Network Teaming Features - NEC Express5800/120Rd-2 Service Manual

Network Teaming Features

Using both on-board NICs in a team does not allow the use of
NOTE:
NIC 1 for server management access. To support both network teaming
features and server management features, a third NIC must be added and
teamed to NIC 2.
The network controller provides several options for increasing throughput and fault tolerance
when running Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, NetWare 4.2 or newer:
Adapter Fault Tolerance (AFT) - provides automatic redundancy for your adapter. If the
!
primary adapter fails, the secondary takes over. AFT works with any hub or switch.
Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB) - creates a team of 2 - 8 adapters to increase
!
transmission throughput. Also includes AFT. Works with any 10Base-TX or 100Base-
TX switch.
Fast EtherChannel (FEC) or Intel ® Link Aggregation - creates a team of up to 8
!
adapters to increase transmission and reception throughput. Also includes AFT. Requires
a FEC-enabled switch.
To set up an option, read the instructions in the Windows NT 4.0 or NetWare readme files.
General Configuration Notes
1. Windows NT versions prior to 4.0 do not support Adapter Teaming options.
2. Adapter Teaming options require NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4.0 or Service Pack 3.0 and
the Windows Hot Fix .
3. In Windows NT, teaming options cannot be implemented on adapters that have been
configured for VLANs. NetWare can support teaming options and VLANs on the same
adapters.
Adapter Fault Tolerance
Adapter Fault Tolerance (AFT) is a simple, effective, and fail-safe approach to increase the
reliability of server connections. AFT gives you the ability to set up link recovery to the server
adapter in case of a cable, port, or network interface card failure. By assigning two server
adapters as a team, AFT enables you to maintain uninterrupted network performance.
AFT is implemented with two server adapters: a primary adapter and a backup, or secondary,
adapter. During normal operation, the backup will have transmit disabled. If the link to the
primary adapter fails, the link to the backup adapter automatically takes over.
System Overview 1-21