ISPPlanet • Stallion ePipe - page 4

I2B Best-suited for Workgroups

It's important to note that we used modems that report connect speed for proper thresholding. For example, a noisy call connected at 28800 will never reach a statically-configured 80 percent of 42000.

We experimented with many scenarios, varying the number of threads and hosts generating FTP and HTTP requests. We found that I2B yields maximum benefit when several users/threads issue diverse requests. Because I2B assigns each TCP connection to a link, based on current load, one person browsing one site with a persistent HTTP connection in unlikely to benefit from a second link.

Stallion's Tony Merenda substantiated the many benefits of the program when administering a local area network.

"In a LAN environment, where you have several users web browsing, accessing e-mail, performing FTP downloads, etc., this behavior balances out," Merenda said.

But we found that even a solo user could benefit from using the ePipe program during a lengthy file download that consumes one link—but leaves another link free for speedy Web browsing.

The bottom line
ISPs can leverage a platform like the ePipe in many ways. The ePipe can be used to provide higher-bandwidth Internet access to small businesses and teleworkers that either cannot be reached by DSL, or find themselves too far from the CO to achieve optimal DSL performance. When outfitted with SRA, the ePipe can also be used by small businesses to enable remote access by mobile workers. There are other platforms that satisfy similar needs—the flexible ePipe compares favorably.

But the ePipe offers maximum versatility when equipped with SSV. Its ability to load balance IPsec tunnels across many different link combinations appears to be unique. ISPs can simply recommend or resell the ePipe to customers that need to connect remote offices with diverse physical connectivity, creating a smooth migration path from legacy links to broadband.

Alternatively, ISPs can bundle the ePipe into a managed firewall/VPN service for small businesses. In this market, the ePipe will benefit greatly from key enhancements—T1, DSL router, and IKE support—planned for later this year.

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