Forming a Cluster

Use the install_vertica script to combine two or more individual instances and create a cluster.

Check the My Instances page for a list of current instances and their associated IP addresses. You need these IP addresses when you run the install_vertica script.

Combining Instances

The following example combines instances using the install_vertica script.

While connected to your primary instance, enter the following command to combine your instances into a cluster. Substitute the IP addresses for your instances and include your root *pem file name.

sudo /opt/vertica/sbin/install_vertica --hosts 10.0.11.164,10.0.11.165,10.0.11.166 --dba-user-password-disabled --point-to-point --data-dir /vertica/data --ssh-identity ~/<name-of-pem>.pem --license <license.file>

Note: If you are using Community Edition, which limits you to three instances, you can simply specify -L CE with no license file.

When you issue install_vertica or update_vertica on an AMI, make sure to use the --point-to-point parameter. --point-to-point is the default when using AWS, so even if you don't specify --point-to-point, the installation is in effect. This parameter configures spread to use direct point-to-point communication between all Vertica nodes, which is a requirement for clusters on AWS. If you do not use the parameter, you receive an error telling you that you must use point-to-point communication on AWS.

Once you have combined your instances, Open Text Corporation recommends deleting your *pem key from your cluster with the shred command to reduce security risks:

shred examplekey.pem

Important: You will need your .pem key to perform future Vertica updates.

Once you have formed a cluster, Create a database.

Considerations When Using the install_vertica or update_vertica Scripts

For complete information on the install_vertica script and its parameters, see the Installation Guide, specifically the section, About the install_vertica Script.