AFP profits both from a NLB (Network Load Balancing) Cluster and a Server Cluster. In both cases the configuration of the AFP is identical.

Even on a single machine the internal function of the AFP is similar to a cluster. Requests are handled by the AFP engine which is administered through the AFP server. Each AFP server can administer up to 2048 AFP engines, provided the computer environment permits this. At this time, every computer can launch an AFP server.

Each AFP engine is self-sufficient in its function. Memory sharing is limited to the exchange of status information. All hard disk and configuration files are shared between all instances. Internal synchronization controls the access to resources.