**Dual NIC** refers to a server configuration with **two Network Interface Cards (NICs)** — hardware components that connect a server to a network. ### In a VAST setup: - **Dual NIC** typically means **two high-speed Ethernet ports**, e.g., **2x 100GbE** or **2x 25GbE** - Each NIC can be used for redundancy, performance, or to separate control and data planes ### Why it matters: - **Redundancy**: If one NIC or path fails, the other keeps the server connected (critical for uptime) - **Throughput**: Combined NICs can provide higher aggregate bandwidth (load balancing or LACP) - **Separation**: One NIC might handle storage traffic, the other handles management or client I/O In high-performance setups like VAST, **Dual NICs** are essential for reliability and speed.