Today, people are online more than ever, and they need 24/7 access to wherever their digital journey might take them.
This means that if you own an online business – or any other website – you must ensure it’s up and running, rain or shine. One way to do this is by using clustered servers to form a more resilient system.
In this article, we’ll go into detail about server clusters, why you might need them, and how we at Pressable use them so you get the most out of your hosting service.
Strap in, and let’s go!
Understanding the Intricacies of Server Clustering
Learning how to build a server cluster is like navigating a weird labyrinth filled with complex puzzles and complicated definitions. Simply put – you’ll need years of hardcore education and extensive hands-on experience.
Thankfully, we’re not here to teach you how to do it yourself (we’d definitely have to charge for that). Instead, we’ll go through the basic definitions so you can understand its importance to your website and make an empowered choice when searching for a hosting service.
What is Server Clustering?
It’s the process of combining multiple servers, known as nodes, to form a single, more powerful entity. These nodes then function collectively within this cluster, operating simultaneously under a singular IP address. This method is primarily used in data centers, web hosting environments, and various other enterprise applications where it’s required to ensure high availability and scalability.
There are four main components in a cluster:
- The nodes: The individual servers that make up the cluster.
- The cluster software: This enables node coordination and management.
- Shared storage: Essential for data accessibility across all the nodes.
- Interconnected communication: Facilitates data transfer and synchronization between nodes.
Successfully setting up a server cluster that functions seamlessly takes work. It requires substantial investments in both time and resources. From getting the essential hardware and software to employing the right expertise – the process can be a pain in the butt.
However, just because someone is spending a lot of money doesn’t mean that they are investing it in the right place.
Some hosts divert finances from the technical side to invest in marketing, a shift that can compromise the user experience and something we do not support. With Pressable, you’re our number one priority.
Another critical element within server clustering is data synchronization – the process that ensures all details are updated across all nodes in the cluster at the same time. If nodes fall out of sync or the cluster encounters a “split-brain” phenomenon – where nodes independently believe they hold a quorum – the entire cluster could become unavailable, causing potential downtime and data loss.
A well-configured cluster system is designed to distribute tasks evenly across all the nodes, preventing any one server from becoming overwhelmed. Effective load balancing requires complex algorithms and configurations, and they must pair with failover and failback mechanisms. In case of server failure, these mechanisms automatically reassign the workload, preventing service disruption so everything runs smoothly.
Different Approaches to Server Clustering: A Comparative Analysis
Server clustering essentially splits into three primary categories:
- Single quorum clusters.
- Majority node set clusters.
- Single node clusters.
The difference between these three forms lies in how they connect individual nodes to the device holding the configuration data. Let’s dive in:
Single Quorum Clusters
A quorum is a mechanism that determines the minimum number of nodes that must be operationally active and available for the system to continue its function. Single quorum clusters consist of several nodes connected to one singular connective device. This connective device, more specifically, a quorum device, typically comes in the form of a shared disk or file, accessible by all nodes within the cluster.
This approach is considered optimal for smaller clusters with a limited number of nodes. Its architecture cultivates a reliable structure and leans heavily on the effectiveness and reliability of the quorum device. Hence, selecting the quorum device becomes a super important part of this architecture.
Majority Node Set Clusters
In contrast, majority node set clusters equip each node with its own individual piece of configuration data. Each node plays an integral role in the democratic operation where a majority decision maintains the quorum and, as a result, functionality. The cluster quorum exists when the majority of nodes are online and maintain communication with one another.
Majority node set clusters are commonly observed in clusters with nodes distributed globally and provide a more malleable configuration as each node possesses its own copy of critical configuration information. This approach is highly recommended for clusters with odd nodes, such as 3-node or 5-node clusters, where deriving a majority decision is inherently simpler.
Single Node Clusters
These clusters, containing only a single node, are typically employed for testing and developmental scenarios. It offers developers and administrators an environment to experiment and comprehend cluster workings without the complexities of multiple nodes.
However, single node clusters rarely find a place within production environments due to a crucial drawback – they lack redundancy. The failure of the singular node within the cluster equates to the entire system collapsing, making this an unfavorable option when maintaining system uptime is a critical need.
| Type | Structure | Best for |
| Single Quorum Clusters | Several nodes connected to one singular connective device, which is either a shared disk or a file. | Smaller clusters with a limited number of nodes. |
| Majority Node Set Clusters | Clusters where each node has its own individual piece of configuration data. It only exists if the majority of nodes are online and maintain communication. | Clusters with odd nodes, such as 3-node or 5-node clusters, and ones that are distributed globally. |
| Single Node Clusters | A single node. | Testing and developmental scenarios. |
Why Pressable Adopts a Global Approach for Clustering Servers
Part of the exceptional service Pressable offers comes from our large network of servers spread across the globe (or flat disc on top of turtles – whatever you believe in). Specifically, we employ more than 28 data centers strategically positioned on every continent – Antarctica being the only exception.
But why should geography even matter? Interestingly enough, the loading speed of your website depends a great deal on the physical distance between the server and the user. While data travels incredibly fast, significant distances can introduce microseconds of delay. Even if that doesn’t sound like much, these tiny fractions of delay can still impact the perceived speed of a website.
A globally distributed server cluster also foolproofs your website against regional disruptions. Events such as floods, power outages, or other destructive incidents have the potential to cause hardware failure to the physical server in a single data center, and having these 28 centers is the best safety net. This approach is also part of how we’re able to offer a 100% uptime guarantee, so you can trust your site will always work, and work well.
Plus, thanks to our cool dad Automattic (the amazing team behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and many more), we’ve got the best data network and the resources to make sure everything works the way it’s supposed to, and there are no cluster failures. They act as our supportive pillar and provide the foundation Pressable builds upon.
Additional Services You Get With Managed Hosting
Guaranteed uptime is the gold standard for hosting services, but at Pressable, it’s just the start. As a managed hosting provider, we go beyond the basics and offer a range of additional services that make website management as easy as pie.
- Updates: We ensure you’re up-to-date with all WordPress core updates and plugins, freeing you to focus on what truly matters – your content and audience.
- Backups: We run daily backups, creating a dependable safety net for your data. Should you ever need to restore any information, it’s as simple as retrieving it with a single click.
- Site Security: Each site is backed by an advanced and resilient security framework that shields it from hacking threats. In addition, most of our hosting plans come with a complimentary subscription to Jetpack Security, offering an added layer of protection.
- Ever-Accessible Support: No one relishes the thought of dealing with website issues alone. With our team of WordPress experts ready to assist you 24/7, we’re always by your side, ensuring issues are resolved rapidly and efficiently.
- Free Website Migration: Switching hosting providers can be daunting, but this isn’t the case with Pressable. We make the process of website migration simple and smooth without the usual associated hassles and potential issues.
Elevate Your Business Efficiency with Pressable
Building and operating a website requires more than just creativity and innovation. It demands strategic planning and an analytical approach. An often overlooked yet critical aspect of this process is the technical function your hosting provider plays. This involves creating a resilient server cluster to form the backbone of your site, ensuring its constant availability.
Server clustering can significantly enrich your website’s performance, and with the right configuration, your site’s loading speed becomes consistent, the user experience is optimized, and downtime is practically eliminated.
Here, at Pressable, we offer you more than outstanding server infrastructure. We understand that in the bustling world of business, every second counts. This is why our managed hosting service takes over the routine tasks, such as updates and backups. We firmly believe that as a business owner, your focus should be on innovation, growth, and strategy – not on the meticulous maintenance of website infrastructure.
Start your journey with Pressable today.
Zach Wiesman
Zach brings a wealth of knowledge to Pressable with more than 12 years of experience in the WordPress world. His journey in WordPress began with creating and maintaining client websites, fostering a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges of WordPress. Later, his knack for problem-solving and commitment to service led him to pursue a role at Automattic, where he excelled in providing customer support for WooCommerce. His expertise extends beyond technical proficiency to encompass a deep understanding of the WordPress community and its needs. Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, and working on projects around the house.
