If you have consulted the online medium to know more about the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol, you may discover that there is very little explanation. But in case you want to know more about this multiplexer protocol, don’t fret. To be precise, the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol is also known as a driver of kernel mode. This protocol gets connected by default. It is an important component of the initialisation process of the physical network adapter.
The multiplexor protocol is usually listed in the Wi-Fi properties. Users often get confused if enabling or disabling it has an effect on their bandwidth or connection. So let’s explore the intricacies of the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol.
What is Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol?
Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol comprises a special set of protocols which comes to the fore when the user is using two different connections. In other words, it is a driver of the kernel mode which is especially used for the bonding of network interface. Do you still have difficulty in understanding? Well, let’s make it more lucid. In Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol, two Ethernet network cards are combined to form one physical device so that the bandwidth can be increased.
When the NIC teaming is enabled, this protocol gets automatically activated for one or two adapters. On the other hand, other applications still use it from the list. Thus, the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol comes into play when two or more adapters are present. Additionally, it can be said that this multiplexer protocol is meant for a LAN/WAN connection.
Default characteristics of the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol
As mentioned earlier, the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor procedure is a driver in the category of kernel mode. In case this kernel mode driver fails to commence, an error is automatically registered. The startup process of Windows 10 proceeds. However, it is common for users to see a dialogue box informing them that the NdisImPlatform.sys has not been able to respond during the starting process. This kernel mode driver is also present in Windows 8.
How to reinstate the starting procedure of this protocol?
Here is the list of ways with the help of which you can restore the default startup type of this protocol.
- Choose your Windows 10 edition along with its release
- Click on the button which corresponds to the download option
- Note that the file extension of this multiplexer file is .bat
- You can opt to save this file on any folder of the hard drive
- In the subsequent process, you can right click on batch file which has recently been downloaded
- Run the batch file as an administrator
- Reboot the computer so that you can save the changes
However, it is noteworthy to mention that the Platform.sys file is there in the hard drive of your computer. In case you have noticed that this file is absent, you can install it from the Windows 10 activation kit provided to you.
Should the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol be activated?
It is a commonly observed fact that many users still ask if they should enable this protocol or not. Usually, this network protocol comes into play when two network adapters are combined. It is also used in case you want to have a bridged connection. If you are trying to enable this option manually, you would encounter an error message. Interestingly, if you have clicked “yes”, the protocol would stay disabled. On the other hand, if you click on “no”, it would take you back to the list.
Moreover, no changes would be implemented. Many users have tried disabling all other options to enable the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol. However, even by disabling all other options, you would still encounter the error message. This implies that the multiplexer protocol cannot be enabled until a connection is introduced in the bridge. Hence, it shouldn’t be enabled. It gets automatically activated when it detects the presence of a connection bridge. In other words, manual intervention is not at all needed for its activation.
Uses of the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol
Note that the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol is usually checked one-time inside the paired network adapter. On the other hand, it remains unimpeded the other adapter which is also known as that of the physical network. So let’s take a scenario where two adapters coexist when they are paired.
In this situation, the Microsoft multiplexor protocol would be deactivated for both the network adapters. However, it would be tested in the team adapter. This kernel mode driver usually comes into play in two situations. However, note that both of these situations need two network adapters on a single PC.
Situation 1
Situation 1 refers to a context when two or more network adapters are used at the same time. By doing this, you can transmit and receive more data packets when compared to a single adapter.
Situation 2
Situation 2 refers to a context when there is a backup adapter. The backup adapter assumes its role in case the primary adapter fails. Thus if you only have one adapter in your PC, Windows would deactivate it as soon as it finds that you can’t use multiple network adapters in your device.
So let’s hope that the aspects mentioned above cleared your doubts about the Microsoft network adapter multiplexor protocol. Note that this multiplexor protocol was introduced way back in 2012. At times, it is referred to as a server-side protocol.
Conclusion
Now you know all the details about this protocol which was bought by Microsoft in 2012 and it is client based server side protocol. The interesting part is that if you have a system running windows 10 then you may not need this protocol.
