For stability reasons, we architected this solution as a four-Ethernet port installation. Therefore, the only requirement is a four-port upgrade to existing units (approximately $500). In some cases, a service/support charge may also apply. For more information, contact our sales support team.

The good news is that in keeping with our licensing policy, there will be no additional license charges for this configuration.

NAT and DHCP represent a continuation of the constant evolution of the NetEqualizer. The past several releases have brought customers:

• CALEA probe functionality
• VLAN Shaping -- allows you to set a rate limit on an entire VLAN
• MAC Redirection -- prevents unauthorized users from accessing your network
• Bandwidth Pools -- allows you to set rate limits for entire subnets

With the NetEqualizer, improvements are always in the works. For more information on NAT and DHCP, or any of our recent advances, please contact us at admin@apconnections.net or 1-800-918-2763.

Can you guess which one of these companies is not using a NetEqualizer?

• USA Cycling at the Olympic Training Center
• Black Water USA - Afghanistan
• The Arthritis Foundation
• University of Western Michigan
• University of Colorado
• Whistler Ski Resort
• City of St Paul, Minnesota
• Telluride Public Schools
• Holiday Inn - US Capital
• New Haven Register - Connecticut's second largest Sunday newspaper

The answer is the University of Colorado. Despite being in our backyard, they are not a NetEqualizer shop...yet! Thank you to all of those who responded, and keep an eye out for the next trivia challenge.

ResNet 2008 will take place from June 21-25 on the campus of UNB in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Just like last year, it's sure to be a great time.

We'll be attending the Vendor Fair on Tuesday, June 24 from 12:30-4:00, so be sure to stop by to say hello and get the latest updates about NetEqualizer.

Check out the official ResNet 2008 page for more details. We hope to see you there!

Please let us know at admin@apconnections.net or 1-800-918-2763 if you would like any advanced information.

From many of our NetEqualizer users, we often hear, "I want to offer my customers a fixed-rate one-megabit link, but at night, or when the bandwidth is there, I want to let them have more". In most cases, the reasons for doing this type of feature are noble and honest. The operator requesting it is simply trying to allow his or her customers access to a resource that has already been paid for. Call it a gesture of good faith. But, in the end, it can lead to further complications.

The problem with this offering is that it can be like slipping up while training your dog. You have to be consistent if you don't want problems. For example, you can't let the dog lick scraps off the table on Sunday and then tell him he can't do it on Monday. Well, the same is true for your customers (We're not insinuating they are dogs, of course). If you provide them with higher speeds when your network isn't busy, they may be calling you when your contention ratios are at their peak during times of greater usage. To avoid this, it is best to not to let them ever go above their contracted amount - even when the bandwidth is available.

The Supply Side

Now that we've covered the possible confusion bursting may cause for your end-customer, we should take a look at how bursting affects an ISP from the perspective of variable rate bandwidth being offered by your upstream provider.