Combining Networks?

[wcalderini]

This may be a stupid question so forgive me in advance.
Having moved to a new apartment and realizing that my cellular coverage
was nil (bottom floor, inside a hill somewhat, and surrounded by trees), I had to get a land line installed to be able to get telephone service.
They gave me a pretty good bundle deal with a DSL line.
Already having internet provided via a nice cable package that I also
have bundled I figured I would check out both to see what I liked best.

So now I have both.

My question.

Is there anyway possible to "combine" the networks to achieve a faster
internet experience?

I am thinking of adding an appleTV to the mix for HD rentals and I was wondering if combining the 2 would increase my bandwidth.
(I worry about "taxing" my cable system as I already am using it for both internet and HDTV content)

If I can increase the speed and reliability I could justify the expense of keeping them both, if not I will have a choice to make.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

WRC

iMac Alum 20 4GB

[NAG]

No, not really. It would probably be cheaper to just upgrade one of the lines to get more bandwidth than to do something crazy like that.

[balamw]

No, not really. It would probably be cheaper to just upgrade one of the lines to get more bandwidth than to do something crazy like that.

Nothing crazy about it. It's called load balancing and is commonly used in business settings. Apparently it is also implemented in some home routers.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=452

B

[NAG]

Yes, I know. I managed a server that did that too. Still, doubt he needs it unless he is running a server or has a lot of employees or something.

[balamw]

Yes, I know. I managed a server that did that too. Still, doubt he needs it unless he is running a server or has a lot of employees or something.

Who said anything about "need". :p The OP asked if more effective bandwidth could be had and the answer is yes, but it don't come for free.

Let's just assume he actually needs a lot of bandwidth, say for torrenting. He could get a benefit from load balancing then as one line could be used for torrents and the other for "non-torrent" stuff.

B

[NAG]

Okay fine if you're addicted to torrenting and need a bunch of bandwidth then yes you can do this.

[balamw]

Okay fine if you're addicted to torrenting and need a bunch of bandwidth then yes you can do this.

LOL. Who knows why anyone needs more bandwidth.

Maybe they just want to start their own camgirl or porn site. :p

B

[TEG]

There are several $75-$125 load balancing routers on the market. You could always pick one up from eBay as well. A nice D-Link one is the DI-LB604. Two WAN connections and 3 LAN port for about $60 on eBay.

TEG

[wcalderini]

Thanks for the advice.
Guess I will "investigate" a few routers.
I appreciate the help.

WRC