Backup ISP

OK scenario, a business has one ISP and uses ICS on the server to share the internet connection with their peers. Another office accesses resources on their server, so when their Internet goes down nowt can be done from the other office.

So if they were to invest in another ISP as a backup (lets say one of those wireless 3G ones as was suggested) is it a matter of plugging it in and then make that the default ICS connection?

Also I don't think there is a way for the other office to connect to them unless their connection was manually changed right?

I don't know too many details, (i.e. how/what the other office uses to connect) but this was just thrown at me.

Thoughts appreciated.

Unless the other office is connected vioa a leased line, they must have an ISP too, so there will be two ISPs - or two accounts with teh same ISP.

Some routers (some DXrateks) allow connection via ISDN or a mobile phone. Both offices would need that facility for maximum resiliance, (unless they are connecting via a leased line) but the problem then is that teh IP addresses would change, so re-establishing connectivity would probably require manual intervention.

However it is difficult to give a precise assessment on the information given.

I would look at a leased line if I was you, it may work out better in the long run for you.

peterb, those are my thoughts. Its not my company who asked, rather a mate who works somewhere who gets me odd jobs with them hence why the info is a bit sketchy.

Yes, I think he needs to say what his current set up is, and what he is trying to do (and why!)

(I enjoyed a quick look at your blog and the other website, BTW!)

Thanks! :)

I don't really want to get too involved by doing something like install a backup connection, because I'll get the calls when it goes wrong!

Yes - one moment you are just recommending a solution - the next you "own" it and suddenly find yourself doi ng (unpaid) support!

the company I work for has a similar setup to that described by Stringent. we don't have a back up ISP so far as I know, our internet went out at the end of last week at the main "hub" if you like so we must have leased lines because all the UK offices lost internet for a few hours.

I might ask out IT guys what the setup is. I do know we've got a couple of solid fibre optic lines up here which we are lucky to get considering where we are (office is in the back of beyond on a hill above swindon) .