Initializing a DataStax Enterprise cluster

Initializing a DataStax Enterprise (DSE) cluster includes configuring, and choosing how the data is divided across the nodes in the cluster.

cassandra-rackdc.properties

The location of the cassandra-rackdc.properties file depends on the type of installation:
Package installations /etc/dse/cassandra/cassandra-rackdc.properties
Tarball installations installation_location/resources/cassandra/conf/cassandra-rackdc.properties

Complete the following tasks before initializing a DSE cluster.

  • Establish a firm understanding of how the database works. Be sure to read at least and .
  • Ensure the environment is suitable for the use case and workload.
  • Review recommended production settings.
  • Choose a name for the cluster.
  • For a mixed-workload cluster, determine the purpose of each node.
  • Determine the snitch and replication strategy. The GossipingPropertyFileSnitch and NetworkTopologyStrategy are recommended for production environments.
  • Obtain the IP address of each node.
  • Ensure that DataStax Enterprise is installed on each node.
  • Determine which nodes are seed nodes. Do not make all nodes seed nodes.

    Seed nodes are not required for DSE Search datacenters, see .

  • Review and make appropriate changes to other property files, such as cassandra-rackdc.properties.
  • Set virtual nodes correctly for the type of datacenter. DataStax recommends using 8 vnodes (tokens). See Virtual nodes for more information.