What is the best setup for this: 2 different Internet lines (DSLs) for a small network (8-10 computers)?

Question

The purpose of 2 diff internet lines is to make sure that there's "always" an internet connection.

Here are the other hardware:

1. 2 Modems from the two different Internet companies.

2. Load balancer (linksys RV042)

3. Hub (linksys SR224)

4. WRT54GL router - so that other wireless devices can connect.

5. 10 Windows computers.

What is the best setup connection?

Modems to Load Balancer to Router to Hub to computers?

Is it the Load Balancer who will control which internet line should be used for the moment? Is it kinda an automatic config on the load balancer or needs super techy config for that?

Thank you for the big help! :)

Answer 1

Your setup is just fine - we use one exactly like that for 38 machines! The only problem I see is the WRT54G.. since that will only show as ONE IP you will get it seen by the load balancer as ONE unit.



If you can put it into bridge mode, disable DHCP and let the RV042 issue all addresses it will work. However, I never had any luck getting a WRT to work correctly in that situation...kept dropping stuff, we went to a straight Access Point for the wireless and everything worked as advertised.



You can put dd-wrt firmware on the WRT and set it as a standard AP, just takes time but works.



Our setup

two modems --- RV042 --> 48 port switch ---+ Access Point

RV042 set to load balance no super tech stuff needed, did have to set a couple of machines to use only ONE line period - for portforwarding!

Answer 2

Obtain a router for house use, such because the Linksys BEFSR41 router with included four-port transfer. Attach a community cable from the modem to the router's WAN hyperlink port. Then, attach the 2 desktops to the router's different steady ports by way of usual community cable.

Answer 3

"Modems" to Load Balancer.

Load Balancer to Hub.

Load Balancer to WRT54GL.

Hub to 10 computers.



The load balancer will automagically balance the demands between the two Internet connections until or unless a failover condition occurs.

Answer 4

the cheapest way would be to set up a residential gateway using a nforce 680i motherboard or newer nforce which incorporates teaming into its networking control panel. Below is a link to more info about this.