Definition
Cluster setup refers to the process of configuring and interconnecting multiple independent computing systems, known as nodes, to function as a single, unified resource. This configuration allows for increased availability, fault tolerance, and performance by distributing workloads and providing redundancy. In practice, cluster setup involves installing and configuring specialized software that manages communication and resource sharing between nodes, enabling them to work together seamlessly. This is crucial for ensuring business continuity and high availability of critical applications and services, as the failure of one node does not disrupt overall operations. For instance, a web server cluster can handle a surge in traffic by distributing requests across multiple servers, preventing downtime. Unlike a simple load balancer which only distributes traffic, a cluster setup actively manages node health and can failover services automatically. This concept is frequently tested in certifications like CompTIA Network+ and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate.