Hello everybody,
I was given the task to plan a redundant file storage environment that can compensate failure of any component without service interruption. This is a field I have little experience with, which I want to confirm that the concept I am working on actually
works. I don't have the resources to build a test system available at the moment either, making this a very theoretical construct.
I want to use a Windows Failover Cluster with a Scale Out File Server role installed. Three physical servers with limited storage space for only the operating system are supposed to be the nodes of this cluster (three as to avoid using a file witness). A
single SAN storage solution will provide the storage space for the file server, attached to the individual nodes via fibre channel. The SAN storage itself has all components built in redundantly, eliminating the need to provide a second storage unit and managing
the synchronization of both.
The clients are expected to then connect to the file service provided by the cluster which is then (transparently) handled by any of the nodes and, in case of failure of this node (e.g. loss of power), instantly taken over by another without interruption
or considerable delay.
In case it is important: The file server is supposed to host files of different applications including resources and configurations. These applications are not run on the server, but on clients. They are executed FROM the server share though, so constant
and uninterrupted file provision is required, otherwise the applications will eventually crash. Executing from the server share is mandatory.
Now as I mentioned my experience with this is rather limited, and while the concept is based on what I read from MS documentation I would like to ask you for confirmation of this working or, in case it doesnt, advice on what to do differently.
Additionally, as far as I understand running a domain controller role on the same server that is running a scale out file server role is not possible or at least not recommended. Is this still valid for Server 2019 and if, is there a way to achieve the goal
of zero downtime file provisioning on the same device that is running a DC or do it have to be seperate machines?
Thanks in advance!