What is VM Clustering and How Does It Work
Here you will find out:
- what is a VMware cluster
- how to create a new VMware cluster
- when DiskInternals can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
What is a VMware cluster?
A VMware cluster consists of several ESXi hosts that are configured so that their resources can be shared.
In addition, with clusters, you can use many unique options: vMotion, High Availability (HA), Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS), Failover Resilience (FR). All these contribute to reliable VM protection and the rational distribution of resources in the cluster.
vCenter Server provides overall cluster management.
How to create a new VMware cluster
This procedure can be done in vSphere Web Client. To do this, select the Data Processing Center with the right mouse button and select New Cluster from the list.
After that, you will be required to type the name of the cluster and confirm this action.
Next is the preparation of the cluster functions:
- DRS: activate this function and determine the migration threshold and level of automation.
- HA: activate the function, then decide on host monitoring and access control. If you want to enable these settings, then specify the policy and sensitivity of VM monitoring.
Next, activate Enhanced vMotion Compatibility (EVC). This function ensures that all the hosts in the cluster have the same set of CPU functions, which in turn prevents migration from vMotion from failing due to incompatible processors.
After that, activate SAN and specify how disks will be added to vSAN: automatically or manually.
Confirm this action, and the creation procedure of the VMware cluster is completed.
Storage for VMware clusters
VMware clustering requires shared storage to function.
This data storage is available to all servers participating in the VMware cluster. At the same time, it is connected to each host, and each host can manage, see, and run virtual machines that are “stored” in this shared data storage. It should be understood that a host owns a virtual machine only once.
Typically, general storage is represented by a NAS or SAN. Sometimes you can find shared storage from local drives on each server to create a shared storage pool. If you want to use HA, DRS, vMotion, etc., then shared storage is a must.
Keep VM data safe with DiskInternals
Although the VM is very fault-tolerant, there may be times when some of the data or single important files disappear without a trace.
In such cases, you need to immediately look for a suitable solution. In order not to waste time, use the professional DiskInternals VMFS Recovery application. This application automatically checks the current status of VMware VMFS volumes, disks, and data storage. It also reads VMFS structures, where possible, and instantly restores found VMDK files. You will not risk anything, as you can browse the found files for free before you have to buy.
In addition, following the attached instructions, you will not experience any inconvenience or problems during data recovery.
Instructions for DiskInternals VMFS Recovery:
Download and install VMFS Recovery on your PC, then open the application.
After that, if necessary, connect via SSH.
Then open the drive (either a local drive or SSH).
This is followed by a scan. Once the process is complete, find the necessary VMDK files and mount the VMDK file.
Now, open it and use the Preview option to explore the files found for free.
In the end, buy a license to complete the data export.