How to Manually Configure Cluster MAC Addresses in WLBS (232454)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Load Balancing Service
This article was previously published under Q232454
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SUMMARY

This article describes how to manually configure a cluster's media access control (MAC) address in Windows NT Load Balancing Service (WLBS).

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.


By default, WLBS derives the cluster MAC address from the virtual IP (VIP) address that you type in the Primary IP Address field in the WLBS Setup dialog box. The MAC address automatically appears in the Network Address field and cannot be modified. When you configure the VIP address in cluster hosts, WLBS ensures all hosts use the same cluster MAC address.

To manually configure the cluster MAC address:
  1. Set the IPToMACEnable registry value to 0.

    NOTE: When this value is set to 1 (the default), WLBS automatically derives a MAC address from the VIP address.
  2. At a command prompt, type wlbs stop.
  3. At a command prompt, type wlbs reload to reload registry parameters.
  4. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, double-click Network, and then click the Adapters tab.
  5. Click WLBS Virtual NIC, and then click Properties.
  6. Modify the MAC address, and then click OK.
  7. Close Control Panel, and then restart the computer.
NOTE: When you manually configure a cluster's MAC address, make sure the MAC address is the same for all cluster hosts.

REFERENCES

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

193601 Registry Parameters for Windows NT Load Balancing Service

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/18/2005
Keywords:kbinfo kbnetwork KB232454
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