Add a new passive node - Active/Active/Passive cluster

  • Hi All,

    We have a SQL cluster server running with SQL 2005 Enterprise Edition SP2 on Windows 2003 Enterprise Edition.

    Currently the cluster has 2 nodes with Active/Active. Now I need to add a new node as a Passive node. So after I have done it, the cluster will be a Active/Active/Passive cluster.

    I have already added the physical node onto the cluster group so I can see the new node ‘paused’ from the Cluster Administrator. Now I need to install the SQL but I am too nervous to run the installation program.

    I also encountered this post http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic208248-5-1.aspx#bm208278

    But I am still not sure how to install it.

    My questions are:

    1. Is there a risk to delete or change the current active nodes when I add a new node? If so, will you let me know as I will be super-careful not to do it.

    Because the cluster is a production server, I need to know exactly how I add a new node onto the current cluster without breaking anything. Also this is my first time to install a passive node, so it is difficult for me to understand how to install and configure it.

    2. Do I need to run the SQL install program from one of other active nodes? Or is it ok to run the SQL install program from CD? Eventually the cluster will be 3 nodes with 2 SQL instances (I believe). But I really cannot tell how to run an installation program without creating a new instance on the new passive node.

    I highly appreciate your help!

    Regards,

    Mamia

  • Hi Etsuko,

    I am going to add 2 nodes to my existing 2-nodes SQL Cluster. SQL Server 2005 Ent Ed SP2. Windows 2003 R2 Ent Ed SP2.

    Just wonder if you have got your project done and any advice will be highly appreciated.

    Richard

  • Its probably better if you start a new thread as this post is 2 years old.

  • You best bet is to first upgrade the existing cluster to sp3. This will allow you to run sp3 on the new nodes in /passive mode from the new nodes later. The process to do this from sp2 is problematic at best.

  • Keith Hays (11/12/2010)


    The process to do this from sp2 is problematic at best.

    not problematic, but does require downtime of the other nodes in order to patch the new passive node!

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

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