Network Design:

[jtm]

I am trying to determine the best hardware configuration for a web hosting site. I will have a 100 mbps line to start with and add more as needed, up to 4. I was thinking a Cisco 3640 with some type of network module maybe the NM-16ESW. I will need some type of load balancing for this also. Is there anyway to have a bandwidth manager on the other side of the router coming out of the optional gigabit Ethernet connection. Or can I just let the Cisco IOS take care of this and distribute the bandwidth to other ports that need it?

Thanks a lot for any help,

Todd Musgrove

[rsissons]

The Cisco IOS will automatically load share over, up to 4, equal cost paths, but on a per session, rather than a per packet, basis so you will not necessarily get equal utilisation.

You can force the router to load share on a per packet basis by turning off fast switching, 'no ip route-cache', on the interface, but this is NOT recommended as it will severely impact the performance of the router.

[jtm]

Exactly what type of module would allow for this type of bandwidth growth of the network. Would a etherswitch module or just a ethernet module be more versatile?