# Configure a Cluster Zone

By default, all cluster nodes are added to an initial zone ("Default"), but you can configure other cluster zones and then direct devices to interact with a specific zone first. For example, geographically remote nodes can be set up as the "zone" for their geographically corresponding devices. You can also rename the "Default" zone. After configuring a cluster zone, you should select a backup zone to act as a fallback in the event that the MBGs in the original zone become unavailable.

## Managing Cluster Zones

To create a new cluster zone:

1. On the MBG main page, click the System status tab and then click Dashboard.

2. In the Clustering status frame, click to Add new zone.

3. Enter a Cluster zone name for the Zone (for example, Zone 2) and then click Save.

4. To add nodes to the new zone, follow the Add More Nodes procedure.

To select a backup zone for a cluster zone:

1. On the MBG main page, click the System status tab and then click Dashboard.

2. In the Clustering status frame, click to Modify zone.

3. In the Backup zone list, select the zone you want to act as fallback in the event the MBGs in the cluster zone fail.

4. Click Save.

To delete a cluster zone:

1. On the MBG main page, click the System status tab and then click Dashboard.

2. In the Clustering status frame, click for the Zone you want to delete.

Notes:

- You cannot delete the Default Zone.

- You cannot delete a cluster zone that contains nodes. You must move the existing nodes to another zone.

- If you do not select a backup zone, the Default zone will act as the fallback.

## Assigning Sets to a Cluster Zone

By default, all sets are associated with the Default zone. When you assign a set to a cluster zone, the following occurs:

- the set’s load-balancing list favors nodes in its cluster zone rather than the Default zone

- the last entry in the set's load-balancing list continues to be a node from the Default zone

For more information on load balancing, see the Clustering Overview.

To assign a set to a cluster zone:

1. On the MBG main page, click the Service configuration tab and then click MiNet devices.

2. Locate the device you wish to modify and click to Manage device.

3. Select the Cluster Zone with which the device will be associated.

4. Click Save.