* Reader responds to DSL/cable load balance/failover option
A few weeks ago we proposed that a viable option for the SOHO and remote office/branch office (ROBO) environment that goes largely unnoticed is using both cable and DSL consumer-grade services with automatic failover or, even better, load balancing. We also asked for your feedback on this idea.
A few weeks ago we proposed that a viable option for the SOHO and remote office/branch office (ROBO) environment that goes largely unnoticed is using both cable and DSL consumer-grade services with automatic failover or, even better, load balancing. We also asked for your feedback on this idea.
Thanks to all of you who responded. Rest assured that we will do our best to assimilate and incorporate all of your comments in upcoming newsletters. Today, we want to focus on the response from a reader who works in a midsized enterprise and has had first-hand experience with this proposed solution. He writes:
“I use DSL and cable load balance/failover for the Internet connection here at our central site. The service between the two has been more reliable than our dedicated T-1 was. I have never had a time that both cable and DSL were down (diverse cable plants and diverse backbone connections help that out). The problem with a dedicated T-1 is that if something goes wrong with the circuit, as happened many a time since the circuit crossed between [two separate phone companies] to get to our office, your Internet connection is down [if there is a failure in either portion of the network.] We have T-1 leased lines between our main plant and our remote sites, and those are backed up with a VPN over a public wireless network. I am not a big believer in telephone companies myself.”
As an addendum, the reader sent another note that pointed out, “The only problem I have experienced with the device in load balancing mode is by ‘instant messaging’ programs. If you use load balancing IM programs will send you back a message telling you that you are signed in at two locations because some of your traffic will go through one link and in a few minutes the traffic to the IM providers server will go through the other link. I am currently using failover because of this.”
In our testing, we have also experienced IM issues, as explained in an earlier newsletter. We’re still working with our vendor to see whether we can find a reasonable work-around for this.
