Windows server clustering does not differ much from other server clustering techniques. The major difference is that Windows servers add an additional component that not every Linux/Unix based server clustering technology does. A network technician or administrator who wants to set up such systems needs three components: a load balancer, a sever cluster, and component load balancing. The last item in the list is unique to a Windows setup.

A load balancer works the same way it does on other services. The balancer decides which computer in the cluster will get to handle the request. As with the other technologies, Windows server clustering requires more than one Load balancer to work properly. The inactive balancers will monitor the active balancer and take over in the event of the failure. The system typically uses triple redundancy to prevent major problems from occurring on the server.

Windows server clustering requires a series of multiple servers. Just like any other network operating system cluster, these servers are networked together and are capable of running the same tasks of any other serve in the cluster.

Web Server Clustering
Web Server Clustering

Windows server clustering adds an additional component that lets the servers run more smoothly than technologies developed for Linux/Unix and the Macintosh, although the idea has found its way onto both platforms. A component balancer helps the servers decided which applications will work best on each server. If a user opens Microsoft Office from a server, it will direct the user to the server best able to handle the request. Most servers are not used to run office applications, however.

Windows server clustering is not hard to set up, although the process of setting up any type of server cluster does take time. The network technician needs to make sure everything is wired properly and that the network has the appropriate security levels set up for each user. Taking the time is well worth the effort.