Multiple Network (NIC) Cards - Is it possible?

[OasisNetworks]

I'm installing a couple OS X Server file servers for a couple different clients of mine. And I was wondering if it is possible to install an extra NIC or two into the machine to increase network performance. My clients are high-end graphic designers who open 100 MB files over the network mutiple times per day.

I know, I know I could get a gigabit port for the switch, but what if my client doesn't want to do that? I think it's still worth putting an extra 100BaseT card in to increase the speed.

Are there any step-by-step articles out on the web that can help me? I know it's go to be possible. UNIX and Linux machines serving web sites are doing it and probably easily.

Thanks for any help.

[mervTormel]

all indications are that OSX does support multiple nic cards.

the network systems preference allows you to enable multiple ports
(Show: [active ports] ), and it says "All checked (enabled) ports are active simultaneously."

the network utility allows you to switch which interface you want to query.

i don't know how they would implement multiple nic cards, tho. would traffic cascade to a non-busy port?

let us know what you do.


--
The network _is_ the computer.

[Auricchio]

I used to run two network cards (well, actually, the built-in and one PCI card) on a Rhapsody system, so I'm sure it works on production releases of MacOS X.

But I ran these interfaces with different IP addresses, essentially to keep separate two independent networks. I don't think you can expect the system to load-balance with two cards going to the same network.

[Mandarax]

Originally posted by OasisNetworks
And I was wondering if it is possible to install an extra NIC or two into the machine to increase network performance.

At least putting a PCI NIC into my G4 works. I took a cheap one with a RealTek chipset from one of my Linux machines and found the driver at versiontracker´s. Setting up is pretty forward. Now the G4 runs as a router between DSL and my internal net. Brickhouse does the firewalling.

Hope that helps,

Mandarax