When failing over a Workgroup server (WGS) using AutoPilot grid or other failover methods, what is the suggested method to connect to the active one?
This question is applicable to both WGS 6 and WGS 10, although only WGS 10 supports grid as an option.
When failing over, the WGS host/IP address will change. Most of the utilities only support a single connection to the WGS, so you cannot use the actual IP address. In this case, you need a virtual host (AKA dynamic host) that follows the WGS when it moves.
Example:
WGS - host1 local IP 123.45.67.8 (active)
WGS - host2 local IP 123.45.78.9 (inactive)
Virtual host nastel_wgs_host
nastel_wgs_host always directs to the active instance, this would be host1 in the example above. If the WGS fails over to host2, then the virtual host changes to it. All connections are automatically routed.
This can be used for agents, utilities, GUI sessions, etc.