How many network interfaces do you keep in a server?

[joe]

How many network interfaces port do you normally keep in a single server? If we have two network port, and if primary goes down how can we switch it back to secondary? Do we need to do any configuration changes? Is it all on the applications?

[qwidjib0]

Redundant NIC's and PSU's are always a good idea (ideally, attached to different meshed access switches and separate A+B power feeds). Your server can certainly be configured to stay functional should one interface stop responding go out.

[Schumie]

You'll either have NIC "Teaming", Port channels, or Link Aggregation. Depending on the vendor, they may call this a multitude of different names!

[Viki]

Originally Posted by joe

How many network interfaces port do you normally keep in a single server? If we have two network port, and if primary goes down how can we switch it back to secondary? Do we need to do any configuration changes? Is it all on the applications?

Yes, you need to configure the network interface settings in the server to use secondary network port incase the first goes down.

[Gavin121]

If you're going to use the second external connection only for VPN, then there's no problem and no additional software is required. If you wanted to support two Internet connection for general use, then you'd need RainConnect at www.rainfinity.com

[mike2011]

Originally Posted by joe

How many network interfaces port do you normally keep in a single server? If we have two network port, and if primary goes down how can we switch it back to secondary? Do we need to do any configuration changes? Is it all on the applications?

Hey this is really nice question, I will be happy if I am getting the answer. Because adding more network capacity via multi-port network adapters can enhanced required availability for business critical migrations. Host node reliability is critical when especially multiple virtual machines operates on a single server, thus in such cases reliability of server becomes much more important.

[jackson]

Yes mike, I totally agree with you.Multi-port network adapters is really useful for major and critical businesses.

[Nile Hadwards]

From my server experience if you are going to use multiple NIC card the NIC driver software needs to be able to support multiple NIC's.

[HostAddonLtd]

You can use as many cards as you slots for, however, when installed on a system with Client OS (None server Windows), you can Not use NICs that are configured on the same Network (Subnet).

[prywordpress]

This is a topic that comes up all of the time. Especially when dealing with Hyper-V clusters. The short answer to the question is - it depends. You can use as many cards as you slots for, however, when installed on a system with Client OS (None server Windows), you can Not use NICs that are configured on the same Network (Subnet).