How to Prevent Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS) from Using Specific Networks

Microsoft Cluster Server provides the ability to use or ignore specific networks. This feature may be useful for networks allocated to specific tasks not affiliated with cluster operations or cluster resource related clients.

Use the procedure below to restrict or enable network use:

1. Right-click the cluster name. The name is at the top level of the resource or group tree in the left portion of the Cluster Administrator window (above the Groups folder).
2. Select Properties.
3. Select the Network Priority tab.
4. Adjust network priority for internal cluster communications as needed with the up and down arrows provided.
5. Select the network to enable or disable and click Properties.
6. Select or clear the "Enable for cluster use" check box as desired.
7. When you are finished, click OK.

NOTE: It is important to allow for internal cluster communications as well as client communications. A typical configuration with two network adapters would allow all communications on the system's primary network adapter and internal cluster communications only on the secondary adapter. The secondary adapter would have the highest priority for cluster communications and would allow the primary adapter to assume this role if the secondary adapter fails.