Installing Network Load Balancing
Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2
To use Network Load Balancing (NLB), a computer must have only TCP/IP on the adapter on which NLB is installed. Do not add any other protocols (for example, IPX) to this 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 an account that is listed in the Administrators group on each host. If you are not using an account in the Administrators group as you install and configure each host, you will be prompted to provide the logon credentials for such an account. To set up an account that NLB Manager will use by default: in NLB Manager, expand the Options menu, and then click Credentials. We recommend that this account not be used for any other purpose.
To open the Add Features Wizard and install NLB
Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Server Manager.
In the Features Summary area of the Server Manager main window, click Add Features.
—or—
In the Customize this server area of the Initial Configuration Tasks window, click Add Features.
In the Add Features Wizard, select the Network Load Balancing check box.
Click Install.
Alternatively, you can install NLB by typing the following command:
servermanagercmd.exe -install nlbAfter NLB is installed, you can configure an NLB cluster by using Network Load Balancing (NLB) Manager.
To open NLB Manager, click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Network Load Balancing Manager. You can also open Network Load Balancing Manager by typing Nlbmgr at a command prompt.
Additional references
Overview of Network Load Balancing