Share via

Type of Storage that can be used as Cluster Shared Volume?

JR Murillo 60 Reputation points
2024-12-21T15:06:59.56+00:00

Dear Colleagues,

Good day! May I Inquire with regards to Windows Server Failover Clustering. We are planning to Cluster a 2 Node MSSQL Server. It requires Cluster Shared Volume, asking if what type of storage we can use for the setup? Are the following feasible to create a CSV? NFS or SMB Server and shared to the 2 Node, NAS, SAN, etc. please advise.

For your expert input.

Thank you!

Best Regards,

Jr

Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
3,848 questions
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
2,546 questions
Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
13,479 questions
Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Clustering: The grouping of multiple servers in a way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to client computers on a network. Clustering is a means of increasing network capacity, providing live backup in case one of the servers fails, and improving data security.
1,017 questions
Windows Server Storage
Windows Server Storage
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Storage: The hardware and software system used to retain data for subsequent retrieval.
664 questions
0 comments
Accepted answer
  1. Marcin Policht 29,885 Reputation points MVP
    2024-12-21T18:11:26.1666667+00:00

    Here are considerations to take into account:

    1. SMB (Server Message Block) Supported and feasible for Scale-Out File Server. With SMB 3.0 and later, you can configure Scale-Out File Servers in a Windows Server Failover Cluster to store SQL Server data. In this scenario, SMB file shares can be used for SQL Server databases, but they are not the same as the traditional CSV approach that utilizes block-level access. SMB 3.0 can be used to provide Scale-Out File Shares for storing application data for SQL Server, and this is feasible when configured properly in Windows Server 2012 R2 and newer. However, while supported, this setup is less common for SQL Server in production environments compared to traditional block-level storage.
    2. NFS (Network File System) Not supported for CSV in SQL Server clustering.
    3. NAS (Network-Attached Storage) Not typically recommended for SQL Server clusters with CSV. While NAS can provide shared storage via file protocols like SMB or NFS, it does not meet the requirements for Cluster Shared Volumes in SQL Server clustering, as CSVs require block-level access. For SQL Server Failover Clustering and CSV, SAN is typically preferred.
    4. SAN (Storage Area Network) Recommended and supported for traditional CSV implementations. SAN is well suited for providing block-level storage, which is what is required for SQL Server and other applications that use Cluster Shared Volumes in Failover Clusters. It supports the high performance and low latency needed for SQL Server workloads. When using SAN, CSV is usually backed by NTFS or ReFS, which are compatible with block-level storage.

    More at https://zcusa.951200.xyz/en-us/windows-server/failover-clustering/failover-cluster-csvs

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

Your answer

Answers can be marked as Accepted Answers by the question author, which helps users to know the answer solved the author's problem.