Network Adapter Configuration

Setting up IP addresses, DNS servers, and gateways on the Edge Server adapters can be a point of confusion in a deployment because of the requirement for dual network adapters. To begin with, an Edge Server must have a minimum of two separate network adapters: one that is internal facing and one that is external or public facing. The internal adapter should have a single IP address and the external adapter should have three separate IP address associated—one for each Edge service.

Organizations can also choose to use a separate network adapter for each public-facing IP address, which requires four network adapters. Both are valid choices and these two configurations are detailed in Figures 27.11 and 27.12.

Figure 27.11 Edge Server Dual Network Adapters

Figure 27.12 Edge Server Quad Network Adapters

Keep in mind that saturating a gigabit NIC exceeds the recommended capacity planning and that using two adapters simplifies the Edge Server configuration. If using a dedicated adapter for each external IP address, be sure to read the strong host model section later in this chapter. Also, it always helps to name the network connections descriptively instead of leaving the “Local Area Connection <Connection Number>” name on the adapter. Naming the interfaces “Internal” and “External” makes a clear distinction about what function each adapter serves.