PowerEdge 2650 with Multiple NICs - Setup?

Question

Hi.  I'm relatively new to the server environment, but just comfortable enough to do some serious damage.  I have a question regarding multiple NICs and the best way to setup and manage them.  I'm running Windows 2003 R2 Standard Edition in a 'small business' network (10 mixed envinronment machines total).  The only requirement for this server is to handle file sharing responsibilities - many files that will be stored on this machine can range between 10MB-100MB (graphics and illustrations).      My Poweredge 2650 has four connections available on two NICs.  What is the best way for me to setup and manage these connections so that I can maximize the transfer throughput?  One user may look to transfer one large file while another does the same on a different machine at the same time.  I do not want there to be any drop in speed.  I have a Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit (dual port) and an Intel PRO/1000MT Dual Port card.  I appreciate any advice.  Thanks!

AcromentTech · Answer

I'll take a stab at this...

Why do you have a total of 4 ethernet connections in this server? Are you running Routing and Remote Access? Using this server to bridge networks?

I would say (even with having to transfer large files from time to time) that running all of the traffic for your 10 users out of a single ethernet port off the server will be just fine for your needs. Upgrade/use a Gigabit switch, use Gigabit NICs in your desktops - I'm confident that everyone will be happy. I have an all GB network and I am happy with the speed that I can transfer DVD ISO image files (4GB+ files) to my server.

Now, if you want to get crazy, and the other NICs are just idle (not doing any kind of routing between networks), you can look into 3rd party software that will allow you to do NIC bonding. This would allow you to take your NICs, bond them together to increase the network throughput.

But in my experience, that can add another layer of possible problems and isn't worth the labor costs to support it unless you have a business critical need for it.

I hope this helps.

mfredriksen · Answer

Thanks.  The reason I have four ethernet connections is quite simple... I purchased it used from a financial services company.  Eventually, it will take on a more data/network intensive responsibillity, but at this point this is it's only requirement.  Oh, and I was off with the file transfers sizes(forgot to carry the one).  The range is from 100MB to 1GB or more.  Does that affect the overall setup?  I think the ideal situation would be to group the connections together to somehow increase the overrall throughput.  Can this be done with either the Broadcom Control Panel or Intel Control Panel?

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