Microsoft KB Archive/242248

= Using crossover cable causes load balancing not to work =

Article ID: 242248

Article Last Modified on 3/1/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Enterprise Edition

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This article was previously published under Q242248





SYMPTOMS
Although cluster nodes may be able to ping each other, other devices on the same subnet may not be able to ping the cluster IP address, or may not be able to gain access to TCP services configured for load balancing.



CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the cluster nodes are connected by using a crossover cable between the cluster adapters.



RESOLUTION
Remove the crossover cable and attach the cluster adapters to the same network as the dedicated adapters.



MORE INFORMATION
Although you can use a crossover cable between "heartbeat" network adapters in Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS), this configuration does not work with a Windows NT Load Balancing Service (WLBS) or Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster.

The cluster network adapter must be able to receive network traffic that is destined for the cluster's IP (virtual IP) address to load balance TCP services that are configured using port rules.

