Once the cluster is configured, it operates as follows. One of the computers in the cluster is elected as a master, called the active router. The active router accepts client requests and dispatches them to a selected Web server. Responses from servers are sent directly to clients and usually do not pass through the router. The Turbo Linux Cluster Web Server supports backup routers.
Backup routers monitor the state of the active router.
If the active router becomes inoperable, one of the backup routers will take over its functionality. All router reconfiguration is performed automatically without any user intervention by the Turbo Linux Cluster Web Server software. Any of the computers in the cluster or on the Internet can be designated as a Web server. An active router or a backup router can also be configured as a Web server. The router will select the most appropriate server to service a Web request, based on the client and load on the server.