Anilrgowda

I have 2 of my windows 2003 set up and I would like to create some sort of load balancing. I have been confused between cluster and NLB.

Is cluster the prerequisite of NLB; I have to be done with cluster first before upgrade into NLB? (I tried this and it completely screwed up my 2 days)

When setting up NLB, do we need a Domain COntroller? (I set one of my box to be domain controller, the result from attempting to complete cluster)

I have one document that poorly explains how to do NLB, yet the procedures seem to be very simple (compare with Cluster). Are there others useful documents??

thank you very very much

Anilrgowda

You do NOT need cluster services for NLB; in fact, NLB and cluster services are mutually exclusive.
And unlike cluster services, which require W2k3 Enterprise and certified hardware, NLB on Server 2003 is available already in the web edition (and don't require a DC, though depending on what you want to do, a domain makes management easier).
Check these documents:

Network Load Balancing: Configuration Best Practices for Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro...ing/nlbbp.mspx

Network Load Balancing Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro...ng/nlbfaq.mspx

Using Clustering for a Highly Available Web Site: An Example
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro...g/scenep2.mspx

Network Load Balancing clusters
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...osoft_WLBS.asp

Best practices
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d..._practices.asp