# Disable cluster nodes temporarily

Disabling a cluster node allows continued management of the other cluster members if one node goes out of operation.

## Before you begin

Turn off the cluster node that you want to disable and disconnect the network cables.

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You can disable nodes in Engine Clusters, IPS Clusters, Layer 2 Engine Clusters, or Master Engines. When you disable a node, you can physically remove it from the cluster without removing its definition from the system.

Disabling a node indicates to the other nodes and the Management Server that it is not necessary to try to contact it. Disabling a node prevents unnecessary communication attempts, alerts, and test failures. Disabling a node also allows policy installations on the other nodes when one node is shut down or malfunctions. No commands can be sent to a disabled node and no monitoring information is available for it.

For more details about the product and how to configure features, click Help or press F1.

## Steps

1. In the SMC Client, select Engine.
2. Right-click the Security Engine, then select Edit <element type>.
3. In the navigation pane on the left, browse to General > Clustering.
4. In the Nodes table, select Disabled for the nodes you want to disable.
5. Click Save and Refresh.