Exchange 2016 DAG

Question

Hi to all....
I've 2 Win2012R2 with Exch 2016 standalone.
Now I would like to create a DAG between these two servers.

I should install cluster service, but when I'll install this feature, I'll must the reboot server ?

Then...What are the differences/advantages between create DAG service with IP (ClusterIP) and without IP ?

Another question...sorry...Because I have the DNS records already created and worked, when I'll create the DAG, I'll need to change something in my public and intranet DNS records (I've DNS disjoint, and the mail record point to the proxy then the client access throught the proxy to the mail servers)?

Thanks for your support.

Answer 1

I should install cluster service, but when I'll install this feature, I'll must the reboot server ?

Generally thats not required

Then...What are the differences/advantages between create DAG service with IP (ClusterIP) and without IP ?

The biggest advantage is the the IP Less cluster requires less management and its NOT needed unless you have a 3rd party backup solution that requires it. I would recommend using IPLESS if possible One less thing to go wrong! :)

Another question...sorry...Because I have the DNS records already created and worked, when I'll create the DAG, I'll need to change something in my public and intranet DNS records (I've DNS disjoint, and the mail record point to the proxy then the client access throught the proxy to the mail servers)?

No, nothing needs to be changed there. Clients DO NOT connect to the DAG IP or even know about the DAG, they will continue to work as they do now after you build the DAG

Answer 2

Thanks @Andy David - MVP ...

Another info :) ....
Because , now, the 2 server are standalone, before I create a DAG, is correct create same disks partitions for DB Copy on both servers, right ?

and...

If I needed to change IP Address of one of Exchange server, from your practice experience, could be a problem (I read that not should be a problem...but) ?

Answer 3

Hi @Mino DC

Yes, agree with the suggestions above from Andy, and below are some additional information for your reference as well:

All copies of a mailbox database must be located in the same path on each server that hosts a copy. For example, if database DB1 is located at C:\mountpoints\DB1 on server EX1, copies of DB1 on servers EX2, EX3, and so on, must also be located at C:\mountpoints\DB1.

And here is a helpful article introduces about the steps if you want to Changing the IP addresses of Exchange 2013 servers in a DAG

Or another easy way you could consider, however it may consume some time on remove and add database copy.

1. Remove this Exchange server from DAG
2. Change IP and DNS record for this Exchange server, make sure this Exchange server could works well with new IP address.
3. Add this Exchange to back to DAG and configure database copy.

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Answer 4

Thanks to all