What is required to establish the cluster interconnect in a 4-node cluster?

To establish the cluster interconnect in a 4-node cluster, the architecture requires a well-defined and robust network infrastructure to facilitate communication between all nodes. The correct approach involves utilizing two cluster network switches connected with Inter-Switch Links (ISLs). This setup ensures redundancy and reliability in data transmission, minimizing the risk of a single point of failure.

When the nodes are connected through two switches, it provides a failover mechanism; if one switch goes down, the nodes can still communicate via the other switch, thereby maintaining cluster operations. This design also allows for load balancing, as traffic can be distributed across multiple paths.

Establishing a cluster interconnect using only one switch or a direct fiber connection does not provide the necessary redundancy and may hinder performance during high traffic or in the event of a switch failure. A wireless connection is not suitable for this purpose due to issues related to latency, reliability, and the required bandwidth for proper management and data transfer in a cluster environment. Therefore, the choice of two switches connected with ISLs is essential for an effective and resilient cluster interconnect in a 4-node setup.