Article ID: 171415
Article Last Modified on 10/31/2006
APPLIES TO
- Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition
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.
REFERENCES
Compaq white paper: Compaq Advanced Network Error Correction Support in a Microsoft Windows NT Server Environment. Available from the following location on the Internet:
Intel Technical Document: Adapter Fault Tolerance (AFT) Installation Notes for the EtherExpress(TM) PRO/100 Server Adapter Under Windows NT 4.0. Available from the following location on the Internet:
Additional query words: ethernet team teaming aft
Keywords: kb3rdparty kbinfo kbnetwork KB171415
