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Building a Linux Virtual Server

Posted by Zonk on from the virtual-but-stable dept.

prostoalex writes "NewsForge (an OSTG site) has an article that discusses the details of building a cluster for a virtual server - an environment where one can add and remove machines as needed, to account for high-traffic Web site of intensive database application: 'The main advantage of using LVS is that unlike Microsoft network load-balancing clusters, the LVS allows you to add a node running any operating system that supports TCP/IP to the cluster.'"

3 of 93 comments (clear)

  1. Re:PC's are not for networking by Dasein · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Many F5 appliances were not much more than FreeBSD PCs

    --
    You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake -- but you could be if you got off your ass.
  2. Built one. by NovySan · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Great for http. Bad for nfs and smb/cifs.

  3. my experience by buddha42 · · Score: 3, Insightful
    Back when I worked for my college's web department I oversaw moving their website from the old server platform to a load balanced cluster of x86 servers using LVS/linux/apache/php/mysql. It is not a minor undertaking in any way. Configuring, tweaking, and troubleshooting all the various elements requires an intense amount of trial and error and confusion. Think of it like sendmail or asterisk (its not quite that bad). Overall, the cost of implimenting it in manhours and downtime from learning-experiences weren't worth it being "free". If I had to do it again, I'd buy real network equipment. Even if used off ebay, just get a failover pair.

    Now if someone came out with a good embedded linux running lvs with a nice web and cli interface, on solid state hardware, that was a decent amount cheaper than brand name equipment, put up a respectably proffessional looking site, and develop a loyal following, I'd consider it.