How to combine network cards : Windows 2000 server

[Shutdown007]

I currently have (2) 3COM network cards that I would love to make into one network connection. Is this possible? If so, how or what software do I use to do that....

Thanks

Shutdown

 

[Bozz]

On XP Pro, highlight the 2 network connections, right click and select Bridge

Ian Boys
DTE Systems Ltd

 

[G0AOZ]

I think the poster's subject heading states "How to combine network cards : Windows 2000 server"...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[Shutdown007]

Yes it is a Windows 2000 server....

I appreciate anyones help ......

Thanks again

Shutdown

 

[Bozz]

Would this not best be done at the hub/patch pannel level?

Ian Boys
DTE Systems Ltd

 

[LloydSev]

no, as there is no possible way to do this at any level other than software.

You are looking for load balancing correct?

Computer/Network Technician
CCNA

 

[Bozz]

There are possible ways, it depends on what you are trying to do. Maybe shutdown needs to say WHY he wants do do this?

Ian Boys
DTE Systems Ltd

 

[LloydSev]

I don't see how the physical layer (patch panel) would have any affect on load balancing. Also, a high end switch might be able to load balance on it's end, but if the computer doesn't have software to support it, it will just send the data back out one interface.

Computer/Network Technician
CCNA

 

[Bozz]

LloydSev,
You miss my point. You assume that Shutdown wants to load balance. My old boss once said, look at the word assume, it make an ass of u and me. You think load balance from where you come from, but a lot of people would have no idea what that was. For all we know one card might be BNC the other twisted pair. Which is why I ask what Shutdown is trying to acheive.

Ian Boys
DTE Systems Ltd

 

[LloydSev]

By load balancing, you are effectively making two cards 1 connection. So I didn't assume, I only talked about how to make them 1 connection.

However, we can wait for shutdown to come back and clarify.

Computer/Network Technician
CCNA

 

[Shutdown007]

I apologize for not relpying sooner...basically this server is being accessed by many users for data and applications..I currently have (2) PCI 3Com nic cards...Only one is working at this time..I just want to be able to combine both cards under 1 IP address to open up a bigger connection for the users...Is this feasable?..or if done it still would not make a difference in transfer rate..I'm not a big Windows guy, just trying to utilize what we have currently...

Thanks again

Shutdown007

 

[bcastner]

There is load balancing, which is not a feature of the Standard Windows server software. And then there is adapter "teaming" or "bonding", which is up to your NIC manufacturer and the NICs you are using. and finally, you can have the two NICs on different IPs, and set the Network Connection dialogue to reflect the fact that you have two assignments.

 

[stockgames]

Note sure if you have your answer yet, this may help

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/kb...k/Loadbalancemultiplenetworkadaptercards.html