Load Balancing across two Internet lines

[Prattaratt]

The Business I am working for is contemplating adding another DSL line. We use VoIP phones in addition to our computers. I would like to know if it is possible to set up MS Server to handle multiple Internet Connections and "load balance" them? We have priced a T1 connection (which is what I recommended) but it's out of our budget range right now.

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[markdmac]

NLB (Network Load Balancing) can handle balancing traffic on two nics, but what you are looking for is to multiplex two lines together which would require special hardware. So out of the box, no, you cannot do what you are looking to do.

You could however look at dividing up where your traffic is directed. For example, you could have all email go over a particular line and all web surfing go over another line. In this way you keep the traffic from each activity from bogging down the other activity. The bandwidth is not combined but you still get a benefit.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

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[TechSoEasyMVP]

A T-1 won't really give you much more than adding an additional DSL line under most small business conditions. If you use VOIP, then I'd suggest that you segment off that traffic to a separate DSL line and you should be just fine.


Jeffrey B. Kane
TechSoEasy

http://www.techsoeasy.com