Two Internet connection in one computer (NEW)?

Question

I know there are similar topics out there, but I think this is more specific.

I have 2 identical connections via 2 cable modems: same ISP,same speed (12MB/s)

Reason for 2 connections = My ISP sucks, have a 70Gb bw monthly limitation and is the only ISP in my area.

- I have multiple computers connected to a Router. I need access to the router for file sharing.

- My PC has 2 network connections.

Modem1-->Router-->my pc (and others)
Modem2-->my pc

1) I intend to have one Internet connection for "light" use (browsing, games etc) and the other for "heavy" use (torrent etc.). Is there a way to configure one particular program (eg: torrent) to use a particular connection, while the rest (eg: IE) use the other?

2) In case (1) is impossible: I heard about Load Balancing. It should provide an improvement in download speed/bandwidth for multiple files and, in my case, sum both 70Gb up/down monthly limitation. Anyone know how to configure it in Vista?

Answer 1

You could do 1 with a router that connects to each modem.



You would do it based on destination IP address. I don't know anything about torrent, but assuming it always goes to the same domain address you would configure your router to send all traffic destine for the that domain out the port with the "heavy" use modem.



Load balancing is possible, but it's tricky. If you want to combine the bandwidth of both connection into one logical connection both your router must support it and your ISP must support/allow it. Most ISPs won't. You could also run a protocol on the router known are ECMP (equal cost multi-path), which basically shares the connection, once again this can be tricky and may not work for you.



Curious - I assume 70Gb bw limitation is the amount of data your allowed to download per month? That is a crap load of data per month, do you REALLY download that much? You must have a rack of HDDs to the ceiling to store all that? 70Gb is like 20K MP3s or 50 movies, when do you have time to use all the stuff you download?

Answer 2

Unless I misunderstand the question, the only way to utilize network load balancing is with either a server OS (Unix, Windows Server 200x, Linux, etc.) or a router that supports load balancing between multiple WAN connections.



You have a maximum transfer rate of 100Mbps (with full-duplex effectively doubling that) between the modem and the router, between the modem and your computer, and between the router and your computer. But it sounds like your set up only really allows you to hit your bandwidth limit in half the time.



Unless you're paying your ISP for 2 separate cable Internet connections.

Answer 3

Well both 1 and 2 are possible, but that should be configure in the router. The problem is that not all of the router do path selection as you want it in (1), nor load balancing (2). What kind of router do you have.

I suggest the Cisco systems routers.

Answer 4

to be able for you to maximize the speed of your two connections. why dont you try to bridge those connections to come up with a highspeed one. meaning, you just need to install those 2 connections in just one computer and configure it on to your router.