For each of the networks physically connected to the servers (nodes) in a failover cluster, you can specify whether the network is used by the cluster, and if so, whether the network is used by the nodes only or also by clients. Note that in this context, the term "clients" includes not only client computers accessing clustered services and applications, but remote computers that you use to administer the cluster.

If you use a network for iSCSI (storage), do not use it for network communication in the cluster.

For background information about network requirements for a failover cluster, see Understanding Requirements for Failover Clusters.

Membership in the local Administrators group on each clustered server, or equivalent, is the minimum required to complete this procedure. Also, the account you use must be a domain account. Review details about using the appropriate accounts and group memberships at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=83477.

To modify network settings for a failover cluster

  1. In the Failover Cluster Manager snap-in, if the cluster that you want to configure is not displayed, in the console tree, right-click Failover Cluster Manager, click Manage a Cluster, and then select or specify the cluster that you want.

  2. If the console tree is collapsed, expand the tree under the cluster that you want to configure.

  3. Expand Networks.

  4. Right-click the network that you want to modify settings for, and then click Properties.

  5. If needed, change the name of the network.

  6. Select one of the following options:

    • Allow cluster network communication on this network

      If you select this option and you want the network to be used by the nodes only (not clients), clear Allow clients to connect through this network. Otherwise, make sure it is selected.

    • Do not allow cluster network communication on this network

      Select this option if you are using a network only for iSCSI (communication with storage) or only for backup. (These are among the most common reasons for selecting this option.)

Additional considerations

  • To open the failover cluster snap-in, click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Failover Cluster Manager. If the User Account Control dialog box appears, confirm that the action it displays is what you want, and then click Yes.

  • IP addresses and the associated network names used for the cluster itself or for clustered services or applications are called access points. For a brief description of access points, see Understanding Access Points (Names and IP Addresses) in a Failover Cluster.

Additional references

  • Add Storage to a Failover Cluster
  • Enable Cluster Shared Volumes in a Failover Cluster