Article ID: 171415 - Last Review: October 31, 2006 - Revision: 1.1

Network Adapter Fault Tolerance for Windows NT 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.
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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.
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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 (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 (http://www.intel.com)
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition
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Keywords: 
kb3rdparty kbinfo kbnetwork KB171415
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