You can use Link Load Balancer (LLB) pools to balance data requests across external connections, increasing the available bandwidth.
- The Smoothwall Appliance uses the available bandwidth for each interface connection from top to bottom to meet the required bandwidth.
- You can’t set a connection to have zero bandwidth, so all lines will always be active. If this is not suitable, you should send traffic to a router external to your Smoothwall Appliance.
- Smoothwall supports using all external connection types except Bonding, as they require special equipment at both ends of the connection. Contact your Internet Service Provider to confirm if they offer this service.
This article shows how to effectively set up a failover internet line that serves as a backup in the event the main line goes down. Although it is not what Link Load Balancing was initially designed for as it does not provide Gateway failover functionality, this is one of the most common ways customers use the feature.
Step 1: Set up your two physical interfaces
- Go to Network > Configuration > Interfaces.
- Edit both interfaces to set Use as to External.
- Add the public IP address, including the Subnet mask, Gateway address and target Bandwidth to the interfaces.
Step 2: Add a new Link Load Balancing (LLB) pool and connections
- Add a new Link Load Balancing pool.
- Add Connections. For the Local address drop-down, select the interface that the traffic for this pool should use.
Step 3: Set the LLB pool as the default Source NAT
- Go to Network > Configuration > Source NAT & LLB Rules.
- In the Local traffic section, for the Default LLB pool and Guardian drop-downs, select the LLB pool you set up.
- Select Save changes.
Step 4: Have DNS Forwarders use the LLB pool
Edit your DNS Forwarders to set the Link Load Balancing pool or Local IP address field to use the LLB pool you set up.
Step 5: Test the failover
- Disconnect one of your connections.
- Check that the traffic is routed through the remaining active connection.