Introduction

Multi-Linked Connections (aka Multi-Link PPP) combine multiple physical links into a logical bundle. This aggregate link increases your bandwidth. Remote Access Service performs PPP Multi-Link dialing over multiple ISDN, X.25, or modem lines. The feature is available only if multiple wide-area network (WAN) adapters are available on the computer.

In most cases, Multi-Link PPP enables your computer to use two or more communications ports as if they were a single port of greater bandwidth.  This means that if you use two modems to connect to the Internet, you can connect at double the speed of a single modem.

General Information

Our tests with Multi-Link PPP have been very promising.  A speed improvement is definitely noticed.  The speed achieved is equal to the number of modems times the speed of the slowest connection.  For example, if  Multi-Link PPP is used with two modems connected at 49.5k and 46.4k, then the achieved speed would be equivalent to: 2 * 46.4k = 92.8k (faster than a single channel ISDN line).  Since installation and monthly re-occurring cost for second phone line is considerably lower then standard ISDN line, this is a promising solution for budget sensitive internet customers who demand more bandwidth at a reasonable price.  More channels can be added to provide even greater bandwidth.  For example, a quad analog Multi-Link PPP with 49.5K on each channel would yield 198k total bandwidth, which is far more economical when compared to ISDN connections.   

On a well configured Multi-Link PPP dialup connection, your latency is drastically reduced, and we have seen analog MPPP obtaining average of 60msec ping to most major network / routers.  This would exhibit desirable characteristic for individuals who are seeking for connection that is economically priced for real-time on-line gaming, time-sensitive transaction / information processing, video streaming, and various other potential applications. 

However, when low latency and packet consistency becomes critical for your applications, only ISDN will be able to accommodate such need.  ISDN provide around 23 .. 32 msec latency, which is yet the best way to connect small business / residential users without major expenditure or expensive data equipment requirements.  In addition, it is more suitable for dedicated link when compared to Multi-Link PPP. 

Hardware / Software Requirement

Hardware

• 2 or more phone lines

• Computer with at least 2 modems properly installed. Dual internal is recommended (to avoid serial over-run)

• For multi-link to work well, a system with minimum of 32MB ram, Pentium 130+ is recommended. 

Software: 

For Windows 2000:

Currently, Windows 2000 supports Multi-Link with BAP (Bandwidth Allocation Protocol) option.  ISOT does support BAP extensions, which uses dynamic bandwidth allocation which increase dialup channels when more bandwidth is needed.

To configure Multi-Link with BAP Capabilities, follow these steps:

1. Right-click My Network Places, click Properties, and then double-click Make New Connection.
2. Click Next, click Dial-Up To The Internet, and then click Next.
3. Click Connect Using My Phone Line, and then click Next.
4. If you are prompted to choose a modem, click the modem you want to use, and then click OK.
5. Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the Internet Connection Wizard.
6. Double-click the connection you created, and then click Properties.
7. On the Options tab, click Dial Devices Only As Needed in the Multiple Devices box.
   NOTE: The Multiple Devices option is only available if you have more than one modem installed in your computer.
8. Click Configure to modify the automatic dialing and hang-up settings the way you want, click OK, and then click OK.

For Windows 98:

In Dial Up Networking Select Multi-Link tab and configure accordingly. To set up a network connection using multiple modems-

1. Set up a Dial-Up Networking connection using one modem.
2. In the Dial-Up Networking folder, right-click the connection icon and click Properties.
3. On the Multi-Link tab, click Use additional devices, and then click Add.
4. In Edit Extra Device, select the device you want to add to the connection, and then click OK.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you have added all the modems you want.

For better performance, the following Security is recommended:

This update can be installed only on computers running Windows 98 (version 4.10.1998 with or without Service Pack 1) 

Note that this update is included with and does not need to be installed in Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition. During
the installation process, you will be prompted to restart your computer. For this reason, make sure you save your work and
quit all programs (except Microsoft Internet Explorer) before beginning.

Windows 98 Dial-Up Networking Security Upgrade Release Notes (July 1999)
Browse Release Note from ISOT | Browse Release Note from Microsoft

Windows 98 Dial-Up Networking Security Upgrade patch download 

Download it From ISOT | Download it from Microsoft

This update includes the Windows 98 Dial-up Networking Security Upgrade that was released in August, 1998 (this included
the same updates as available in Dial-Up Networking 1.3 for Windows 95) in addition to the fixes for the following issues: 

Q222936 VPN Connection Stops Responding While Dialing 

Q194178 Computer Stops Responding When Creating a Remote Access Session 

For additional details about Windows 98 Dial-Up Networking Security Upgrade features and installation or removal
instructions, please see the Dun40.doc file (installed by this update in the Windows\System folder) or the following article
in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 

Q237691 Windows 98 Dial-Up Networking Security Upgrade Release Notes (July 1999) 

For Windows 95:

Windows 95 by default will not support Multi-Link for standard analog modems or ISDN.  In order to do so, you will need to download the latest dialup networking upgrade.  I have successfully run Windows 95 up to total of 2 modems:

Microsoft Windows 95 Dial-Up Networking 1.3 Upgrade file download
File Download from ISOT | File Download from Microsoft

Microsoft Windows 95 Dial-Up Networking 1.3 Upgrade Release Note
Download Release Note from ISOT | Download Release Note from Microsoft

For Windows NT: 

Service Pack 3 is the minimum requirement for Windows NT to be Multi-Link compatible.  After you install it, dial-up configuration is similar to Windows 98.  If you have not done so, Service Pack 6 should be installed for better performance and makes your NT server less vulnerable to security related problems. To obtain the latest service pack, see

Q152734   How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 

Should you experience with Microsoft download (and yes, they are large files!), try to retrieve locally from ISOT public FTP Archive:

SP6 is available in Standard Encryption or High Encryption (128-bit) versions for both the Intel x86 and DEC Alpha platforms. Both versions contain the same updates and differ only in the level of encryption. The Standard Encryption versions below allow you to choose a language for SP6 and select a specific downloading site.

Warning: Data files may be deleted or reset by certain applications when running Computer AssociatesInoculan drivers dated prior to 2/11/99. To decrease the possibility of Computer AssociatesInnoculan drivers contributing to inappropriate data loss, you should visit www.cheyenne.com and obtain the latest drivers. Prior versions of Service Packs may be affected as well; see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article Q244652 for additional details.

Note: If you have previously installed 128-bit components on your system, download the High Encryption version.

Choose a download version:

• Standard Encryption version for the Intel (x86) platform
  Available to all customers, this version provides standard encryption capabilities for computers running on the Intel (x86) platform.
• Standard Encryption version for the DEC Alpha platform
  Available to all customers, this version provides standard encryption capabilities for computers running on the DEC Alpha platform.
• High Encryption version for the Intel (x86) platform - English Language Version
  Available only to customers in the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada, this version provides 128-bit encryption capabilities for computers running on the Intel (x86) platform.
• High Encryption version for the DEC Alpha platform - English Language Version
  Available only to customers in the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada, this version provides 128-bit encryption capabilities for computers running on the DEC Alpha platform.

Or.. You can-

---

Order Service Pack 6 on CD
The SP6 CD contains the same software as the download and also includes, on a separate directory, Internet Explorer 5.0, updated hardware device drivers, symbol files, and Windows NT Security Configuration Manager. The CD is available for order from this Web site only to customers in the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada. International customers can obtain the CD through their local Microsoft subsidiary.

---

Learn More

• System Requirements
  Check system requirements for SP6.
• Readme File
  See the Readme file for documentation about SP6 including installation instructions and a summary of fixes.
• Updates Catalog
  View list of updates in SP6.
• Installation Sequences
  Coming Soon!
  Consult recommended sequences for installing SP6 with other Microsoft products.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  Get answers to questions about SP6.
• Year 2000 Issues
  Find out the latest news about Year 2000 issues from Microsoft's Year 2000 Resource Center. Depending on currently installed software, additional steps may be required for Year 2000 issues. Microsoft recommends that customers consult the Year 2000 Product Guide at the link above.
• Security Updates
  Visit Microsoft's Security Advisor Web site for the latest security bulletins.
• Market Bulletin
  Read the market bulletin for SP6.
• SP6 Debug Symbols
  Coming Soon!
  Download Debug Symbol files for use in diagnosing application and computer crashes. Recommended for system administrators and other advanced users, Debug Symbol files are not required for proper operation of your computer.
• SP6 Checked Build
  Coming Soon!
  Download Checked Build files for use in diagnosing application and computer crashes. Recommended for system administrators and other advanced users, Checked Build files are not required for proper operation of your computer.
• Setupdd.sys
  Download hotfix installer and instructions (for both alpha and i386 versions). Recommended (sometimes required) for distributing SP6 in a network environment.

Cost Structure and Account Provision Policy

Residential Multi-Link Services

Residential Multi-Link services is targeted for personal or home-business users only.  Very often these service only require user to have properlly configured multiple internal modem on their system. 

Table 2-4 Illustrates various Multi-Link product we offer for residential customers.  Note that ISOT DO NOT charge any setup / activation fees for residential or business Multi-Link services.

Commercial Multi-Link Services

Commercial Multi-Link is designed to service medium to large businesses which requires non-interrupted, reliable, and generally permanent connection to internet via single or multiple analog (POTS) circuit.  Commercial Multi-Link usually is the economical alternative for having a dedicated T1 or switched 56k / ISDN services, due to reduced installation, minimum reoccuring cost and overall equipment investment.

Customer who wish to run LAN off Multi-Link setting are encouraged to have extensive knowledge for NT RAS services.  Customer will be responsible for setting up static route using Windows NT 4.0 Server, and configure static IP routing between NIC and Multi-Link devices. 

If you have any question as far as deciding which router should be used or having difficulty estimating your server / network equipment requirements, please contact us or Email: support@isot.com

Customer can park their DNS at ns1.isot.com and ns2.isot.com and allow ISOT to manage their domain name services (DNS), or we can assist customers to register the DNS at a cost of $100.00 (non-refundable).  This fee is good for 2 year, and after this period, customer should receive billing notification via mail, which is generated thru InterNIC.

Although ISOT can maintain your DNS requirement, we also permit businesses to run their own DNS server, Email Server and Web Server at customer location if they choose to do so.  Some standard services for Commercial Premium ISDN customers are -

• Virtual E-Mail, FTP, WWW (using standard FTP or FrontPage 98/2000 extension)
• Search Engine registration
• Business listing
• Customer access-router configuration
• DNS hosting (forward, and reverse) / delegation
• IP Firewall Options / Filtering Options
• Network status monitoring / Traffic reporting (if your router supports SNMP)
• SSL Enabled Web commerce with CGI capabilities, accessible via Telnet or SSH / SSH2

* Note (Please read): 

• Additional Email boxes (for Non-Business customers) are restricted to the same household
• All dialup account are guaranteed for 99% non-Busy signal policy
• Installation CDs are free provided customer can only borrow CD software package for period of 30 days.  User must return CD and waits for additional 30 days if he/she desires to borrow CD for purpose of updating existing installation software. Exception will be made to user which may experience technical difficulties with their system. New CD update with 100s of internet applications are available every 50 days to update you with the latest internet software
• Account (Dialup) login name maybe up to 15 characters, E-Mail account name maybe up to 32 characters
• No Account Activation / Account Setup Fees
• All Modem pools are Ascend / 3COM digital, 56K / V.90 compliant (56Kbps is the ideal connection speed, you're connection speed may very depends on overall line condition, modem model, CPU performance (for Win modems), and system software integrity)
• Unlimited Internet Access
• Free Technical Support (Account information is needed, i.e., login/password & day-time phone #)