Any way of merging net connections into one big pipe?

[SiliconAddict]

I've been given the OK by my neighbor to try something. That was step one. Step two is to find out if OS X can even do this. My assumption is not but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I have a Comcast cable modem. I can plug it in via Ethernet, even though I do have wireless implemented as well. IP up and running...all is good. My neighbor has an unsecured WIFI AP going through Comcast. (I've offered to secure it for him after this little experiment.) I connect to his AP and also have a valid IP there as well. In OS X you can set a pecking order for the preferred connection but as far as I can tell there is no way to use multiple connections to simply get one fast connection.

Does anyone know if this is doable in OS X either natively or through a third party app? I know that this can be done in Windows. I've actually done it before on my server 2003 install. Anyone have any ideas if this can be done in OS X?

 

[kolax]

Merging more than one internet connection..?

I've always wondered how that works and how well it works. Did it have a massive boost on your Windows 2003 server?

There is an internet cafe opposite my flat, and I can pick it up for free. I also have my own internet going into the flat, would be cool to use both and double my speeds.

 

[SiliconAddict]

Merging more than one internet connection..?

I've always wondered how that works and how well it works. Did it have a massive boost on your Windows 2003 server?

There is an internet cafe opposite my flat, and I can pick it up for free. I also have my own internet going into the flat, would be cool to use both and double my speeds.

At the time I was mainly doing e-mail, web surfing on it. It worked pretty well with the ocasional hiccup. Setting up the clustering services was a PITA. However I never did bittorrent on such a setup and doubt the implimentaiton MS used for sharing multiple connections would have worked.

 

[FunkyJunk]

I don't think that it's a very good idea to be sharing connections with your neighbor. For instance, what if he decides to download some kiddie porn and it happens through your connection? What if he chats up some 12-year-old girl for a "date" or decides to commit some internet scam or identity theft over your connection?

NOT a good idea, IMO, regardless if what you're proposing is feasible.

 

[Jestered]

it can be done and it has nothing to do with OS X.

You have to have the right hardware to do it. The first thing you need is a load balancing router (google it). Then you have to figure out how to physically hard wire both internet connections to this router.

A load balancing router can be used in two different ways.

1. Combine both internet connections at the same time.
2. Use one internet connection as the main and the other kicks in if the main connection fails.

You can read all about it if you google "load balancing router".

 

[Avatar74]

This requires a router capable of multi-linked multi-homing. It's expensive and requires intermediate to advanced knowledge of routing to configure. Typically not something done on a residential basis due to the cost vs. benefit.

Have you looked to see if you have Verizon FIOS or a similar high bandwidth (e.g. 5-30Mbps) provider in your area?

 

[kolax]

I don't think that it's a very good idea to be sharing connections with your neighbor. For instance, what if he decides to download some kiddie porn and it happens through your connection? What if he chats up some 12-year-old girl for a "date" or decides to commit some internet scam or identity theft over your connection?

NOT a good idea, IMO, regardless if what you're proposing is feasible.

Sounds like you know too much about that sort of thing.

Save crap like that to yourself mate, no one wants to hear that.

 

[unity]

Sounds like you know too much about that sort of thing.

Save crap like that to yourself mate, no one wants to hear that.

Thank you, this is not a thread about ethics and possible legal issues, its about networking.

While its doable, as stated, you will run into latency issues running one "backbone" on wireless and the other via cable.

The net effect could be one of several things. But one may be the router will prefer the cable connection. Another may be that the router may not resolve the latency issues and hold up the cable. Effectively slowing the network down.