DOCUMENT:Q171415  09-AUG-2001  [winnt]
TITLE   :Network Adapter Fault Tolerance for Windows NT 4.0
PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows NT
PROD/VER:winnt:4.0
OPER/SYS:
KEYWORDS:kb3rdparty kbnetwork

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The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
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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

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

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