Question 1

What is next-generation link balancing?

Accepted Answer

Standard link balancers operate at Layers 3 or 4, giving them limited capabilities for proactive performance enhancements and business continuity. SC//Connect Link balancer operate at Layer 2, and can intervene on higher Layers as well, all the way to Layer 7 - the Application Layer. This range of action sets the SC//Connect Link Balancer apart as a next generation link balancer. In addition to its firewall and site-to-site VPN features, the SC//Connect Link Balancer can balance inbound traffic, support geographic redundancy deployments, prioritize application traffic, and much more.

Question 2

Do we need to install any equipment or change our router or firewall?

Accepted Answer

The SC//Connect Link Balancer can be deployed without any reconfiguration to your firewall. Connect it between your ISP router and firewall, power it up, and we will do the rest remotely. 
You do not have to change your existing router or firewall, but in many cases there is an opportunity to retire obsolete network appliances.

Question 3

Is SC//Connect Link Balancer similar to Elfiq Networks solutions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SC//Connect Link Balancer is built on the proven ELFIQ® platform, delivering the same trusted performance and advanced link balancing capabilities used by Elfiq customers worldwide.
It continues to support demanding use cases like high-bandwidth environments, application hosting, and multi-site network redundancy—leveraging unique capabilities such as inbound traffic management and geographic failover. 
As part of Scale Computing’s SC//Connect portfolio, it extends that legacy into modern environments with flexible deployment options and stronger alignment to today’s distributed IT infrastructure—while remaining a powerful, standalone appliance for a wide range of link load balancing scenarios.
For existing Elfiq customers, it’s the same technology you trust—now part of a broader platform designed for the future.

Question 4

Is it easy to add bandwidth to an existing site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the SC//Connect Link Balancer provides the flexibility to scale by simply adding additional links to get more speed as it can leverage any inexpensive broadband internet connection. 
Based on your current and future bandwidth requirements, and on the types of ports you require, our team will recommend the right appliance for you. 
Licenses go from 100Mbps to 40Gbps. Prorated license fees may apply when the additional site bandwidth goes into a higher license tier.

Question 5

What’s the difference between link balancing and load balancing?

Accepted Answer

Link balancing distributes WAN/ISP traffic across multiple links to increase capacity and resilience at the network edge, for both outbound and inbound flows. Load balancing (or server load balancing) distributes application traffic across servers inside a data center. They solve different problems and often complement each other.

Question 6

Does SC//Connect Link Balancer make my Internet faster?

Accepted Answer

The SC//Connect Link Balancer increases available bandwidth by adding up multiple links and steering sessions across the best paths. This protects throughput from latency and congestion, improving real-world performance for voice, video, and SaaS—often more effectively than buying extra bandwidth.

Question 7

Can SC//Connect Link Balancer improve VPN and remote-access performance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the SC//Connect Link Balancer enhances inbound access with Intelligent DNS and Service Verification. It directs remote users to the best live link, keeping VPN and hosted services responsive even during congestion or outages, without changing your firewall or VPN platform.

Question 8

Do I need SC//Connect Link Balancer link balancing or SD-WAN? What’s the difference?

Accepted Answer

Link balancing solves access reliability and capacity; SD-WAN adds centralized overlays. Many start with SC//Connect Link Balancer to stabilize their internet performance, then layer SD-WAN for multi-site control. Both can complement each other for full flexibility.

Question 9

How do I choose the right SC//Connect Link Balancer model for my site?

Accepted Answer

Size by combined bandwidth, number of links, and peak sessions, but make sure to leave room for growth! SC//Connect LinkBalancer platforms scale easily with high session counts and multiple ISP links, so you can expand without redesigning.

Question 10

I have MPLS. Do I have to replace it?

Accepted Answer

Different types of traffic require different types of networks. While broadband internet is generally the best option for cloud traffic, MPLS is still a tried and true technology when it comes to wide area networks. SC//Connect Link Balancer solutions can support and balance traffic on multiple broadband and MPLS links concurrently.

Question 11

I have MPLS. Do I have to wait for my contract to end?

Accepted Answer

The SC//Connect Link Balancer can help you facilitate your transition away from MPLS before the end of your contract. Since our Link Load Balancers can handle internet and MPLS simultaneously, you can start deploying your SC//Connect Link Balancer right away, and simply move all your traffic over when the contract ends.

Question 12

What kind of reports can I see about my network?

Accepted Answer

SC//Connect Link Balancer Central provides secure, role-based access to online reports. You can easily track network incidents for each of your links, at every one of your sites, obtain reports on bandwidth consumption, and even see the breakdown by application (option). Monthly email reports provide insight on link uptime, outages prevented, and top applications by bandwidth usage.

Question 13

What’s the difference between bandwidth and throughput?

Accepted Answer

Bandwidth is the maximum capacity of a link; throughput is the actual data delivered under real-world conditions. Throughput is affected by latency, jitter, and packet loss. SC//Connect Link Balancer improves real-world throughput by aggregating multiple ISP links and steering sessions across the healthiest path, reacting to live link conditions.

Question 14

How does SC//Connect Link Balancer keep us online during ISP outages?

Accepted Answer

The SC//Connect Link Balancer maintains uptime by failing over sessions to healthy links in real time. It monitors link health and steers sessions away from failing ISPs. New sessions will no longer be sent to a bad link until it’s back online and healthy. High-availability and LAN failsafe add extra resilience, minimizing downtime from outages or brownouts.

Question 15

Am I introducing a single point of failure to my network?

Accepted Answer

In the event that the SC//Connect Link Balancer appliance becomes unresponsive or loses power, it goes into passthrough mode to prevent any interruption to your business. 
Note that while the unit is in this mode, optimization features are unavailable.

Question 16

Do you support High Availability deployments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Two SC//Connect Link Balancers can be deployed in an Active-Passive configuration. If the Active unit becomes unresponsive, traffic is transferred to the Passive unit to ensure business continuity. Book a live demo to learn more.

Question 17

Does SC//Connect Link Balancers support LTE?

Accepted Answer

All SC//Connect Link Balancers support LTE, 4G, 3G through delivered over USB modems.

Question 18

How does the SC//Connect Link Balancer prioritize the applications that matter most?

Accepted Answer

SC//Connect Link Balancer identifies thousands of applications and services, and applies QoS, allowing critical services like voice and video to get priority. Low-priority traffic is shaped during congestion, ensuring business apps stay responsive.

Question 19

How is SC//Connect Link Balancer different from per-packet WAN bonding tools?

Accepted Answer

The SC//Connect Link Balancer uses session-based steering instead of per-packet bonding, avoiding reordering and slow-link drag. Each session stays on one healthy link, while many sessions spread across all links for aggregate capacity. This ensures consistent performance without packet reassembly.

Question 20

Will SC//Connect Link Balancer work with my existing firewall and network design?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SC//Connect Link Balancer is transparent thanks to its Layer-2 design, so you keep your current firewall, IP plan, and routing. It can mix private and public links, letting you evolve to a hybrid network without renumbering or forklift upgrades.

SC//Connect™ Link Balancer

Flexible Networks with Rock-solid Performance

Fast, Reliable Networks with Complete Visibility and Control

A Better Network Experience

SC//Connect Link Balancer

Enterprise-Grade Network Failover

Enjoy Powerful Network Capabilities

Find the right model for your business

Core Series Mk 2

For Large Sites, Data Centers

Core Series

For Medium-Large Sites, Data Centers

E-80 Series

For Enterprises and Public Sector

E-40 Series

For Small-Medium Branch Offices

LinkCare Maintenance & Support Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

SC//Connect™ Link Balancer - Core Series

SC//Connect™ Link Balancer - E-80 Series

SC//Connect™ Link Balancer - E-40 Series

See What Others Have To Say About Scale Computing

Calculate Total Cost of Ownership: Empower Your IT Decision-Making and Gain Personalized Cost Analysis and Insightful Savings