|
This is an example of Load Balancing 2 T1's (DS1's) with Cisco routers, for a true inbound and outbound loadbalance. In this example the 2 router's are adjacent and connected via equal size links being 2 T1's (DS1's), which will give you around a fully usable 3 mbit pipe when finshed. In our example the router's are connected with Serial links (HDLC encapsulation) to Adtran TSU120 CSU's on each end.
Lets begin by checking and enabling Cisco Express Forwarding on both routers. See if CEF is enabled, in global configuration mode enter:
show ip cef
If CEF is not enabled, in gloabl configuration mode enter.
ip cef
Next you will need to apply the load sharing rule to each interface on both routers. Which will be a total of 4 interfaces. ip load-sharing per-packet
Now you are finished. You should be able to see a true load balance between the 2 links both inbound and outbound. The maximum connection between these two routers is now a fully usable 3mbits. This can be verified with any software package that you may be using to gather statistics on your network.
In my experience using CEF and per packet balancing has shown no performance impact on the router's themselves. Which in my opinion is a much better alternative than using multilink if your situation allows.
When NOT to use this method.
- Your router's are NOT adjacent.
- The bandwidth on the 2 links is NOT equal
- If you are using VOIP or Video Over IP
Relevant information: Cisco Express Forwarding Cisco Load-Sharing
|
FAQs 
