KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q171415: Network Adapter Fault Tolerance for Windows NT 4.0

Article: Q171415
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kb3rdparty kbnetwork
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

  http://www.compaq.com

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:

  http://www.intel.com

Additional query words: ethernet team teaming aft

======================================================================
Keywords          : kb3rdparty kbnetwork 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : winnt:4.0
Issue type        : kbinfo

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.