How to share the broadband

[VivR]

In my office i have two ISPs, MTNL and Reliance WiMax each with a 1 mbps (unlimited speed) broadband plan. Though we can be happy with having any one of the ISP only, the 2nd one works as a backup since even a half an hour of internet down situation will halt the works getting done in office.Though i have to keep on paying to both the ISPs, we hardly utilize the full potential of both the plans as one ISP (mtnl mostly) is being used throughout the month, and the reliance WiMax is hardly being used (not more than 4-5 hours per month).So now you must have figured out my question which is: how to use both the ISPs to their full potential all the time.[In my office there are 8 computers all connected to each other and to the internet by a Netgear Wireless router through LAN. There are also a couple of laptops which are connected to the same Netgear router and the network through wi-fi. Whichever ISP we have to use, we have to just plug-in the yellow ethernet cable coming out from the above netgear router's yellow ethernet port into any one of the two ISPs' ADSL modem. No setting required in window of anyone of the computer]I have figured out myself there could be only two possible ways to make the full use of both the ISPs simultaneously:1. Simultaneous use of both internet connections in a single network. I have searched the net and found out that there is much confusion and uncertainty about it, and if there IS a solution then achieving that is either not easy or not cost-effective or both. i found out that a certain set of hardwares and softwares required to achieve that which is also either not full-proof or not recommended for small companies like that of mine.But if you really think there is an easy and cost effective way to do it, then please let me know.2. Purchasing another router and making two networks, each running one ISP, in the office, and connecting some of computers with one network and ISP and the rest of the computers with another network and ISP. Though it sounds easier then above and it indeed is, but it has a drawback of creating inability to access computers of one network by the computers of another which is frequently required, for example, for sharing files and folders etc.So is there any way in which we can run two networks and the computers of both network still be remain connected while each networking enjoying separate ISP?Please help me to achieve any one of the above two or i do not mind to opt if there is a third solution to it.Thanks a lot guys!

 

[Sushubh]

search for load sharing routers. that can take in both the connections and share them amongst the users.

 

[essbebe]

D-Link DI-LB604 Dual-WAN router tips

http://www.xrio.com/support/docs/XrioUBM_QuickStartGuide_V2.pdf

 

[VivR]

search for load sharing routers. that can take in both the connections and share them amongst the users.

Hi Indivibes,

Thanks for your suggestion. I have not found such routers yet neither on ebay nor on any router making companies indian website. Can you suggest any model or share a link?

D-Link DI-LB604 Dual-WAN router tips

http://www.xrio.com/support/docs/XrioUBM_QuickStartGuide_V2.pdf

Hi Essebebe,

Thanks for the useful links!

I hope the pdf guide you shared is definitely going to help me setting up the networks. However, the D-Link model you suggested does not exist in D-Link India website (only available in D-Link US website). I have also not found any such Load balancing or dual wan router either on e-bay or on any other router/switch making company, such as Netgear india, websites.

Can you suggest some model, preferably with link, which is available here in India?

Thanks!

 

[ajeysp]

Hi,

You can try this router from ebay:
eBay India: Trendnet TW100 BRV324 Dual Wan Vpn Firewall Router War (item 120541416079 end time 17-Mar-2010 21:35:00 IST)

 

[ajeysp]

a better (reknowned) and cheaper router:
eBay India: Cisco Linksys RV042 Load Balancing 4 port VPN Router (item 250593780123 end time 16-Mar-2010 21:19:40 IST)

 

[VivR]

Hi,

You can try this router from ebay:
eBay India: Trendnet TW100 BRV324 Dual Wan Vpn Firewall Router War (item 120541416079 end time 17-Mar-2010 21:35:00 IST)

a better (reknowned) and cheaper router:
eBay India: Cisco Linksys RV042 Load Balancing 4 port VPN Router (item 250593780123 end time 16-Mar-2010 21:19:40 IST)

Hi Ajeysp,

Thanks for your links! These are a bit out of my budget though, and also, apart from serving my purpose, they have some additional functions / specifications which i may not require at all. I need to see if the person who provide AMC in our office can handle and integrate these products or not.

I presume D-Link model DI-LB604 must be cheaper, easier to use and install, and must be made for this purpose only as the eessbebe pdf link shows.

Anyway, thanks for the help guys!

 

[ajeysp]

yes, you are right, the D-Link model DI-LB604 is Rs 2000 cheaper (than the Linksys), and available on ebay:
eBay India: DLINK DI-LB604 Load Balancing 4 port VPN Router (item 260565765205 end time 16-Mar-2010 21:18:57 IST)