Requirements; Microsoft Cluster Server; Hardware Driver Compatibility; Ndis 4.0 And Ndis 5.0 Drivers - D-Link DFE-570TX Setup Manual

Network adapter load balancing and failover for windows 2000
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Requirements

DFE-570TX is an NDIS Intermediate driver that performs all of its functions in the Kernel
mode of Windows 2000. Because DFE-570TX operates in kernel mode, it should work well
with almost any server configuration and application. A few specific requirements, however,
should be met before DFE-570TX can successfully operate on your server.
Operating Systems:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Server or Advanced Server
Miscellaneous: 32 MB RAM; 2 MB hard disk space; CD-ROM; SVGA video adapter;
mouse or compatible pointing device
Recommended:

Microsoft Cluster Server

If installing Microsoft Cluster Server with DFE-570TX, DFE-570TX must be installed first.
After installing DFE-570TX, an advanced configuration option must be set to allow Microsoft
Cluster Server to bind to the DFE-570TX Virtual adapter. The Clustering Support option can
be found on the Advanced Tab in DFE-570TX. For more detail on setting this option please
refer to the

Hardware Driver Compatibility

Windows 2000 drivers are based on the NDIS specification. Starting with NDIS 4.0 the NDIS
spec was updated to incorporate advanced features such as the use of Intermediate drivers
which sit between the Windows Protocol Stack and the lower-level hardware drivers. The 4.0
spec also outlines how the lower-level drivers communicate with Intermediate drivers. DFE-
570TX operates differently depending on the types of lower-level drivers used.

NDIS 4.0 and NDIS 5.0 Drivers

DFE-570TX takes advantage of NDIS 4.0 and 5.0 compatible drivers to provide instant
failover (less than < 500 ms) because NDIS 4.0 and 5.0 drivers notify Intermediate drivers
like DFE-570TX instantly of any failures or changes in status through "Status Indications."
When an adapter fails, a Status Indication is sent to DFE-570TX and failover occurs instantly
without losing a single packet in most cases. Also, when an adapter with an NDIS 4.0 driver
is brought back online, DFE-570TX will instantaneously add the adapter into the array and
redistribute the traffic.
Recommended: Always check with your NIC manufacturer's web site to make
D-Link Corporation
As with most applications, it is recommended that you install
the latest Service Packs and or Hot Fixes from Microsoft prior to
installing DFE-570TX.
Advanced Settings
topic on page 13.
sure you have the latest driver—preferably an NDIS 4.0 or 5.0
version. NDIS 4.0 and 5.0 drivers provide instant failover
capability to DFE-570TX.
DFE-570TX Setup Guide
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