Don’t use “Load Balancing” Mode
I can tell you that load balancing mode should not be used with WAN interfaces with high differences in latency, such as VSAT & Cellular, or VSAT & Starlink.
When using load balancing mode with these interfaces, there is a risk of uneven distribution of network traffic, which can lead to congestion and reduced network performance. Additionally, packet loss can occur when packets are routed through different connections, causing degraded network performance and increased latency.
What is Load Balancing ?
Load balancing is a technique used to distribute network traffic across multiple internet connections. In many cases, load balancing can improve network performance and increase the reliability of internet connectivity. However, when it comes to using load balancing mode with WAN interfaces with high differences in latency, like VSAT, Cellular, or Starlink, there are some significant risks and drawbacks that should be considered. In this article, we will explain why you should not use load balancing mode with WAN interfaces with high differences in latency and discuss some alternative solutions.
Technologies used onboard.
First, let’s understand what we mean by WAN interfaces with high differences in latency. VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a satellite-based communication technology that is often used onboard ships and in remote areas where terrestrial connectivity is limited or unavailable. Cellular connections use wireless technology to connect to the internet and can have varying latency based on signal strength, congestion, and distance from cell towers. Starlink is a satellite-based internet service provided by SpaceX that uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet access.
The Average Latency.
VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) networks typically have latency ranging from 500 to 800 milliseconds, which is relatively high due to the long distances that signals have to travel between the satellite and the user.
Cellular networks, such as 4G/LTE and 5G, typically have latency ranging from 20 to 50 milliseconds, which is lower than VSAT due to the shorter distances that signals have to travel between cell towers and the user.
Starlink, which is a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, is designed to offer lower latency than traditional satellite internet services. In initial testing, Starlink has demonstrated latency ranging from 20 to 40 milliseconds, which is comparable to cellular networks and much lower than traditional VSAT networks. However, actual latency can vary depending on factors such as network congestion and the number of users connected to a particular Starlink satellite.
What to do instead ?
One solution is to use a failover mode instead of load balancing. In failover mode, one connection is used as the primary connection, and if it fails, the other connection is used as a backup. This approach is less prone to the issues of uneven traffic distribution and packet loss that can occur with load balancing.
Another solution is to use an SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) solution. SD-WAN is a network technology that uses software to dynamically route network traffic across multiple internet connections. SD-WAN can optimize network performance by selecting the best path for each packet based on its destination, latency, and other factors. SD-WAN can also use link bonding to combine multiple internet connections into a single, high-bandwidth connection. This approach can provide improved network performance and reliability compared to load balancing mode.
Conclusion
Load balancing mode should not be used with WAN interfaces with high differences in latency, such as VSAT, Cellular, or Starlink. The risks of uneven traffic distribution and packet loss can lead to degraded network performance and increased latency. Instead, alternative solutions like failover mode or SD-WAN should be used to optimize network performance and reliability. By understanding the limitations of load balancing mode in this context, you can make informed decisions about how to best configure your network for optimal performance.
