MariaDB Multi-Region Cluster

MariaDB Multi-Region Cluster is a sophisticated, highly available solution that automatically sets up an advanced cluster using platform-managed stack templates.

Database Cluster Topology

The MariaDB Multi-Region clustering utilizes a Primary-Primary topology, featuring asynchronous replication to mitigate the latency effects on transaction commits. This approach is particularly advantageous when dealing with regions (data centers) that are geographically distant from one another.

For disaster recovery purposes, one or more Secondary nodes can be incorporated to ensure robust cross-region deployment. On platforms offering three regions, the recommended configuration is Primary-Primary-Secondary.

Every database server or load balancer node within the cluster topology is established in a distinct environment.

A ProxySQL Load Balancer layer is positioned in front of the cluster to distribute requests between the Primary nodes. Once created, these environments are unified into a multi-region cluster.

This package delivers out-of-the-box high availability and failover for the database cluster. High availability is guaranteed at the data center level, ensuring the database remains accessible even if one of the regions goes down.

If a Primary region fails, the cluster continues to handle both Read and Write queries. Should both Primary regions become unavailable, the Secondary node can still manage Read and Write requests without data loss.

However, this will necessitate updating the entry point setting in the database client application to replace the ProxySQL hostnames with the hostname of the Secondary database server.

Cluster Installation

1. Locate the Application

Navigate to the platform Marketplace and find the MariaDB Multi-Region Cluster application within the Clusters section or by using the Search field.

2. Configuration

In the installation window, specify the following details:
Regions: Choose the specific platform regions where your cluster environments will be deployed.
The order of regions is crucial, as the first two will host the Primary servers, and any additional regions will host the Secondary servers.

Stack: Choose the preferred stack for your cluster:

• MariaDB
• MySQL CE
• Percona

Database Version: Choose the preferred version of MariaDB.

Environment Name: Provide a name for the grouping and isolation of your database cluster environments.

Topology: Select one of the two available options:

• Primary-Secondary
• Primary-Primary
• Galera cluster based on MariaDB standalone per region
• Galera cluster based on MariaDB Galera cluster per region

Add ProxySQL for Load Balancer: Check this box to include ProxySQL in your cluster setup.

3. Installation

Click Install when ready.

The installation process can take several minutes. After completion, you’ll see a success window and receive emails with all the appropriate data, such as entry point details and access credentials.

To easily view all related environments, switch to the group specified in the previous step (e.g., mdbcluster).

Multi-Region Cluster Entry Point

The entry point link includes the cluster name and ProxySQL hostname. If both Primary regions are down, use the hostname or IP address of the secondary node as an entry point.