What is Auto-Clustering

What Is Auto-Clustering

Auto-Clustering helps create reliable, production-ready clusters directly from the topology wizard, reducing the time and manual effort normally required to configure multiple service instances.

For production workloads, using two or more service instances improves data availability, reliability, and the ability to handle increased load. A clustered service can continue operating when one instance fails and can distribute traffic or processing across several nodes.

Manual cluster configuration can be complex and time-consuming. The platform automates several popular clustering scenarios and exposes them as an on-demand option during environment creation or topology editing.

Why Use Auto-Clustering

Higher Availability Multiple instances allow the service to continue running when one node becomes unavailable.
Improved Load Handling Requests and workloads can be distributed across several service instances.
Faster Configuration Predefined automation removes much of the manual cluster setup work.
Production-Ready Topology The platform applies the required cluster structure and supporting configuration during deployment.

Supported Templates

The Auto-Clustering option is available in the topology wizard for selected application servers, databases, and storage solutions.

Application Servers

  • Tomcat and TomEE
  • GlassFish
  • Payara
  • Jenkins
  • WildFly

SQL Databases

  • MySQL
  • MariaDB
  • Percona
  • PostgreSQL

NoSQL and Search Services

  • Couchbase
  • Redis
  • OpenSearch

Storage

  • Shared Storage Container
Marketplace option: Additional preconfigured clustering solutions are available under the Clusters category in the platform Marketplace.
Clusters in the Marketplace
Prepackaged clustering solutions in the Marketplace

Enabling Auto-Clustering

1Select a supported stack

Open the topology wizard and choose one of the supported application server, database, or storage templates. The Auto-Clustering switch appears in the central part of the topology frame.

Auto-Clustering switch in the topology wizard
Auto-Clustering option for a supported stack

2Review the cluster description

Hover over the hint icon to see information about the selected stack’s clustering implementation. Use the Learn More link when a detailed explanation is required.

Auto-Cluster description
Stack-specific Auto-Clustering information

3Configure additional cluster options

After enabling Auto-Clustering, additional controls may appear. These options depend on the selected stack. For example, a MariaDB cluster can offer a replication scheme selector and an optional dedicated ProxySQL load balancer.

Additional Auto-Clustering settings
Additional configuration options for a database cluster
Configuration note: The available cluster topology, replication mode, load balancer, and management options vary by software stack.

Additional Materials on Auto-Clustering

  • Auto-Clustering of Instances through the Topology Wizard
  • MariaDB and MySQL clustering with load balancing and replication
  • PostgreSQL clustering with asynchronous primary-secondary replication
  • GlassFish and Payara high-availability clustering
  • Jenkins clustering for continuous integration and delivery
  • WildFly managed-domain clustering and scaling
  • Shared Storage Container clustering with AutoFS, NFSv4, and GlusterFS
  • Automation solution repositories on GitHub

What’s next?