How to create Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster using nlbmgr.exe

In this lab, we are going to create a two node Network Load Balancing Cluster. First server is SERV02.omnisecu.com and the second server is SERV22.omnisecu.com.

To create a new Network Load Balancing cluster using Network Load Balancing Manager (nlbmgr.exe), open Network Load Balancing Manager (Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > Network Load Balancing Manager). The Network Load Balancing Manager console will be opened. To create a new Network Load Balancing cluster, right click "Network Load Balancing Clusters" and select "New Cluster" from the context menu.

Enter the IP address of the new Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster you are going to create and enter the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of the new cluster also. Select cluster operation mode (unicast or multi-cast). Click "Next".

Enter Additional cluster IP address if you require. Click "Next"

""Port Rules" screen allows to add or edit the port rules. Click "Add" to add a new port rule or highligh and click "Edit" to edit an existing rule. Click "Edit" now to view the available options.

In "Add/Edit Port Rules" dialog box, you can configure Network Load Balancing Client Affinity and Port Configurations. Click the following link to know what is Network Load Balancing Client Affinity and Port Configurations. Click "OK" and click "Next" in "Port Rules" screen.

Enter the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of the server which you want to be a member of this cluster. Here it is SERV22.omnisecu.com. Click "Connect". Highlight the interface of the node which was detected automatically and click "Next".

Enter Priority, dedicated IP configuration and initial host state. The host priority is a number between 1-32 (Maximum nodes supported in an Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster is 32) which is used to indicate the order in which traffic is routed among members of the Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster. The host with Priority 1 is the first to receive traffic, the host with ID 2 is the second, and so on. The dedicated IP address for the host is used for private Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster traffic. Click "Finish".

A new cluster will be created after a short period and the green background in node icon shows that the node status is OK.

You have learned how to create a Network Load Balancing Cluster using Network Load Balancing Manager (nlbmgr.exe). Click "Next" to learn Network Load Balancing Client Affinity and Port Configurations.