[info-afs] linux cluster / file storage

[Nick Pavlica]

All,
  I'm building a small cluster that includes the
following hardware components:

- 2 load balancers	
  - balances connections between w.a. servers (LVS).
- 3 web application  servers 
  - runs a simple web application.
- 2 storage servers 
  - holds the data generated by the web application.

  My goal in this project is to create a cost
effective high availability infrastructure that is not
bound to the traditional "Primary / Secondary "
paradigm typically used.  The primary idea is that all
servers are being fully utilized and are grouped by
the type 
of service that they provide.  This modularity would
allow hardware components to be added or removed as
needed adding inherent reliability and efficient use
of hardware.
  I currently have a technical plan for the load
balancers and web application servers, but have been
struggling with the best method to implement the
storage servers.  I would like to have the ability to
add storage servers as needed and configure small
groups of them to be replicated so that if one of the
servers fails or needs maintenance the other(s) will
pick up the workload and continue operation without
nterruption (server raid).   In my limited research I
have discovered a large number of available
technologies, but have not found a clear solution to
meet the requirement of my project. I know that this
is a very ambitious effort especially on a very small
budget, however I believe that it's possible.  Your
advice on what file system that would best meet my
needs or any other suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.

Much Thanks!

Nick Pavlica



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