Combine network adapters

[Bsmith]

Is it possible to combine three network adapters so they
function as one logical adapter in Win2k Advanced? Will
this increase maximum bandwith? Are there any drawbacks to
this approach, if possible? I have a machine that three
network adapters, currnetly I'm only using one of them.
The network has AD, DNS, and WINS being used. Any
articles or white papers about this subject would be
helpful.

Thnaks in advance.

 

[Herb Martin]

Is it possible to combine three network adapters so they
function as one logical adapter in Win2k Advanced?

No, not until at least WinXP -- it's called 'bridging' and is mostly
useful when you have a small wire Ethernet network and another
small wireless 802.11? network and wish to treat them as one
net logically (same IP range and in the same "broadcast domain.")

Will this increase maximum bandwith?

No, not most of the time. The effect you seem to be seeking is
"network or NIC teaming" -- different than above (bridging) --
where you use multiple adapters on the same physical wiring
segment.

Usually you must buy these adapters that are designed for teaming
and which include such a "virtual driver" -- it still won't increase
the "maximum bandwidth" but it will allow the server to use a bit
more of it (load one card with data while sending on the other card.)

Are there any drawbacks to
this approach, if possible? I have a machine that three
network adapters, currnetly I'm only using one of them.

It usually doesn't work as well as one hopes OR in proportion to the
money spent.

What is your ACTUAL problem situation? Usually it works better
to use a segmented network (some clients on each NIC).

The network has AD, DNS, and WINS being used. Any
articles or white papers about this subject would be
helpful.

Search for NIC near teaming and such.

 

[Chris Dove]

It is possible if the NIC manufacturers offer the software to do so. We use
Intel Pro 100 NIC's and all our servers have 2 in which act as 1 using Intel
Proset, So they can send and receive on either card which increase bandwidth
to 400Mbps. I know Broadcom and Compaq offer similar software.

The rules are the cards have to be connected to a switch and depending on
what the switch can handle there are various options available such as
adaptive load balancing etc.

I know with the intels that they have to be in multiples of 2. I.e 2 or 4
NIC's

Hope this helps

Chris