Virtual IP address

The virtual IP address ( virtual IP address , sometimes also VIP ) designates the dynamic IP address of an active / passive cluster , under which the currently active primary system is addressed. All computers in the network have individual addresses, while the virtual IP address is also borrowed to the active system. It is therefore representative of the entire cluster.

The cluster is always addressed externally via the virtual IP address, so that the active system is automatically reached. In the event of a failover , a standby system is activated and receives the virtual IP address. This establishes all further connections with the newly activated system so that it takes over the function of the failed node.