Jgroups: is it required to use merge2 in LAN

Question

I am using Jgroups to cluster three machines in a LAN. All the machines are connected to single switch.
Is it required to use merge2 in my configuration? Is there any performance advantage that I can gain by removal of merge2?

Answer 1

No, MERGE2 or MERGE3 are not required. There is a neglectable performance gain by removing it, but member won't be able to merge back, e.g. if the switch crashed or someone pulled the plug and reinserted it later.