NIC configuration: Redundant Message Channel (RMC)
- Last UpdatedAug 14, 2025
- 2 minute read
Redundant AppEngine functionality requires two computers, each with two Network Interface Cards (NIC). The first network card is for the Supervisory network; the second card is for the Redundancy Message Channel (RMC).
The RMC is a dedicated ethernet connection between the platforms hosting redundant engines. The RMC is vital to keep both engines synchronized with alarms, history, and checkpoint items from the Active engine. Each engine also uses this Message Channel to provide its health and status information to the other.
Note: Access Network Connections properties from the Windows Control Panel.
Primary Network Connection
The NIC cards require the following configuration on both nodes:
To configure the Primary network connection
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In the Network Connections window, right-click Primary Network and select Properties.
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Select TCP/IP and configure the Properties to obtain either dynamic or static IP address.
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Configure the remaining parameters as appropriate, i.e. DNS, WNS.
RMC Network Connection
To configure the RMC connection
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In the Network Connections window, right-click RMC Network and select Properties.
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Select TCP/IP and click the Properties button.
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Select Use the following IP address. See your network administrator for IP address and subnet mask. The IP address must be fixed and unique.
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In the TCP/IP Properties dialog box, click the Advanced button, then select the DNS tab. Be sure that the Register this connection's address in the DNS checkbox is not checked.
Best Practice
Assign a descriptive name to each network connection to easily identify its functionality. From the Network Connections window, rename the Local Area Connections, for example, as "Primary Network" and "RMC Network."
To assign Network Services primary connections
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In the Network Connections window, select Advanced/Advanced Settings from the main menu.
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Select the Adapters and Bindings tab.
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Set the Primary Network as the first connection to be accessed by network services. Use the Up/Down Arrow buttons to re-order the list.
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Verify that the normal connection between the redundant pair uses the primary network. This is done using the PING command (from the DOS Command Prompt) with the redundant partner's node name. Verify that the node name resolves to the IP Address of the partner's primary network card.