Now that HA has been configured on the first unit, the second unit must be set up. Follow the steps below to do this:

  1. Enter the IP address of the second unit in the address bar of the browser and press Enter.
    Note: Ensure to enter https:// before the IP address.
  2. Ensure that Network Time Protocol (NTP) settings are configured. For further details on configuring the NTP settings, refer to the following section in the Web User Interface (WUI) Configuration Guide: Date/Time.
    Note: Configuring the NTP settings can ensure the time on the LoadMaster is kept up-to-date. This ensures that the times are correct on any logs and that Common Address Redundancy Protocol (CARP) message timestamps are in sync.
  3. In the main menu, select System Configuration and click the HA option.

  4. A screen appears asking if you want to set up HA Mode or Clustering. To set up HA, select HA Mode and click Confirm.

  5. If you have configured a Partner Shared Secret you can skip the sub-steps below. If you have not configured a Partner Shared Secret, a pop-up message appears asking you to set it:
    1. Click OK and the Remote Access page appears.
    2. Enter a value for the Partner Shared Secret and click Set Shared Secret.
    3. After the shared secret is set, go to System Configuration > HA and Clustering.
    4. Select HA Mode and click Confirm.

      For further details, refer to the Set the Partner Shared Secret section.

  6. Select HA (Second) Mode as the HA Mode.

  7. Click OK.

  8. Click OK.

    Note: To prevent any warning messages such as this one from appearing, select the Prevent this page from creating additional dialogs check box.
  9. Enter the HA Shared IP address and click Set Shared address.
    Note: A shared IP address must be added to all production interfaces.
    Note: The HA Shared IP address must be the same as the HA Shared IP address, which was set when configuring the first unit in the Set up the First Unit section.
  10. Click OK.
  11. Click OK on the message asking to reconnect to the shared IP address.
  12. Enter the IP address of the first (master) unit in the HA pair in the HA Partner IP address field and click Set Partner address.
  13. Click OK.
  14. Ensure the HA Virtual ID is the same as it is on the other unit.
    Note: If they are not the same, the pairing fails.
  15. Change any other settings as needed.
  16. Click Reboot Now.

  17. Click Continue.
Note: Passwords for the bal account are not synchronized across HA pairs, so ensure to use the same password on both units. Problems may occur if different passwords are used.
Note: Ensure the Partner Shared Secret matches in both the active and standby unit. You can find this secret in the following locations:
  • Regular/shared WUI: Certificates & Security > Remote Access
  • Local WUI (of a configured HA unit): Local Administration > Remote Access

After rebooting, the HA pair establishes a TCP connection (using port 6973) between the two addresses. The synchronization process is started for the configuration.

The indicator squares should now be green and green. The A indicates the active unit of the pair. If the first synchronization attempt fails (that is, the icons are not green and green) a second attempt might be needed.

On the home screen, the IP address field has changed. In addition to specifying the shared IP address of the pair, it also specifies the IP address of the unit. The left IP address is the shared address. The IP address in parentheses is the address of the current unit.