An update is available that adds support for Ethernet-based RDMA capabilities in Windows Server 2003

This article describes an update for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 that adds support for Ethernet-based Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) capabilities.

Update information

The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

Download the Update for Windows Server 2003 package now.

Download the Update for Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems package now.

Download the Update for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition package now.

Release Date: November 21, 2006

For more information about how to download Microsoft support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

Registry information

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

Note This registry key should only be modified by vendors who are developing Storage Area Network Providers for Winsock Direct. End users who modify these registry keys do so at their own risk. Behavior of the system is nondeterministic if end users modify this registry setting.

After you apply this update, you can customize the number of send and receive buffers for Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) hardware. To do this, follow these steps:

1. In the following registry subkey, add a subkey that specifies the GUID of the service provider:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock\Parameters\TCP on SAN
   Note To maintain backward compatibility, retain any other subkeys in the
   TCP on SAN
   subkey.
2. In the new subkey, configure two registry entries:

   Name	Value type	Value data (decimal)
   SendBuffers	REG_DWORD	A value between 5 and 255
   ReceiveBuffers	REG_DWORD	A value between 6 and 255

   Note When these entries are not present, there are five send buffers and six receive buffers for RDMA hardware. These values are the minimum values that can be configured for these buffers. You can configure up to 255 buffers of each type. Configure these buffers to obtain the best performance relative to the hardware's throughput and latency.

Prerequisites

To apply this update, your computer must be running one of the following operating systems:

• A 32-bit version of Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1)
• An Itanium-based version of Windows Server 2003 with SP1
• An x64-based version of Windows

Restart requirement

You must restart your computer after you apply this update.

Update replacement information

This update does not replace any other updates.

File information

The English version of this update has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Technical support for x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows

If your hardware came with a Microsoft Windows x64 edition already installed, your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for the Windows x64 edition. In this case, your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation by using unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with a Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware. If you purchased a Windows x64 edition such as a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 edition separately, contact Microsoft for technical support.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For product information about x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003, visit the following Microsoft Web site: