A dual-homed server has two NICs connecting to two different switches. If one switch or link fails, traffic uses the other path.
Implementation options:
NIC teaming with active/standby: One NIC handles traffic, the other takes over on failure.
NIC teaming with load balancing: Both NICs handle traffic. Requires switch support (LACP) or IP-based load balancing.
Separate subnets: Each NIC in different network. Application must handle multi-homing.
For best protection, connect each NIC to a different access switch with separate uplinks.