Microsoft KB Archive/171415

= Network Adapter Fault Tolerance for Windows NT 4.0 =

Article ID: 171415

Article Last Modified on 10/31/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q171415



SUMMARY
Network adapter fault tolerance provides improved reliability to a network server by using a second identical network adapter that can continue network operations in the event of a failure of the primary network adapter. Microsoft Windows NT does not directly provide this feature, but it is provided by some manufacturers of network interface cards.



MORE INFORMATION
On a server that requires high availability, a single network card can be a critical point of failure. Network adapter fault tolerance provides an extra level of reliability by using an adapter and driver combination that senses a failure on one adapter, then migrates its function (including its IP address in a TCP/IP environment) in a manner transparent to the operation of both the host server and clients.

Windows NT does not directly provide this function, but it has been implemented by third-party manufacturers of network adapters for use with Windows NT.

Currently, these manufacturers are shipping adapter and driver sets that support network adapter fault tolerance:

Compaq Computer Corporation, using Compaq Advanced Network Control Utility:
 * NetFlex-3/E Controller


 * NetFlex-3/P Controller


 * Netelligent 10/100TX PCI UTP Controller


 * Netelligent 10T PCI UTP Controller


 * Netelligent Integrated 10/100 TX UTP Controller


 * Netelligent Dual 10/100 TX PCI UTP Controller
 * Intel Pro 100 Intelligent Server Adapter

Intel Corporation, Adapter Fault Detection using Softset:
 * EtherExpress(TM) PRO/100 Server adapters

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

