Utilizing Two ISP Connections for Redundancy and Reliability in Network Setup

In networking, redundancy is a common practice adopted by many businesses and even individuals to ensure that their internet connections are reliable and robust. This article discusses how to set up two ISP connections into one switch for enhanced reliability and redundancy, particularly for those facing unreliable connections with their current internet service providers.

Redundancy in networking involves having multiple pathways or connections to ensure that if one fails, the other is ready to take over. This is especially important for businesses and individuals who rely heavily on internet connections for their operations or data transmission.

Network Redundancy Setup

The typical setup for a home network or small enterprise is as follows:

ISP router connected to switches Switches connected to multiple patch panels in a cabinet

However, when an ISP connection is unreliable, using two ISP connections can significantly improve the overall performance and reliability of the network. This setup can be achieved by utilizing a single switch to connect both ISP connections, or by employing two routers with a high level of functionality.

Ingredients Needed for Network Redundancy

For a reliable and redundant network setup, consider the following ingredients:

For Up to 350 Mbps

23 or 4 ISP connections (Cable, Fiber, Cellular, or Starlink) A medium functionality router from brands such as Cisco, MikroTik, hEX, Ubuntu Edgerouter-X, OpenWRT, DD-WRT, or Vanilla OpenBSD Optionally, a Wi-Fi access point (WIFI-AP) from a trusted brand

Create an Ethernet port to function as an ISP line and need to be firewalled. Ensure that the router can NAT traffic for the specified line. Additionally, define a specific test to make sure the line is up and running, such as pinging a specific IP every 30 seconds.

For High Redundancy Setup (Up to 300/400 Mbps)

Two medium functionality routers from the same brand for consistency and ease of configuration Two medium functionality switches with STP 802.1D Wi-Fi Mesh APs to distribute Wi-Fi coverage between the two switches

In this setup, define the ISP lines and load balancing strategies for each router. Configure DHCP servers for automatic failover mode on both routers. Implement VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) to ensure that the default gateway IP address is virtual and automatically transferred.

High-Speed Network Setup

For faster speeds, such as 1 Gbps, consider more powerful routers that are capable of handling Gigabit speed. Some suitable options include:

Mikrotik RB5009UPrSIN (ARM processor, near 10 Gbps mark for about $300) High-end residential Wi-Fi routers from Asus or similar brands (convertible to OpenWRT)

These routers often come with more I/O ports, including POE, making them ideal for expanding the network. The cost is significantly higher than the cheaper options but offers unbeatable value for those requiring a robust setup.

Monitoring and Security

Continuous monitoring of the network is crucial. Ensure that you have a software solution for monitoring the network, especially if the ISP lines are of similar speed. This helps in identifying and addressing any issues promptly. Additionally, avoid installing IoT devices and IP security cameras on the network where critical data is stored, as they often have poor security features.

Security breaches and failures can lead to downtime and data loss, which can be catastrophic. Regular monitoring and updated security protocols can significantly reduce the risk of such incidents.