Why Load Balance?:
   Load Balancing is a decent alternative to the higher prices of ISDN
equipment/service and the not-so-speedy performance of "56k" modems.
It is a good fit for the growing number of users that already have a
second line and are looking to increase their bandwidth, but do not
want to invest in new and expensive telco technologies.

A few quick notes:

- In many markets, ISDN service is still too expensive to be realistic for
the home user. (The hardware is $$ too).

- "56k" modems are expensive and do not really provide anything close
to the max "53k" connection.

- ISP charges and restrictions on 56k modems are generally higher than
standard dial-up.

- Given that your ISP allows multiple logins, you need nothing more
  than standard dial-up service to an ISP (and shell account access).

- In terms of raw throughput, Load Balancing is close (but not equal) to
  ISDN single BRI. Example: I can play RealAudio/Video ISDN single
  channel files easily over my 28.8k and 33.6k modem (they require about
  45 kbps).

- Load Balancing considerably outperforms "56k" modems.

  *Some of my standard transfer rates (According to Netscape spedometer):
    + Inline web grahpics - 6.4 - 6.5k bytes/sec
    + AVI and WAV transfers 7.0 - 7.2k bytes/sec
    + ZIP file downloads    5.6 - 6.0k bytes/sec
    + Text                  12.0k ++ bytes/sec

  (Note these are 'eye balled' numbers. Nothing scientific about them).

-  Low cost. You only need a second phone and a second modem. Second phone
   lines are cheap ($20 a month in this market). "56k"
   modems have pushed the price of 33.6k modems down to around $50 dollars.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
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