Scaling NLB Solutions

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

One of the primary reasons for including Network Load Balancing in your network design solution is to provide the ability to scale out your network by adding additional servers. Any other methods of improving client response times are not directly related to Network Load Balancing, but rather to the network infrastructure and system hardware associated with the cluster. Figure 8.13 illustrates the steps involved in incorporating scaling options in your Network Load Balancing solution.

Figure 8.13   Scaling Network Load Balancing Solutions

Also, you can ensure the scalability of applications and services by using methods that are specific to the applications and services running on the cluster. For more information about improving the scalability of services running on Network Load Balancing, see "Additional Resources for Deploying Network Load Balancing" later in this chapter.

Note

• Document your design on your organization’s network diagram. For a Word document to assist you in documenting your Network Load Balancing design decisions, see "NLB Cluster Host Worksheet" (Sdcnlb_1.doc) on the Windows Server 2003 Deployment Kit companion CD (or see "NLB Cluster Host Worksheet" on the Web at https://www.microsoft.com/reskit).