NLB Host
Applies To: Windows Server 2008
Each Network Load Balancing (NLB) host runs a separate copy of the desired server applications (such as applications for Web, FTP, and Telnet servers). NLB distributes incoming client requests across the hosts in the cluster. The load weight to be handled by each host can be configured as necessary. You can also add hosts dynamically to the cluster to handle increased load. In addition, NLB can direct all traffic to a designated single host, which is called the default host.
Managed Entities
The following is a list of the managed entities that are included in this managed entity:
| Name | Description |
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The network adapter handles the network traffic for Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster operations (the traffic for all hosts in the cluster).
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Aspects
The following is a list of all aspects that are part of this managed entity:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
Bi-directional affinity creates multiple instances of Network Load Balancing (NLB) on the same host, which work in tandem to ensure that responses from published servers are routed through the appropriate ISA servers in a cluster. Bi-directional affinity is commonly used when NLB is configured with Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) servers. If bi-directional affinity is not consistent across all NLB hosts or if NLB fails to initialize bi-directional affinity, the NLB cluster will remain in the converging state until a consistent teaming configuration is detected.
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The Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster operates normally when all NLB components are compatible. If some components are incompatible, then you may run into issues managing and controlling the cluster.
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The Network Load Balancing (NLB) driver on the host tracks connections to maintain client/network affinity configured on the NLB cluster. If the driver is not functioning properly, NLB may not be able to track TCP connections or may experience load distribution errors.
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The dedicated IP addresses in Network Load Balancing (NLB) must be properly configured and be able to contact individual NLB cluster hosts. If the dedicated IP address is not configured correctly, you cannot use it to manage the host or for other non-cluster-related communication.
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Network Load Balancing (NLB) Denial-of-service Protection protects an NLB cluster from denial-of-service attacks such as SYN attacks and timer starvation. If protection is not present, the NLB cluster may not perform optimally and the connections in the cluster may fail. |
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Filter hooks help to direct traffic in a Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster by filtering network packets. If the filter hooks are not properly configured, the NLB cluster will continue to converge and operate normally, however, the server application that is running with NLB will not be able to properly register the hooks. |
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General Functionality provides information about whether the hosts are functioning properly, such as when a new host has started load balancing traffic, when an inactive host has suspended cluster operations, and when NLB cluster is initiating convergence because a new host is joining the cluster. |
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Hosts in a Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster are configured to load balance network traffic. Host configuration is set by using NLB Manager, and if it is not configured properly, the NLB cluster may not function correctly.
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When configured to do so, the Network Load Balancing (NLB) host state will persist whenever the NLB cluster shuts down and restarts.
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In a Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster, port rules are configured to control how each port's cluster network traffic is handled. The NLB cluster may fail to converge unless each port rule has a unique host priority (a number between 1 and 32), the port rules are consistent on all cluster hosts, you are using the proper number of port rules, and the virtual IP address is specified in a valid IPv4 or IPv6 address format.
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