I understand it is recommended to have a private LAN for
inter-cluster communication but we are not able to do that
due to resource limitations.

We have one network interface on each node in the 2 node
SQL server cluster (no room for expansion). Each port goes
to a switch where there is other network traffic.

What is the caveat of not creating a separate LAN for
inter-cluster communication? Can it be done? Why is
the "needed"?

Thanks,
Todd

If you only have a two-node cluster, a simple crossover network cable will
suffice for the private communications link. The purpose of this link is to
ensure cluster communications don't get lost in general network traffic. A
dedicated link is a requirement for a suported cluster. This link does not
have to be high-bandwidth but it does need to be isolated.

--
Geoff N. Hiten
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Senior Database Administrator
Careerbuilder.com

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