F5-BIG-LC-R2600 Link Controller

F5-BIG-LC-R2600 – Always-online internet access for SMEs

The F5-BIG-LC-R2600 is an intelligent link load balancing solution specifically designed to address enterprise multi-Internet egress (Multi-Homing) challenges. This LC module R2600 and the F5-BIG-LTM-R2600 are two completely different solutions based on the same hardware platform. The LTM manages internal data center server traffic, while the F5-BIG-LC-R2600 manages multiple Internet egress links (such as multiple broadband services from telecom, Unicom, Mobile) at your office or data center. Its core goal is to ensure the highest availability and best performance of Internet connectivity.

F5-BIG-LC-R2600 Features

20Gbps Link Aggregation Throughput
The F5-BIG-LC-R2600 can aggregate multiple physical links into a single logical “bandwidth pool,” providing up to 20Gbps total throughput. This allows you to combine multiple cost-effective commercial broadband connections to achieve bandwidth and reliability comparable to expensive leased lines.

Intelligent Inbound Traffic Routing
When external users access your services, the LC-R2600’s intelligent DNS feature identifies the user’s source IP and determines the link with the lowest latency for that user, returning the optimal link IP address.

Optimized Outbound Link Selection
You can set fine-grained routing policies for internal users’ outbound traffic; for example, routing latency-sensitive video conferencing traffic over the best quality leased line, while assigning high-volume downloads to cost-effective broadband. The LC helps intelligently “schedule” every bit of bandwidth, balancing cost and performance optimally.

Link Health Monitoring at Second-level Granularity
It continuously monitors all links’ health 24/7 (latency, packet loss, availability) with second-level probes. Upon detecting a primary link failure, it seamlessly and immediately switches all traffic to the backup link without user or staff noticing, ensuring your business never goes offline.

F5-BIG-LC-R2600 Key Datasheet

• L4/L7 Throughput: 20 Gbps / 13 Gbps
• Max L4 Concurrent Connections: 14M
• SSL TPS (2K Keys): 7,000
• Memory: 16 GB DDR4
• Primary Ports: 4x 10G RJ45, 4x 10G SFP+
• Hardware Redundancy: Optional Dual PSU, Single Drive

Q: Why do I need the F5 BIG-IP LC-R2600 if my company already has a firewall?
A: Firewalls and the LC-R2600 serve different purposes. Firewalls focus on attack protection; the LC-R2600 ensures link availability and performance, preventing outages and optimizing routing. They work together for both security and reliability.

Q: Does deploying the LC-R2600 require complex BGP routing knowledge?
A: No. The LC-R2600 simplifies multi-link routing and high availability without complex BGP setup. It also fully supports BGP for advanced networks.

Q: We have two broadband lines, but one is just a backup. How can the LC-R2600 help?
A: The LC-R2600 puts your backup line to use—utilizing both to double bandwidth. If one fails, it switches automatically, ensuring 100% reliability and maximizing your investment.

How Does the F5-BIG-LC-R2600 Ensure Multi-Link High Availability?
It lies in:

• Link Aggregation & Smart Load Balancing
  Combines links into a bandwidth pool, distributing traffic evenly to avoid overload/failure.
• Real-Time Monitoring & Fast Failover
  24/7 sub-second monitoring; instant switch to backups on link issues, no interruptions.
• Dual-System Redundancy
  Active/Standby setup with sync/heartbeats for rapid failover, eliminating single points of failure.
• Flexible Link Support
  Multiple 10G interfaces connect to diverse ISPs, boosting resilience.