Linux set up for Oracle RAC (real application cluster)

Question

Hi Guys,
I m wrkig as Oracle DBA.
Very curious to know the initials for RAC set up at OS level.
Can anyone provide his/her usefull guidelines for the same.
Although I know all steps at OS level also, but didn't did the set up of before Oracle RAC installation.
Want to increase knowlegde on like:
--how we sahre storage.
--how we set up network (private & virtual IP) and how can check working of NIC's.
--and other required things.
Will appreciate ur help and if someone want to share his/her personal experience.
Thx in advance.

Answer 1

[email protected] wrote:
Want to increase knowlegde on like:Here are very basic answers to very complex questions - from a pure Linux perspective running an Open Source stack and untainted kernel.
--how we sahre storage.Using multipath - this should ship with most 2.6 kernels. The kernel sees the shared storage LUNs as scsi devices - multipath does the rest. (and ASM can directly use a multipath device).
On a physical layer. Typical setup (on a RAC node) is using a HBA PCI card that runs fibre connections into a SAN switch. You can also use Infiniband (IB) as the I/O layer (as Oracle's Exadata database machine does). In this case the servers will use HCA PCI cards, run IB cables into the switch, and so will the storage array run an IB cable into the switch.
--how we set up network (private & virtual IP) and how can check working of NIC's.Depends on the achitecture choses as Interconnect. Typical choices are GigE or Infiniband (IB). Oracle's Exadata database machine (RAC) uses IB as already mentioned. (and is also our preferred Interconnect technology)
With IB you would use the OFED driver stack and have a range of ib.. commands available. These can be used to configure IP over IB (IPoIB) for use as an IP-based Interconnect, bonding of NICs, check a port's status, and so on.
--and other required things.As both Daniel and Hans indicated.. you are asking quite complex questions that require a manual (if not several) to be written in response. So best to refer to the manuals and OTN material available.
Also, if you and your company are serious about using RAC, then you should make use of Oracle's RAC Assurance group to assist you. They will provide you with starter kit information for the o/s selected. They will check every single configuration parameter afterwards and deliver a comprehensive report on what's wrong, what works and what doesn't. With recommended changes that need to be done.