• What is the Barracuda Link Balancer? How is it different from a Barracuda Load Balancer?
• How does the Barracuda Link Balancer help aggregate Internet traffic?
• How does the Barracuda Link Balancer prioritize traffic?
• How does the Barracuda Link Balancer decide which link should handle the client request for Internet access?
• Can I connect multiple WAN connections with varied speeds?
• Does the Barracuda Link Balancer handle a failure from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) link?
• Can the Barracuda Link Balancer connect to multiple connections from the same ISP?
• What applications can the Barracuda Link Balancer apply Quality of Service (QoS) to?
• Can I monitor bandwidth usage per link or on an aggregate basis?
• Can the Barracuda Link Balancer manage DHCP and DNS requests?
• Can the Barracuda Link Balancer handle my VPN traffic?
• Can I use the Barracuda Link Balancer at the perimeter? Does it incorporate any traditional firewall features?
• What is included in the Energize Updates subscription for the Barracuda Link Balancer?
• Can the Barracuda Link Balancer provide failover and link balancing of inbound traffic?
• What if I have more questions or want to see an online demo of the Barracuda Link Balancer?

What is the Barracuda Link Balancer? How is it different from a Barracuda Load Balancer?

Available in three models, the Barracuda Link Balancer routes and manages traffic across multiple Internet connections from one or numerous Internet service providers. In contrast, the Barracuda Load Balancer distributes Internet traffic to multiple Web servers to maintain high availability for Web applications, FTP sites, media streaming and content delivery networks.

How does the Barracuda Link Balance help aggregate Internet traffic?

Without intervention from an administrator, the Barracuda Link Balancer combines Internet traffic from multiple high-speed Internet connections into one queue. When a client request is made, the Barracuda Link Balancer chooses the best available link for the ideal client experience. Clients and applications can also ensure compatibility with load balanced applications by setting up persistence to specific links on a permanent or automated period basis.

How does the Barracuda Link Balancer prioritize traffic?

Administrators can define traffic and applications which should have a higher or lower WAN priority, as required.

How does the Barracuda Link Balancer decide which link should handle the client request for Internet access?

The Barracuda Link Balancer automatically tracks connections by saturation, availability, latency and performance. In doing so, the Barracuda Link Balancer can make informed decisions to select the best link to handle the Internet traffic.

Can I connect multiple WAN connections with varied speeds?

Yes, administrators define the configuration each link upon initial setup including connection speed.

Does the Barracuda Link Balancer handle a failure from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) link?

Yes. By using a variety of automated algorithms and health checking methods, the Barracuda Link Balancer automatically detects failure and service restoration for Internet connections. Client requests will always be sent to an available link with the most available bandwidth.

Can the Barracuda Link Balancer connect to multiple connections from the same ISP?

Yes, the Barracuda Link Balancer allows administrators to connect multiple links from the same ISP for Internet connectivity. For added availability, the Barracuda Link Balancer can be connected to links from various ISPs. In the event of an outage from an ISP, the Barracuda Link Balancer by default will seek the next available link to provide an Internet connection.

What applications can the Barracuda Link Balancer apply Quality of Service (QoS) to?

Administrators can choose from dozens of predefined applications or select custom port ranges to apply QoS.

Can I monitor bandwidth usage per link or on an aggregate basis?

Yes. By using the Web user interface, traffic statistics are available as graphs for a quick look at hourly, daily or monthly usage. Administrators can choose to monitor network traffic with SNMP or out of band.

Can the Barracuda Link Balancer manage DHCP and DNS requests?

Yes. The Barracuda Link Balancer integrates both DHCP and DNS caching servers to allow for simpler management of IP networks.

Can the Barracuda Link Balancer handle my VPN traffic?

Yes. At this time, the Barracuda Link Balancer can pass VPN traffic using 1:1 NAT or port forwarding.

Can I use the Barracuda Link Balancer at the perimeter as a firewall?

Yes. As an appliance designed for the perimeter, the Barracuda Link Balancer offers firewall functionality to maximize the number of active Internet connections. By offering traditional firewall features, such as network address translation (NAT), 1:1 NAT, port forwarding as well as DCHP and DNS caching services, the Barracuda Link Balancer increases the availability of Internet links to the network without the added costs of acquiring more bandwidth.

What is included in the Energize Updates subscription for the Barracuda Link Balancer?

The Energize Updates subscription provides the Barracuda Link Balancer with security updates for protection against the latest Internet threats, delivers firmware updates, grants access to the beta program, and includes basic support via email and phone. Definitions are automatically delivered for threat and policy updates.

Can the Barracuda Link Balancer provide failover and link balancing of inbound traffic?

Yes. The Barracuda Link Balancer enables inbound link balancing and failover by providing authoritative DNS services. Inbound traffic to host machines can be balanced across multiple links without the overhead of using specialized routers, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) or additional ISP support. Configuration is as simple as assigning each host a different Internet IP Address for each Internet link that can be used to reach it. The Barracuda Link Balancer can then distribute inbound traffic across multiple Internet links to the host by returning the IP address of the most appropriate Internet link when responding to DNS queries.

What if I have more questions or want to see an online demo of the Barracuda Link Balancer?

For answers to additional questions, please contact your Baytech Networks at 916-880-3014