NIC Teaming & NLB clustering with 2 servers?

[metlog]

I was wondering if it is possible to have 2 servers with teamed nics to be placed into a NLB (Network Load Balancing) clustering with each other?

I understand that that the teaming utility makes a VMAC (Virtual medium access control address) in other words a "Virtual NIC". Now the question is once this "Virtual NIC" is established can you place the "Virtual NIC" into a NLB cluster? Now, when you place the "Virtual NIC" into the NLB is this to be in Unicast or Multicast mode and what makes the difference?

[Connery]

Hi Metlog,
Yes, you can use NLB and NIC Teaming. However, you MUST use multicast mode. Unicast mode will cause duplicate MAC address problems on the network and the NLB cluster will have communication problems.

Regards,
-sean

[Caster Troy]

Hi Metlog,
Yes it can be done but as Sean said you should use multicast mode to avoid problems. However you may check if any of your applications use braodcast to access these servers, then you have to permit the TEAM for accepting braodcasts as it does not accept broadcast requests by default.

[Connery]

Hi Javed,
Can you clarify what you mean by "you have to permit the TEAM for accepting broadcasts as it does not accept broadcast requests by default"?

I am a member of the development organization for HP Teaming and I'm not aware of any issue with our product not accepting broadcast request by default the same as a standalone NIC.

If you have found a particular environment that cause problems with Teaming and broadcasts, please let us know since it may be a product issue that needs to be addressed.

Thanks in advance,
-sean