A kernel-mode driver is also known as the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol. By default, this protocol is connected. It’s a vital part of the physical network adapter’s initialization process.
Look for the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol option in the WiFi Properties panel. The Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol is usually deactivated on many Windows computers by default. Many individuals, however, are puzzled as to why it is disabled and wonder if it can be enabled.
What is Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol?
A kernel-mode driver is the Microsoft Network Adapter Protocol service. When two different network connections are joined, it is immediately activated when we conduct NIC teaming.
Load balancing and fault tolerance are used to accomplish this. It is also carried out to boost bandwidth. This protocol is pre-installed on the system.
The Microsoft Network Adapter protocol will be accepted or enabled for the teamed Network adapter and unchecked or disabled for the two physical network adapters if we have built a NIC team with two physical network adapters. The Network Adapter Multiplexor protocol is usually activated for a LAN/WAN connection.
What is NIC?
The Network Interface Card (NIC) is a piece of computer hardware that links a computer to a network. Network adapters, LAN adapters, and other terms also describe them.
The NIC supports both cable and wireless connections. It enables the communication between LAN-connected computers and communication over wide-area networks.
There are two types of NICs. There are two types of network cards: internal and external. Because the motherboard has a place, the Internal Network Card is mounted there.
The External Network card is used by computers that don’t have an inside network interface card. The external network interface card (NIC) might be wired or wireless.
What is NIC Teaming?
The process of grouping physical network devices is known as NIC teaming. It’s a Windows Server function. This is accomplished to increase the performance and redundancy of the system.
Most notably, NIC teaming eliminates the need for numerous physical connections to load balance (distribute traffic across networks) and fault tolerance (ensure network continuity in a system hardware failure).
The network adapters are the team members in NIC teaming, and they communicate with each other via Switch. The virtual network adapters created when the team was formed the team’s interfaces.
Although it maintains a connection with several physical switches, NIC teaming uses a single IP address.
NIC teaming modes are divided into two categories.
- Dependent on the switch
- Independent of the switch
The switch determines the traffic of the NIC team members in switch-dependent teaming mode. As a result, the name “switch” means “dependent.”
The switch linked to the NIC team members is unaware of the NIC team in Switch independent teaming mode.
Should I Allow the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol?
This protocol is only initiated when a group of network adapters is merged. This protocol should not be enabled unless you configure many network adapters in a team. If you try to enable it manually when the other options in the list are enabled, you’ll get the popup error below.
If you click “No” on the popup error, the Ethernet cards properties window will close, and the Microsoft Network Adapter protocol will be disabled. If you click “Yes” on the error, you’ll be taken back to the wifi properties box, where the Microsoft Network Adapter protocol will be unchecked once more.
You’ll also see this problem if you try to enable this protocol after unchecking all of the other options in the list.
As a result, the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor protocol cannot be manually turned on or off. You should avoid attempting to enable it. If it detects network adapter teaming, this protocol will be enabled immediately.
Uses of the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol in Windows 10?
You’re probably wondering where to use the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol button.
Adapter Teaming – Two or more adapters are employed in the adapter teaming procedure to improve bandwidth. As a result, users will send and receive more data packets. Both network adapters are in use at the same time in this instance. When compared to a single network adapter, using both network adapters simultaneously allows us to send and receive more data packets across the network.
High availability/Adapter Failover – If the first adapter fails, another adapter takes over the network connection. One network adapter is used for the network connection, and the other is used as a backup adapter if the primary adapter fails.
1. NIC Teaming Requirements for Virtual Machines
There are just a few NIC teaming requirements for virtual machines that must be met.
- You’ll need Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, or 2019 to complete this task.
- You’ll require to have at least two network adapters on hand.
- To start NIC teaming, you’ll need to use the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor.
2. Enable Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol
- Navigate to your computer’s Network Connections folder. This is where you’ll locate the folder: Network and Internet > Network Connections in the Control Panel.
- Select Properties from the menu for the default network connection.
- Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol is one of the options available in the WiFi Properties dialogue.
- Click the box for this option. You’ll see a short dialogue box with the statement, “Your current selection will also disable the following features: Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol.”
- The following functionalities will be disabled due to your current selection: Multiplexor Protocol for Microsoft Network Adapters.
- If you select Yes, it will be disabled, but other internet connection features will be enabled.
3. NIC Teaming Modes
When you first start NIC Teaming, you’ll need to choose a Teaming Mode. The Teaming Mode controls how the server and switch(es) divide traffic among numerous connections.
1. Switch Independent Mode
Users can be connected to several non-stack switches using Switch Independent Mode. This is the only teaming mode that does not necessitate any changes to the connected switches’ settings. Switch Independent Mode controls that incoming interface data is delivered using media access control (MAC) addresses.
2. Static Mode
Static Mode teaming necessitates manually configuring a Link Aggregation Group on the switch that connects to the NIC team (LAG). The server and switch share traffic between all links linked to another device in this mode. The flaw of this model is that it does not assist in the isolation of problems such as improperly connected connections.
3. LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol ) mode.
Like static teaming, LACP Mode ensures that each active cable in the link is attached to the proper LAG. It won’t transfer any data across lines that aren’t part of the set LAG.
Conclusion
You’ve realized everything there is to know about the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol. When mixing network adapters into a virtual NIC, the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor protocol is employed. The fascinating thing is that you might not require this protocol if you have a Windows 10 PC.
FAQs
Should Microsoft Network Adaptor Multiplexor Protocol Be On?
It shouldn’t be turned on. The Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol must be disabled if the PC only has one adapter connected. It is immediately activated when you team several network adapters on your PC.
What Does Multiplexor Protocol Do?
When a user combines two different connections, a particular set of configurations called Microsoft Adapter Multiplexor Protocol comes into play. It’s a kernel-mode driver that’s responsible for Network Interface Bonding.
What Is Microsoft Network Adapter Protocol?
When mixing network adapters into a virtual NIC, the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor protocol is employed. There’s no requirement to enable the Multiplexor manually because Windows Server editions are built with this knowledge. When a NIC team connection is established, it will automatically enable.
How Do I Turn On Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol?
Navigate to the Control Panel. Select Network and Internet from the menu. Right-click on Your Team Name in Network Connections. Activate the “Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol” (If it is not already checked).