[c-nsp] How to cross 1Gbps boundary economically?

[Joe Loiacono]

We have a saturating 1Gbps link (actually a redundant pair) and would like 
to upgrade as economically as possible. Two options come to mind right 
away: 2Gbps ether-channel, and 10Gbps. Because the 10Gbps option requires 
a fork-lift upgrade it is currently off the table.

Does anyone have experience with ether-channel when you throw in redundant 
firewalls and IDS's?

What is the most common way to pass this (perplexing) boundary?

Thanks,

Joe