Windows 2008 Network Load Balancing Installation

To use Network Load Balancing (NLB), the computer must have only TCP/IP on the adapter where you want to install NLB. You cannot add any other protocols (such as IPX) to the adapter. NLB can load balance any application or service that uses TCP/IP as its network protocol and is associated with a specific Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) port.

To install and configure NLB, you must use the accounts listed in the Administrators group on each host. If you install and configure each host without using an account in the Administrators group, you will be prompted to provide login credentials for such an account. To set up an account that NLB Manager uses by default: In the NLB Manager, expand the “Options menu and click “Credentials”. It is not recommended to use this account for any other purpose.

To open the Add Features Wizard and install NLB

1. Click “Start”,“Administrative Tools” and “Server Manager”.

2. In the <quo;Server Manager” main window, in the "Features Summary" area, click “Add Features”.

Tip: In the <;Initial Configuration Task" window, in the "Customize this server" area, click “Add Features”.

3. In the “Add Features> wizard, check the "Network Load Balancing" checkbox.

4. Click “Install”.

5. Alternatively, you can install NLB by typing:

servermanagercmd.exe -install nlb

6. After installing NLB, you can use network load balancing. (NLB) Manager configures the NLB cluster.

To open the NLB Manager, click “Start”,“Administrative Tools" and “Network Load Balancing Manager”. You can also open Network Load Balancing Manager by typing Nlbmgr at a command prompt.