Allow multiple network connections by changing network-manager's code?

Question

In a previous question, I posed a hypothesis consisting of using multiple wireless (NOT one wireless, one Ethernet) connections to a single network, using separate WLAN addresses in order to confuse the router into thinking that there are 2 computers.

Effectively this would give one computer the ability to send data packets simultaneously through the 2 (or more) adapters (each with it's own bandwidth allotments), instead of in order through one, essentially doubling your bandwidth.
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I was meaning for this to apply to multiple network connections as well, not just simultaneous connections to one network.

I was met with disappointing answers (though I didn't expect much on the Windows end in the first place). I noticed, however, that the answers essentially point to the fact that THE COMPUTER ITSELF cannot correctly handle more than one connection.

This set me to thinking: While Window's and Mac's networking software is HIGHLY proprietary, the Linux network-manager program in completely open. And I value the freedom it provides.

Finally the question: Is it not possible to add such code to network-manager, or to rewrite a new program entirely, that would allow your computer to utilize multiple connections, each with their own addresses, DNS servers, and most importantly bandwidth allotments.

I am not sure if what I am talking about is "load balancing" as somebody suggested on my previous question. I do not think so, as his concept requires the same IP/MAC address for all connections.

If that could be achieved, why not add code that allows full control over which connection is used for which purpose/programs?

I understand this is complicated code, and that it wouldn't have been written before due to the possible strain and complications on the computers because of their limited ability. However, most computers now should be able to handle this type of program in the background, without affecting performance (especially on Linux).

Answer 1

Yes and no.



The network manager was meant to be simple and easy to connect to a network or VPN,



You'll have to bring up your interfaces via a script or by editing /etc/network/interfaces.



Then you'll have to set up a firewall rule to alternatively route packets between the two adresses.

Modify iptables.



http://chris.olstrom.com/howto/setup-dual-wan/



Even then incoming and established connection will stick with one pipe or another. So you really don't get full beniits unless the connection is using multiple requests anyways.







But that's really a pain. To get what you want (preferential downloads) try turning the QoS knobs in the router settings.

Answer 2

Basically what you are trying to do is take two different networks and tie them together in a system to "double" your bandwidth. I don't think this is possible due to the way networks were deisigned using the data network protocol stack; I mean on the pc level like you are stating. This may be achieveable however using a cisco router with two different network cards and setting the routes.

What you are trying to do with the different networks is like multiplexing the data.

Answer 3

Yes, this can be done today with VMware and similar virtualization products. A host with multiple physical network connections can have one virtual machine utilizing one physical network connection and a second virtual machine using the second physical network connection.