Which term best describes the process of combining multiple NICs to increase network throughput and provide redundancy?

The process of combining multiple Network Interface Cards (NICs) to enhance network throughput and ensure redundancy is accurately referred to as NIC Teaming. This method allows multiple network interfaces to work together as a single interface, which can lead to improved performance through load balancing and also provides redundancy in case one of the NICs fails.

By leveraging NIC Teaming, devices can share network traffic, enhancing overall bandwidth and preventing downtime by automatically redirecting traffic through an operational NIC if another fails. This is particularly beneficial in environments where uninterrupted network connectivity is critical.

Though Link Aggregation is a similar concept and often relates to the same goal of combining NICs, it specifically refers to the networking standard (IEEE 802.3ad) utilized for bundling multiple interfaces at the link layer. In contrast, NIC Teaming is a more general term that can refer to both software and hardware methods of achieving this outcome.

The other terms—Bandwidth Management and IPsec Configuration—refer to different networking functions. Bandwidth Management deals with controlling the data flow across a network, while IPsec Configuration pertains to securing network traffic through encryption and authentication. These concepts do not encompass the specific technical process of combining NICs for increased throughput and redundancy.