.
 
  As it appears you are unfamiliar with OpenVMS Cluster configurations
  and operations, please consider contacting Compaq presales technical
  support or your Compaq reseller for assistance -- there can be far
  more to this discussion and to your specific environment and to your
  specific local requirements than can be included here...
 
