Binding LAN ports in Server 2016

Hello - we have noticed that when we bind our 4 ports together to achieve 4GB speed on our Server 2016, and then perform a speed test with a network utility, that the results are slower for some reason.  Are there settings or some type of trick to allowing for faster speed to actually be achieved through a binded network interface?
Damian GardnerIT AdminAsked:
Who is Participating?
I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

Qlemo"Batchelor", Developer and EE Topic AdvisorCommented:
What you mean is called "trunking". You won't achieve any speed improvement against a single target -  most trunking techniques allow for one target, one NIC paths only.
Depending on how the trunk is configured at both server and switch, management overhead might reduce the performance for a single target.
You should see a performance improvement if you test against more than one (max. 4) targets simultanously.
SeanSystem EngineerCommented:
I am assuming you are talking about NIC teaming? This isn't a trunk it's a load balance and fail over. Just like Qlemo said above, you'll see an improvement when hitting multiple targets at once as intended by a NIC team.
Cliff GaliherCommented:
Mostly agree with the above with switch-independent teams.  Windows teaming does support LACP though, which when used with the right hardware, can actually load balance across NICs.  But not all switches are equal.  I've seen LACP implementations that are so bad that you might as well not use them (I'm looking at you Netgear.)  So it really depends on what you configured and how, which your post didn't fully go into.
Your Guide to Achieving IT Business Success

The IT Service Excellence Tool Kit has best practices to keep your clients happy and business booming. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to increase client satisfaction and retention, become more competitive, and increase your overall success.

Download eBook now!
Damian GardnerIT AdminAuthor Commented:
Oh - yes correct, NIC teaming is what I'm referring to.  Ok - so it sounds like it is more of a load balancing and failover measure, and not a performance booster.  Sean mentioned seeing improvement with multiple targets.  Could that also apply to multiple users hitting the SQL Server simultaneously for data requests?  So if 4 NICs are in the TEAM, then those 4 requests could be served simultaneously at full speed?  

Thanks guys
Qlemo"Batchelor", Developer and EE Topic AdvisorCommented:
Yes - networkwise. But usually the SQL engine is more of an issue than network bandwidth, so don't expect much of a performance boost.

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial
Damian GardnerIT AdminAuthor Commented:
understood.  thanks very much
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
Windows Server 2016

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.