DRBD and XCAT Integration: Optimizing High Availability Performance

This paper delves into the significance of the Distributed Replicated Block Device (DRBD) within Linux clusters, emphasizing its pivotal role in providing essential features like High Availability (HA), fault tolerance, and high-performance computing. Implemented through userspace management applications, shell scripts, and a kernel driver, DRBD facilitates efficient load-sharing among nodes. Paired with Pacemaker and Corosync, it establishes a robust clustered environment with seamless failover, effectively reducing the risk of single points of failure. The study focuses on the DRBD setup with xCAT, concentrating on testing failover times and highlighting xCAT’s contribution to automating cluster management tasks. This paper also explores the collaboration between DRBD, Pacemaker, and Corosync, emphasizing xCAT’s role in delivering High Availability. Furthermore, the study aims to assess the migration of resources within the DRBD setup, providing valuable insights into the system's responsiveness during resource transfers.