Re: [cobalt-users] switch router suggestions?

[Kris Dahl <kris@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> If you really want to do this, you might just want to setup a PC functioning
> as router, WinProxy will do the trick I guess...

Not a good idea... I don't really see how that would work.  Winproxy won't
give you any kind of solution in this case.

There is no effective way to have true redundancy on low-cost equipment.

And actually, redundant bandwidth is overrated in my opinion... just not
worth the cost in *most* cases.  And I'm not talking about peanuts here, but
full-out private peering agreements with multiple carriers, BGP routing,
etc.

Most people do 'redundant' bandwidth by having DNS offsite.  Multple IPs are
assigned to the host machines, one for each network.  If you get a decent
firewall, you should be able to hook up multiple routers to it and still be
covered.  So you are always on both networks... you can have DNS round-robin
load balance, and you can make adjustments to it in case one connection goes
down.  Poor man's redundant network.

Thing is, you'd be better off spending the money to go co-locate, where they
have the resources to offer redundant power, fire suppression, etc., as well
as multiple carriers, etc.

Or, perhaps a better way, is to buy gaurenteed bandwidth from a *serious*
bandwidth provider.  I like Savvis.  They pay you if the system goes down
(and it never really does).  Just buy decent access (its not cheap), and
many of your problems will go away.

-k


>> What kind of a switch/router should I use between the lines and my raqs?
> 
> A very expensive multi-protocol router should handle this with the
> following topology:
> 
> /---<dsl-line>
> <Computer>-----<router>
> \---<cable line>
>
> but of course neither the cable company or the isp would support it.
#snip#

That last line is right.  In order to do true rundandancy, you need to have
published routes, etc., of both providers and be able to do a lot of crazy
stuff that honestly NOONE will want to do for a DSL or Cable connection.
I'm talking a minimum of $20-$30k per month to get redundant bandwidth.

-k