Scope:
Barracuda Link Balancers models 330 and above, firmware version 2.0.0.019 and above.
Answer:
You can create an active-passive failover configuration with two Barracuda Link Balancers. The active system handles all of the traffic until one of the following experiences a failure, or an outage:
- The system itself
- The LAN connection
- Optionally, all of its WAN links
The two systems monitor the other's status either over the LAN or through a private connection using a crossover cable between their LAN2 ports. The second option is only available on models that have a physical LAN port on the front of the system. On those systems, the Ethernet port on the back is the LAN2 port
The systems communicate according to the VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) specification. Both are configured with one virtual IP address called the VRRP virtual IP address. The address is serviced only by the active system if the active system is active. If the passive system takes over, it assumes this address.
Prerequisites:
- Two (and only two) Barracuda Link Balancers of the same model.
- Each box must be on the same version of firmware (2.0.0.019 or later recommended).
- The active system should be fully configured. The backup system must be activated and have its LAN IP address configured and firmware updated. It should be connected to the LAN and WAN.
On the ADVANCED > High Availability page on the active Barracuda Link Balancer, complete all of the fields in the Cluster Settings section:
Enter:
- Cluster Shared Secret - The shared passcode that the clustered units use when communicating with one another. Both Barracuda Link Balancers in a cluster must have the same shared secret.
- Failback Mode - Click Automatic if you want the originally active system to resume link balancing upon its recovery. Click Manual to wait until administrator intervention.
- Failover if all WAN links are down - Click Yes to make passive system take over if the active system detects that its WAN links are all unavailable.
- VRRP Virtual IP Address - This address is the same for both systems and is synchronized between them. It must be on the same subnet as the LAN IP address of the two systems.
- VRRP Group ID - This number is the same for both Barrauda Link Balancers in a cluster. If other network components, such as firewalls, are clustered using VRRP then they should use a different VRRP group ID than this one. Maximum value is 255.
- Heartbeat Link Only available on certain models - Click LAN or LAN2 to select the interface that the cluster peers use to communicate with each other.
On the ADVANCED > High Availability page on the passive Barracuda Link Balancer:
- Enter the Cluster Shared Secret and other parameters in the Cluster Settings section. Click Save Changes. The login screen will appear. Sign in and navigate to this page.
- In the Clustered Systems section, enter the LAN IP address of the active Barracuda Link Balancer and click Join Cluster.
- Click Okay on the warning message. The system will reboot
- Each system's LAN IP address appears in the Clustered Systems table.
- The status of each system is green.
To update firmware the firmware of clustered Barracuda Link Balancers, update the passive system first. Make sure the Failback Mode is set to Manual to insure that the transfer of control from one system to the other does not happen while the firmware update is in process.
Link to This Page:
https://campus.barracuda.com/solution/50160000000I9TQAA0