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Adding DSL line as backup to flaky T1

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9 replies

by stephanie

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Over the past several months, we have experienced several Internet service outages, bouncing, latency, etc. What’s causing the problem has not been determined. The ISP has done extensive testing on the current T1 line and has found no problems.

I’d like to know your thoughts on what’s involved with adding another layer of redundancy by adding a completely separate DSL Internet connection with a different provider. Ideally, when the primary Internet connection fails forwhatever reason (bouncing on the line, problem with the router, etc), the DSL line would kick in. All of this should be transparent to the end-users therefore decreasing the amount of downtime that they’ve been experiencing recently.

We have another year left in our contract with our current provider, and therefore they will continue as our primary provider. I’m getting mixed messages on if it’s possible to add the DSL line. I’m not sure if the vendors are pushing to sell their big plans or if DSL is really not a reliable choice to consider as a backup Internet Service.

I’d appreciate your thoughts on this.

Thank you.

9 replies

by road-dog

Is your router front ending your Internet T-1 yours or the provider's? This will determine the best way to do ADSL backup.

Honestly, I think you should be debugging the T-1, rather than looking elsewhere. If you have an SLA, you should be hammering your ISP with it, as I'm sure the T-1 is costing you a fairly large monthly fee.

Post more configuration information, if available.

by dennis

Squeaky wheel gets oiled!!!! Everyday and then start up the ladder to get results, do not be affraid to ask who's your manager and what his email? We went thru this and the telco was using new cards that they did not know how to configure. Keep a log and look for patterns.

Go get em!

by rp125r

Adding a DSL line as a backup to the T1 is definitely possible but may require additional hardware.
A WAN link load balancing device like the Fatpipe Xtreme will allow you to use multiple WAN links with automatic failover when there is a failure on the main link.
While you should iron out any problems with your ISP, a DSL makes a good, cheap backup.

by jtakiwi

Tell the frame provide to replace the card (i forget what they are called) on their end of your connection. I had the same fight w/ ITC Deltacom and replaced the router, firewall, switch, even the thin client to make their help desk happy. After replacing the router the second time (gee, it didn't work once, let's try it again), they finally agreed to send a tech. on his way out, he happened to replace the card at their office (hmm, seems like the tech knew what was wrong) it magically solved the problem. The Telco will rarley admit that their equipment is screwed up since it is cheaper for them to get you jumping through hoops before they work on their end.

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