When working with CyberArk Cluster, how do the vault nodes exchange keep-alive messages?

The vault nodes in a CyberArk Cluster exchange keep-alive messages using the Virtual IP (VIP) over the public network. This mechanism ensures that the nodes can continuously monitor each other's health and operational status. By utilizing the VIP, the system can maintain a stable connection even if there are changes in the underlying physical infrastructure or individual node states. The use of a public network for this purpose allows for a more flexible and resilient architecture, ensuring that communication remains reliable and accessible across the cluster.

In contrast, other options may suggest alternative methods of communication that either pose potential limitations or aren't employed by CyberArk in this specific context. Using the internal network could limit accessibility, while a dedicated failover line or direct point-to-point connections may introduce unnecessary complexity or bottlenecks in the communication process. Thus, communications leveraging the VIP over the public network are designed to optimize the cluster's stability and performance.