Internet bonding combines 2+ connections for aggregated speeds. Two 1 Gbps = ~2 Gbps. Automatic failover if one fails. Ideal for remote areas. Mixed technologies maximize resilience.
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What is internet bonding and when should your business use it? Internet bonding combines 2+ connections (fibre, FTTP, FTTC, ADSL, 4G/5G, microwave) into single logical connection delivering aggregated speeds. Example: two 1 Gbps connections bonded = approximately 2 Gbps combined. Benefits: faster speeds than single connection, automatic failover resilience (if one connection fails, remaining continue service at reduced speed), minimal downtime risk. Ideal for remote locations lacking high-speed infrastructure, businesses requiring continuous uptime, cost-effective alternative to single ultra-fast leased lines. Bonding different technologies (leased line + microwave) provides maximum resilience—if one infrastructure type affected (flooding, construction damage), other remains operational. Single IP address possible across bonded connections avoiding DNS refresh downtime. Bonding vs. load balancing: bonding aggregates speeds; load balancing distributes sessions without speed increase.
Internet bonding combines multiple connections into single logical link. Each connection contributes bandwidth to combined total.
This guide explains bonding mechanics, technologies supported, resilience benefits, and practical failover handling.
Multiple internet connections connected via bonding router. Router distributes outbound traffic across all connections simultaneously. Inbound traffic arrives through multiple connections, router combines into single stream.
Example: Two 1 Gbps connections bonded deliver approximately 2 Gbps combined (accounting for bonding overhead, realistic 1.8–1.9 Gbps).
All connections must terminate at same location (bonding router on-site). Router handles splitting/recombining complexity transparently. Network devices see single connection.
Key advantage: Can mix different technologies. Bonding leased fibre line with microwave link provides speed of fibre plus resilience of different infrastructure.
Single connection's maximum bandwidth insufficient? Bonding adds additional connections. Two 50 Mbps connections bonded ≈ 100 Mbps. Dramatically faster than single connection alone.
If single connection fails, bonded system automatically reroutes to remaining connections. Service continues uninterrupted (though at reduced speed).
Bonding two identical technologies (two leased lines) provides speed + basic resilience. But if flood damages underground fibre, both lines affected simultaneously.
Bonding different technologies maximizes resilience. Leased line (underground fibre) + microwave link (aerial link):
Choose Load Balancing When: Redundancy important, multiple concurrent sessions, speed not primary concern
If one bonded connection fails, bonding router automatically detects failure and reroutes traffic through remaining connections. No manual intervention required.
Speed reduces proportionally to failed connection. Four 100 Mbps connections bonded (≈400 Mbps combined), one fails = remaining three deliver ≈300 Mbps.
Failover transparent to users. Active connections immediately assume failed connection's traffic. No service interruption (only speed reduction).
With managed service, 24/7 monitoring detects failures instantly. Provider automatically responds, prioritizing repair. Faults resolved before affecting business operations.
Bonded connection can present single IP address regardless of whether one or both connections active. Avoids downtime from IP refresh.
Business benefit: Critical systems relying on static IP (CCTV, remote access) don't lose connectivity during failover.
Alternative configuration assigns separate IP per connection. Less common, requires more management.
Decision: Specify IP preference (single vs. multiple) when arranging bonded service. Affects implementation approach.
Start by assessing current connectivity constraints. Is single connection insufficient speed? Is uptime mission-critical? Are multiple connection types available?
Next, evaluate available connections. Can you bond two fibre lines? Mix fibre with 4G? Fibre with microwave?
Then, compare costs. Bonded solution cost versus single ultra-fast leased line. Often bonding more cost-effective while providing better resilience.
Finally, request professional assessment from bonding provider. Your specific circumstances determine optimal configuration.
Ready to evaluate internet bonding or explore connectivity options? Contact AMVIA specialists: 0333 733 8050 (direct to experts, no voicemail) or request consultation. We assess your location, available connections, speed/uptime requirements, and budget. Then recommend optimal solution—whether internet bonding, dedicated leased lines, or alternative approach.
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