We proved in the performance-oriented testing that we could achieve respectable cloud-native SQL database performance and density on our 3-node cluster. We must scale out the Azure Stack HCI cluster and AKS hybrid workload clusters to provide sufficient spare capacity for frictionless life cycle management and failover conditions. This was all achieved using familiar tooling.
We have detailed the process of scaling out the Azure Stack HCI cluster using the Dell OpenManage Integration with Microsoft Windows Admin Center cluster expansion feature. This feature helped simplify the cluster expansion process by preparing a cluster node before adding it to the cluster.
This preparation included the following checks:
In the lab, we added a fourth AX-7525 node to our existing 3-node cluster. Before attempting to add one more node to the cluster, we completed the following tasks:
The following figure shows the first step in the workflow, which involved the high-level compatibility, license availability, and HCI Configuration Profile checks.
Figure 31. Expand cluster checks completed
Figure 32. Dell HCI Configuration Profile tests
We generated a compliance report comparing the BIOS, firmware, and driver levels with the Dell solution catalog validated for Azure Stack HCI. The following figure shows that the existing a7525r06c01 cluster nodes required some updates. We performed these updates in the Full-stack life cycle management with Cluster-Aware Updating section later. The new a7525r06c01n04 node was fully compliant. If it was non-compliant, we could have updated the node automatically within this workflow.
Figure 33. New node showing compliant
The final step was to go to the Windows Admin Center Servers tool to complete the cluster expansion.
Figure 34. Finish cluster expansion operation
Many variables can affect the time that is required to perform this expansion procedure: