Determine how many GFS file systems to create initially. (More file systems can be added later.)

Determine a unique name for each file system. Each file-system name is required in the form of a parameter variable. For example, this book uses file-system names gfs1 and gfs2 in some example procedures.

Determine the number of journals for your GFS file systems. One journal is required for each node that mounts a GFS file system. Make sure to account for additional journals needed for future expansion.

Determine which nodes in the Red Hat Cluster Suite will mount the GFS file systems.

If you are using GNBD, determine how many GNBD server nodes are needed. Note the hostname and IP address of each GNBD server node for setting up GNBD clients later. For information on using GNBD with GFS, see the Using GNBD with Global File System document.

Determine the storage devices and partitions to be used for creating logical volumes (via CLVM) in the file systems.