Combines bandwidth of multiple network interface adapters.

Provides increased performance

Hardware independent

Combines multiple physical network adapters into single interface

Allows separate vital network functions on different systems

Single point of failure for all virtual machines

No performance increase for large file transfers using TCP

Protection from adapter failures by dynamically moving all traffic to functioning NICs

Single malfunctioning network adapter, faulty switch, or unplugged cable can bring down host server and all its VMs

aka bonding, balancing, and aggregation

Switch Independent Mode

Switch Dependent Mode

All network adapters connected to different switches, providing alternative routes through network

active/active

active/standby

NIC teaming configuration that leaves all network adapters functional, providing increased through¬put

NIC teaming configuration where of one adapter fails, all traffic shunted to remaining adapters

NIC teaming configuration where adapter failure causes a performance reduction

NIC teaming configuration where one adapter is left offline to function as failover in event active adapter fails

NIC teaming configuration where performance remains same before and after adapter failure

NIC teaming mode, network adapters connected to same switch, providing a single interface with their combined bandwidth

static teaming

Link Aggregation Control Protocol

generic mode balancing traffic between adapters in team

Two ways to create and manage NIC teams.

Used to monitor status of team and team interface

Place to view individual adapters status indicators informing if adapter goes offline

Adapter immediately switches to disconnected; adapter status may change