Cluster for Load Balancing

Load Balancing (LB) clusters are server systems able to increase your network services to high performance with sharing load on several computers. They integrate the most advanced hardware and software technologies and are still easy to use for users.

Strong points

• High performance, thanks to a workload distribution toward different computers and to the use of the best hardware technologies on the market.
• High reliability, reliability is guaranteed by the presence of different computers operating in fault-tolerance and possibility to main server redundancy.
• Turnkey solution, thanks to transparency of load balancing software it is possible to work as with a regular server.
• Costs Reduction, a cost reduction is possible thanks to an excellent price/performance ratio offered by Linux cluster technology, to carefully selected hardware products, and the use of free open source software.
• Scalability, is possible, adding in a simple way and without interruption new nodes to the cluster, adapting their number proportionally to the workload to support.
• Flexibility, thanks to a broad range of customization capabilities of open-source software, given by a high number of software packages and a wide source program.
• Assistance and support, for hardware we provide assistance solutions extensible and personalised (2 years on-centre base), for software assistance it is provided by our qualified technicians, and when it is possible a remote support is given in order to reduce timing and costs.

Software

Our load balancing clusters are based on open source software technologies integrated in the LVS project. HA includes the operating system (Linux), the middleware for Load Balancing (LVS) and the network filesystem (GFS, DRBD). It is possible to realize solutions with balancing redundancy servers with high performance.

Systems

We can work on servers provided by us or install and configure software directly on your machines. The servers that we propose are enterprise class equipped with ECC Registered RAM modules and SATA, SAS or SCSI hard-disks (single or in RAID), with chassis tower or for rack, equipped with single or redundant power unit. Optional IPMI module for remote control.

Network filesystem

We use network filesystems that warranty data integrity and synchronisation according to the HA architecture choice. In absence of sharing storage unit we use DRBD to maintain a synchronise data copy on each server. Otherwise we only use filesystem storage that guaranty the data access concorrente also in HA active/active modality (GFS, Oracle FS, ...)

Storage

Storage requirements can be satisfied either through disk-arrays server mounted and RAID configured, or through external storage units (click here for more info). The external storage can be connected to the servers, by ATAoE, iSCSI or Fiber Channel interfaces.

Rack

Servers are rack mounted (typically of 25 or 42 units) by sledge to facilitate their extraction. A structural cabling is important in order to have only electricity supply distribution cables and network cables out of racks. Frontal and back grids ensure the ventilation, optional forced ventilation systems can be provided.

UPS

A possible cluster protection against tension changes and blackout is possible through a UPS built in rack or external. The UPS allows to stabilize and filter the electrical signal, reducing server feeder damages, and allows to overcome short term blackout maintaining the cluster operative. In case of long term blackout the UPS makes a controlled shutdown of the cluster.

Warranties and assistance

Our cluster systems are under a 2-year hardware warranty and under a 6 months remote software assistance. It is possible to extend the hardware warranty for 1 more year and with on-site NBD interventions (technician's intervention within 1 working day) and also to renew the software assistance through annual contracts or work-hour vouchers.