wardmundy
Nerd Uno
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2007
- Messages
- 19,201
- Reaction score
- 5,220
If you're new to High Availability server technology, the idea is that you have two identical servers. And, if one fails, the other one takes over. Not including hardware, Sangoma sells this technology as a FreePBX add-on for about $3,000 plus annual maintenance. XiVO gives it away. Both are based upon a healthy dose of open source software. For our server platforms, we're using VirtualBox for the Master, and ImpactVPS for the Slave. Because both servers must be running the same version of XiVO, we upgraded the VirtualBox platform which was built using the Nerd Vittles .ova image that includes XiVO 16.10. We followed the 2-minute upgrade instructions here.
We've set out to test whether the XiVO solution actually works. And we've put maximum stress on our testing methodology by doing all of it using a NeoRouter VPN connection between two servers located in Charleston, SC (Eastern time zone) and Dallas, TX (Central time zone). HA also requires that both servers be on the same local network, and a NeoRouter VPN network qualifies, at least with XiVO.
We'll publish the step-by-step tutorial next week on Nerd Vittles. But here are screenshots to demonstrate what happens when the Master server in Charleston goes down. Within a minute or so, the Slave in Dallas takes over. And, when the Master is brought back on line, the Slave in Dallas goes back to its secondary role just as it should. A few pieces don't get replicated so you have to load them on both servers.
Want a head start? XiVO documentation here.
Step 1: Both servers on line...
Step 2: Master server goes down and Slave takes over...
Step 3: Master back on line and Slave goes back to sleep
We've set out to test whether the XiVO solution actually works. And we've put maximum stress on our testing methodology by doing all of it using a NeoRouter VPN connection between two servers located in Charleston, SC (Eastern time zone) and Dallas, TX (Central time zone). HA also requires that both servers be on the same local network, and a NeoRouter VPN network qualifies, at least with XiVO.
We'll publish the step-by-step tutorial next week on Nerd Vittles. But here are screenshots to demonstrate what happens when the Master server in Charleston goes down. Within a minute or so, the Slave in Dallas takes over. And, when the Master is brought back on line, the Slave in Dallas goes back to its secondary role just as it should. A few pieces don't get replicated so you have to load them on both servers.
Want a head start? XiVO documentation here.
Step 1: Both servers on line...
Step 2: Master server goes down and Slave takes over...
Step 3: Master back on line and Slave goes back to sleep
Last edited: