How an eight-node or four-node MetroCluster configuration provides nondisruptive operations

In the case of an issue limited to a single node, a failover and giveback within the local HA pair provides continued nondisruptive operation. In this case, the MetroCluster configuration does not require a switchover to the remote site.

Because the eight-node or four-node MetroCluster configuration consists of one or more HA pair at each site, each site can withstand local failures and perform nondisruptive operations without requiring a switchover to the partner site. The operation of the HA pair is the same as HA pairs in non-MetroCluster configurations.

For four-node and eight-node MetroCluster configurations, node failures due to panic or power loss can cause an automatic switchover.

High-availability Configuration Guide

If a second failure occurs after a local failover, the MetroCluster switchover event provides continued nondisruptive operations. Similarly, after a switchover operation, in the event of a second failure in one of the surviving nodes, a local failover event provides continued nondisruptive operations. In this case, the single surviving node serves data for the other three nodes in the DR group.