A Network adapter teaming
Network adapter teaming is software-based technology used to increase a server’s network availability
and performance. Teaming enables the logical grouping of physical ad apters in the same server
(regardless of whether they are embedded devices or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) adapters)
into a virtual adapter. This virtual adapter is seen by the network and server-resident network-aware
applications as a single network connection.
HP Network Configuration Utility
Most HP ProLiant Storage Servers are equipped with the HP Network Configuration Utility (NCU). The
utility allows administrators to configure and monitor Ethernet network interface controller (NIC) teams
in a Windows-based operating system. These teams provide options for increasing fault tolerance and
throughput. The NCU is also used for configuring and monitoring individual network adapters.
Fault tolerance provides automatic redundancy. If the primary NIC fails, the secondary NIC takes over.
Load Balan
cing provides the ability to balance transmissions across NICs.
Opening the HP Network Configuration Utility
The HP Network Configuration Utility is now accessible from the Windows system tray at the bottom of
the storage server desktop. To open the utility, click the HP Network Configuration Utilit y icon
.
Adding and configuring NICs in a team
Before a NIC is teamed, verify the following:
• You have a t least two NICs installed. Some storage ser vers only ship with one NIC installed.
• TheNICsmustbeonthesamenetwork.
• The NICs must be DHCP enabled and the DNS server address must be left blank.
IMPORTANT:
The teaming utility beco mes unstable if static IP addresses, subnets, and DNS addresses are set
before teaming.
• Duplex and speed settings must be set to use the default values.
To team the NICs:
1. Open the HP Network Configuration Utility.
The HP Network Configuration Utility Properties dialog box is displayed. The type of NIC and the
slot and port used is shown.
HPProLiantDL380G5StorageServer
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