What is Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol and Should It Be Enabled?

The Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol can often be found in Windows systems with Wi-Fi capabilities. Many users are unsure about this protocol, questioning whether to enable it and why it might be disabled by default. If you are also uncertain, continue reading to gain clarity on what this protocol is and whether you should enable it.

Contents

1. What is Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol?
2. Use of Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol
   • Scenario 1: Adaptor Teaming
   • Scenario 2: Adaptor Failover
3. Should Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol Be Enabled?
4. Conclusion

What is Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol?

The Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol is a kernel device driver utilized for bonding Network Interface Cards (NICs). This feature, mainly found in Windows servers, supports network traffic handling, including that of virtual machines. At the hardware level, a Windows server can team up to 32 physical network adapters, while virtual machines are limited to two.

NIC teaming, also known as NIC bonding, requires a minimum of two physical network adapters with speeds of 1 GB or 10 GB. The protocol facilitates NIC teaming without relying on third-party utilities, some of which do not offer remote configuration options.

This protocol often appears unchecked after a Windows upgrade or installation as part of the physical network adapter's initialization.

Use of Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol

The Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol is primarily used in two scenarios:

1. Adaptor Teaming

Adaptor teaming allows the simultaneous use of multiple adapters. This enhances the ability to send and receive data packets more effectively than a single adapter.

2. Adaptor Failover

Adaptor failover ensures high availability by allowing another adapter to automatically take over the network connection if the primary adapter fails.

When only one adapter is connected, attempting to enable the protocol will result in Windows disabling it automatically, as there is no teaming configuration available.

Should Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol Be Enabled?

Many users wonder about the necessity of enabling this protocol. Its main function is to combine Network Adapters and create a bridge connection. If you try to enable the protocol while all other options are disabled, you might encounter the following message:

“Your current selection will also disable the following features:
Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol
Are you sure you want to disable these feature(s)?”

You will be presented with Yes and No options. Clicking Yes keeps the protocol disabled, while No returns to the previous list without changes.

It's important to note that you cannot enable the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol unless you set up a connection for bridging. The protocol is inherently independent of network adapters.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol cannot be enabled without creating a bridge connection, which occurs automatically when multiple adapters are teamed. If your computer has a single connected adapter, this protocol should remain disabled. It will activate automatically upon the creation of a team.

By understanding the functionalities of the Microsoft Network Adapter Multiplexor Protocol, you can make informed decisions about its usage in your network configuration.