Load balancing...

Hi,

I have two ftp/http servers with 3 nics in each. One nic (per server) is
dedicated to the back-end sql servers respectively; leaving two nic's per
server for customer downloading. Currently, only one nic in each is setup
with Microsoft load balancing using a virtual ip address. Front end consists
of 2 Cisco PIX and 2 Cisco switches setup for fail-over/redundancy.

I want to introduce the two remaining nics into rotation. I've looked at quite a
few hardware solutions.

What options (and/or previous experience) would anyone recommend for a
hardware solution?

What options (and/or previous experience) would anyone recommend for a
software solution?

Pros/cons? HW/SW?

Looking into Windows technology, only one nic may be used per vip address. I
would really only like to use one virtual ip.

Downtime is not an option unfortunately so I will need to do this
seamlessly. However, currently I am able to take one down at a time. I also
have a "fair" budget for this.

Suggesstions/comments greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
--
~KCO2

 

i would go for the HW solution, personnally.

i used to have 4 servers balanced by Coyote Point Hardware for VOIP operations.

never had a failure, never had a problem

pros=> cost nothin compared to other solutions, very effective, easy to manage, runs outa the box

cons=> it is still hardware...and it can fail, like software


with this you can drop your microsoft load balancing, because this box does it all....


just give it a look http://www.coyotepoint.com

 

Thanks...

I was definately leaning towards hardware...I had stumbled accross a cisco product that I am having difficulty finding again.

Thanks...