Optimizing network performance

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Optimizing network performance

If the cluster hosts are directly connected to a hub in order to receive client requests, incoming client traffic is automatically sent to all ports.

To limit switch port flooding (for example, when computers outside the cluster also share the hub), see Limit switch port flooding. The steps outlined make all incoming client traffic flow through one switch port and thereby conserve switch bandwidth. In this configuration, you are advised to consider adding a second, dedicated network adapter for each host connected to an individual switch port. The use of two network adapters per host on the cluster subnet helps to direct network traffic through the cluster hosts. Incoming client traffic flows through the hub for simultaneous delivery to all hosts, while outgoing traffic flows directly to the switch ports. Be sure to enter a gateway IP address in the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box in Network Connections for the dedicated network adapter, to cause outgoing network traffic to flow through that network adapter. At the same time, be sure to remove the default gateway for the cluster adapter, if one has been configured. It is essential that the default gateway be configured for either the cluster adapter or the dedicated adapter but not both.