Using SQL Server in a cluster with a multi-interface network connection (multi-NIC)

To combine SQL Server clusters with the use of public-private interfaces to perform backups, special configuration is required. Many administrators want to reserve a separate network interface for their SQL Server host machines that is used for routing backup traffic. This type of configuration requires special consideration in terms of configuring both the NetBackup master server and the NetBackup client which backs up SQL Server. In addition, a special consideration is required in terms of how to browse for SQL Server backup images.

The following distinct network resources can be identified in a dual-interface SQL Server cluster.:

The public name of each SQL Server host (for example, SQLHOST1 and SQLHOST2),
The private interface name that is used to back up each of the SQL Server hosts (for example, SQLHOST1-NB and SQLHOST2-NB),
The public virtual name of the SQL Server (for example, VIRTSQL), and
The private virtual name of the SQL Server (for example, VIRTSQL-NB).