Assigning IP address to HA Heartbeat Interfaces

[200B]

When clustering units, is it necessary to assign specific IP address to HA Hearbeat interfaces? Or is it enough to simply allow FGCP to assign addresses? Thanks!

[rwpatterson]

Welcome to the forums. There is no need to assign IP addresses to the interfaces, unless you are using them for other functions as well.

[200B]

Thanks for that Bob Can you see any benefit in connecting HB interfaces via a switch instead of directly? Have seen both methods implemented, but prefer directly myself.

[rwpatterson]

Direct skips the latency of the connected device. The way to go if possible.

[ede_pfau]

One benefit would be if the HA members were in 2 different places, more than 100 meters apart. That' s the max. distance for a TP cable. For a cluster where both members are located close by an additional switch would be a risk as an additional point of failure. The worst that can happen to a cluster is to break up the HA link. Just think upgrading the switch, with subsequent reboot...poof