Microsoft Course 2087 - Implementing Microsoft Windows 2000 Clustering —  A 3-Day Course

 Open Public Course Closed In-House Course

Course Synopsis

The goal of this Windows Clustering course is to provide the student with the skills to select the appropriate implementation of business solutions that require fault tolerance and high availability.

Course Objectives

On completion of this Windows Clustering course, delegates should be able to:

• Introduce Microsoft Windows 2000 Clustering fundamentals including clustering, Network Load Balancing, and component load balancing.
• Identify key concepts of Microsoft Cluster Service.
• Identify hardware and network requirements and configure a computer running Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server in preparation for installing Cluster service.
• Install Microsoft Cluster Service, identify changes to the operating system, and locate key Cluster service files and describe their function.
• Create cluster resources by using cluster administration tools.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting tasks for server clusters.
• Plan the implementation of a Network Load Balancing cluster.
• Install and configure a Network Load Balancing service.
• Perform administrative tasks on a Network Load Balancing cluster.

Intended Audience

This Windows Clustering course is intended for IT Professionals who are associated with organizations that need to provide access to services or data in a high availability environment or for large user populations.

Course Prerequisites

Before attending this Windows Clustering course, students should have:

• Completed Course 2153, Implementing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure, or have equivalent skills or;
• Course 1560, Updating Support Skills from Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 to Microsoft Windows 2000 or have equivalent skills.

Microsoft Certified Professional Exams (MCP)

This course will help the student prepare for the following Microsoft Certified Professional exam:

• Exam 70-223, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Clustering Services by Using Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

Course Materials

The student kit includes a comprehensive workbook and other necessary materials for this class.

The following software is provided in the student kit:

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

Outline Course Contents

Introduction to Windows Clustering

• Defining Cluster Features
• Introducing Application Architecture
• Identifying clustering technologies that can improve availability and scalability in an enterprise system.
• Identity the available Microsoft clustering technologies.
• Identify the similarities and appropriate use of the clustering technologies.
• Identify the applications and servicse that can benefit from clustering technologies.

Concepts of Server Clusters

• Introduction to Server Clusters
• Key Concepts of a Server Cluster
• Choosing a Server Cluster Configuration
• Applications and Services on Server Clusters

Preparing for Cluster Service Installation

• Pre-installation Considerations
• Identifying Hardware Considerations
• Assigning IP Addresses Within a Cluster
• Assigning Names Within a Cluster
• Determining Domain Considerations
• Existing Services and Applications

Installing Cluster Service

• Installing Cluster Service
• Post-installation

Cluster Administration

• Administration Tools
• Configuring the Cluster Properties
• Using Cluster Administrator to create and manage cluster resources.
• Creating a Group
• Creating a Cluster Resource
• Failover and Failback

Creating Cluster Resources

• Creating a File Share Resource
• Creating a Cluster Print Share
• Configuring Clustered Applications and Services
• Using Cluster Application Wizard

Server Cluster Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Cluster Maintenance
• Troubleshooting Cluster Service

Concepts of Network Load Balancing Cluster

• Network Load Balancing Concepts
• Application and Service Environment
• Network Load Balancing Functionality
• Network Load Balancing Architecture

Installing and Configuring Network Load Balancing

• Pre-installation
• Network Load Balancing Driver Installation
• Configuring the Network Load Balancing Driver
• Cluster Parameters
• Host Parameters
• Port Rules
• TCP/IP Properties
• Post-Installation Configuration

Network Load Balancing Cluster Administration

• Command Line Administration
• Programmatic Management Solutions
• Microsoft Application Center Server 2000

Troubleshooting a Network Load Balancing Cluster

• Using Status Tools and Utilities
• Troubleshooting Problems
• Using Network Tools and Utilities

Microsoft Windows 2000 Clustering

• Application of Clustering Technology
• Testing Tools