How to use Multiconnect channel bonding

Combine multiple internet connections for faster, more reliable transfers with the MASV Desktop App

You can combine more than one connection to the internet with Multiconnect in the MASV Desktop App. Multiconnect is channel bonding technology that provides faster, more reliable transfers.

Examples:

• Tight deadline: Combine your home or office network Wi-Fi with your cell phone's 5G connection to upload files faster.
• Unreliable internet on the road: Combine satellite internet with a mobile hotspot to keep transferring even if you lose your connection to one of them.

There's no extra cost to use Multiconnect and no special hardware is required, but keep in mind that your network providers will charge you according to your data plan.

Choosing how to connect

Multiconnect can use any network connection supported by the operating system that MASV Desktop App runs on--Windows, macOS, or Linux. And it supports as many connections as your computer allows.

Some example connections include:

• Wi-Fi to your office or home network
• USB tether to your 5G mobile phone in hotspot mode
• Ethernet to satellite internet

Verify your connections

Before you use Multiconnect, verify that the connections you want to use are active by checking the network connections on your computer. If you're not sure how to connect an internet source, refer to the corresponding Windows, Apple, or Linux Help for more information. You can also check Troubleshoot connection issues.

Windows example

For Microsoft Windows, go to Control Panel > Network Connections to confirm connections.

Mac example

For macOS, go to Settings > Network, to confirm your connections. The example below shows office Wi-Fi and a USB tether to access iPhone Hotspot data.

To set up Multiconnect

1. On the computer where MASV Desktop App is installed, confirm that the internet sources you want to use are connected (Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet...).

2. In the MASV Desktop App, in the upper-right corner of the window, select Settings from the app menu.

3. In the Settings window, select Speed from the sidebar.

   

4. Select the Enable Multiconnect checkbox. Your list of available connections appear in the Available Connections area.
5. Select the checkboxes for the connections you want to use. Selected connections appear in the Enabled Connections area. Connections that were enabled previously automatically appear in the Enabled Connections area.
6. If you want to control the bandwidth used for each connection, you can use the controls in the Speed Limits area. For information, see How to limit MASV bandwidth usage.
7. Select the X in the upper right corner of the window to close Settings.

Monitoring Progress

You can see each connection's upload and download speed by hovering your pointer over the round badge in the lower-right corner of the MASV Desktop App window. The badge indicates the number of active connections. There is also a Multiconnect icon that lets you quickly access Multiconnect settings.

When a connection is degraded or interrupted, you’ll notice that the app transfer rate for that connection slows down or stops. For example, bad weather can affect a Starlink satellite connection. The app reconnects automatically when an internet source is restored. An interrupted connection doesn’t affect other connections when Multiconnect is enabled.

Troubleshooting connection issues

Below you'll find some helpful links if you need help on how to connect a device or to troubleshoot connection issues.

• macOS: Connect to the internet with your Mac
• Windows: Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows
• Ubuntu Linux: Networking, web & email
• RedHat Linux: Configuring and managing networking

Mobile device connections

• iPhone or iPad: How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad
• Android: Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android