SQL 2019 Failover Cluster Instance (FCI) node limit

Question

We are planning to deploy a 4-node SQL Failover Cluster Instance. Is it possible to deploy 4 node SQL FCI (not Always on availability group) using SQL Standard edition license?

Answer 1

Good day ,

Check this document please:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/editions-and-components-of-sql-server-version-15?view=sql-server-ver15

and here is the quote for the Always On failover cluster instances:

On Enterprise Edition, the number of nodes is the operating system maximum. On Standard edition there is support for two nodes.

By the way, Always On availability groups is not supported in Standard edition so there was no need for the (not Always on availability group) but if you need then you can use Basic availability groups (a bit different feature for Standard edition

Answer 2

Hey,

As mentioned, on Standard edition FCI is limited for 2 nodes. To deploy a 4 node SQL FCI you will need Enterprise edition. With Standard edition you have 2 options either SQL FCI or Basic Availability Groups. Check the following comparison:
https://www.starwindsoftware.com/resource-library/sql-server-failover-cluster-instance-vs-basic-availability-group/

Cheers,

Alex Bykovskyi

StarWind Software

Note: Posts are provided “AS IS” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose

Answer 3

Hi @Rony Paul ，

Agree with them.
Please see: The Limitations of Basic Always On availability groups for a single database.

Best regards,
Seeya

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