A cluster's private LAN

I understand it is recommended to have a private LAN for
inter-cluster communication but we are not able to do that
due to resource limitations.
We have one network interface on each node in the 2 node
SQL server cluster (no room for expansion). Each port goes
to a switch where there is other network traffic.
What is the caveat of not creating a separate LAN for
inter-cluster communication? Can it be done? Why is
the "needed"?
Thanks,
Todd
If you only have a two-node cluster, a simple crossover network cable will
suffice for the private communications link. The purpose of this link is to
ensure cluster communications don't get lost in general network traffic. A
dedicated link is a requirement for a suported cluster. This link does not
have to be high-bandwidth but it does need to be isolated.
Geoff N. Hiten
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Senior Database Administrator
Careerbuilder.com
I support the Professional Association for SQL Server
www.sqlpass.org
<anonymous@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2185701c45acd$6ee31d70$a501280a@.phx.gbl...
> I understand it is recommended to have a private LAN for
> inter-cluster communication but we are not able to do that
> due to resource limitations.
> We have one network interface on each node in the 2 node
> SQL server cluster (no room for expansion). Each port goes
> to a switch where there is other network traffic.
> What is the caveat of not creating a separate LAN for
> inter-cluster communication? Can it be done? Why is
> the "needed"?
> Thanks,
> Todd
sql