I need to setup a backup internet connection..

shortstuff121 · 01-27-2009, 07:59 PM

Hello,
I currently have Cox Cable as my ISP. It works fine but it decides to take a break every once in while which is no good.
I'm trying to setup a failover internet connection. I was wondering what kind of hardware I'm going to need? I have a small network. I would have two wired computers & one or two wireless. I'm currently using a Linksys WCG200 Modem/Router. Any information would be helpful, Thanks

**johnwill** · 01-28-2009, 09:41 AM

I'd use a dual-WAN router such as this NETGEAR ProSafe VPN Firewall 25 box. Use the cable account and consider a DSL account for the secondary. You'll get load balancing and fallover protection all in one box.

shortstuff121 · 01-28-2009, 05:00 PM

Thanks, I'll do some shopping. I'm leaning towards earthlink DSL for the second account. My cable account is 8.0Mbps. Does it matter if the DSL is only 3.0Mbps? Would it work a lot better if they were the same speed?

**johnwill** · 01-29-2009, 07:49 AM

It won't matter at all, obviously faster is better.

If your 8mbit connection is sufficient for your needs, the 3mbit one will just be for some added bandwidth and fallback when the cable is out. 3mbit is better than nothing.

shortstuff121 · 01-29-2009, 05:42 PM

Alright thanks a lot! I found that Netgear router refurb on ebay for $90, I'll probably end up with one of those. Turns out earthlink is not available in my area so it looks like my option is Embarq. I'll let you know when its all setup. Thanks again.

01-27-2009, 07:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
shortstuff121 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 13 OS: Windows XP	I need to setup a backup internet connection.. Hello, I currently have Cox Cable as my ISP. It works fine but it decides to take a break every once in while which is no good. I'm trying to setup a failover internet connection. I was wondering what kind of hardware I'm going to need? I have a small network. I would have two wired computers & one or two wireless. I'm currently using a Linksys WCG200 Modem/Router. Any information would be helpful, Thanks

01-28-2009, 09:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,940 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: I need to setup a backup internet connection.. I'd use a dual-WAN router such as this NETGEAR ProSafe VPN Firewall 25 box. Use the cable account and consider a DSL account for the secondary. You'll get load balancing and fallover protection all in one box. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

01-28-2009, 05:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
shortstuff121 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 13 OS: Windows XP	Re: I need to setup a backup internet connection.. Thanks, I'll do some shopping. I'm leaning towards earthlink DSL for the second account. My cable account is 8.0Mbps. Does it matter if the DSL is only 3.0Mbps? Would it work a lot better if they were the same speed?

01-29-2009, 07:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,940 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: I need to setup a backup internet connection.. It won't matter at all, obviously faster is better. If your 8mbit connection is sufficient for your needs, the 3mbit one will just be for some added bandwidth and fallback when the cable is out. 3mbit is better than nothing. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

01-29-2009, 05:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
shortstuff121 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 13 OS: Windows XP	Re: I need to setup a backup internet connection.. Alright thanks a lot! I found that Netgear router refurb on ebay for $90, I'll probably end up with one of those. Turns out earthlink is not available in my area so it looks like my option is Embarq. I'll let you know when its all setup. Thanks again.