2 XDSL line

Hi everyone,

I have 2 XDSL lines (one is production line and one is backup line) and 20 users in our company. Is that possible I can use Win 2003 server to configure these two lines( make both of them are productions lines ), and assign 10 users to use line1, and the rest of 20 users to use line2 ?....
If that is possible, what should I do ? Is that called Network Load Balancing ?
Please advise me. Thank you.

ise2006

 

Yes that is a type of network load balancing.

You can do it, but I would recommend that you don't. Load balancing adds complication to your network configuration. It can be a headache to set up and more importantly the added complication makes the internet connection more likely to fail in my experience.

In your situation I would install two routers - one for each xDSL line. Then I would configure the two routers so one is active and the other directs all traffic to the first. I'd then save that configuration. Then I'd configure the routers to work the other way round - with the first directing traffic to the second and the second making the internet connect. Then save that configuration. You'll then have two pairs of router configuration files. You then use one configuration pair as your standard configuration. If the line used in this standard configuration fails, you simply upload the other pair of saved configuration files to the routers and they switch to use the other connection.

However, if performance is a significant issue at your site, and you really need to use all the bandwidth available, I'd recommend you enable it at the routers rather than at the server. You'll need decent routers. You'll struggle with standard consumer routers. This is the sort of job Cisco routers are good at. You'll probably also need someone to program your routers for you or you could go on a Cisco training course to learn how to do this yourself. If you go down this route (don't excuse the pun) have a look at this guide.

 

Hi ReggieB,

Thanks for the advise. However, I'm not quite sure and understand what you said above. Could you please explain a little more ? Thakn you.

ise2006