Collax V-Cube +

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Collax V-Cube +
Basic data

developer Collax GmbH
Publishing year 2009
Current  version 6.8.16
(January 11, 2018)
operating system Pynix , 64-bit
programming language Perl , C.
category Server, virtualization, high availability
License Commercial, Free for Evaluation
German speaking Yes
www.collax.com

Collax V-Cube + is a modular software server solution from the German company Collax GmbH, which makes it possible to provide highly available virtual infrastructures. The complete virtualization of CPU, RAM, network infrastructure and storage can be interconnected via two or more nodes to form an HA cluster. The main application is the minimization of downtimes of server services in the environment of small and medium-sized companies.

General functions

V-Cube + allows the virtualization of x86 guest systems; KVM (Kernel based Virtual Machine) is used for the virtualization of CPU, RAM, network infrastructure and storage. With V-Cube + two or more nodes can be combined into a symmetrical cluster. This network is managed centrally and works actively-actively, i. H. Server services are constantly running on all nodes. In the event of a failure of cluster components, virtual servers (guest systems) are automatically moved to other V-Cube + nodes and are thus highly available. The functionality is supplemented by fail-safe, redundant storage. V-Cube + synchronizes the data of the integrated hard disks and thus provides highly available shared storage.

Techniques used

Fencing

In order to avoid split-brain situations in the cluster network and to ensure smooth operation of the virtual server, in the event that a node no longer fulfills its purpose, the process "STONITH" (Shoot The Other Node In The Head ) implemented. This process is implemented using a switchable socket strip with a network connection or using the Collax fencing device. This means that a single node can be excluded from the network (fencing) and serious and usually irreparable data destruction is avoided.

Virtualization

The virtualization technology is based on the KVM project, which enables paravirtualized support for virtual hard disks, network cards and CPU of the guest systems.

Cluster backend

The cluster backend of the Collax V-Cube + is responsible for checking the availability of the resources sought. The OpenAIS used (www.openais.org) implements an AIS specification that comes from the carrier-grade environment.

Cluster control

The abstract cluster control software Pacemaker (www.clusterlabs.org), which enables the cluster to be managed, is used to control OpenAIS. The cluster configuration is automatically created and edited using its components and the implementation of Collax.

HA shared storage

DRBD , the Distributed Replicated Block Device, is used to provide coherent, synchronized storage for the nodes involved. The distribution of the replicated storage is limited to two cluster nodes. The implementation of Collax makes sense to use the integrated hard disk storage of the servers used.

Cluster file system

For certain functions, simultaneous access to a certain area of ​​the shared storage is required. The OCFS2 cluster file system is used to guarantee such competing accesses without data inconsistencies .

Domain concept

In order to enable a simple and above all consistent configuration of the cluster nodes, the V-Cube + has a domain control. There is a central, higher-level interface for the cluster, which not only influences the behavior of an administered node, but that of all nodes in the cluster. The options in this interface include all configuration options that are relevant on all nodes. The term domain describes an essential element of the cooperation of many nodes in the cluster. Important things such as time synchronization, secure authentication and authorization of the nodes among each other, exchange of shared configuration and runtime information, locking and logging, coordination of shared processes, etc. are implemented. Technologies such as Syslog-NG, DNS, LDAP and Kerberos are used. The V-Cube + cluster concept is implemented in such a way that there is no single point of failure, all information and functions are redundantly distributed in the cluster. This means that nodes or individual components in the cluster can fail without jeopardizing overall availability.

Technical requirements

In order to set up a high-availability cluster and operate it sensibly, the hardware must meet the following minimum requirements. RAM and hard drive capacities for virtual machines must be supplemented as required. In a two-node HA cluster, both nodes must be sufficiently developed to be able to carry all VMs.

Minimum requirements for server hardware

  • 64-bit processor (Intel 64 or AMD64) with
  • Intel VT or AMD-V support
  • RAM: 4096 MB
  • Hard disk: 500 GB
  • Two gigabit network interfaces, jumbo frames (MTU 9000)

Fencing device

  • Collax fencing device (patent pending)
  • APC Switched Rack PDU Rack PDU, Switched

See also

Web links