What is a Dual-WAN Router?
Dual-WAN routers (or a WAN-WAN router) are routers that connect your LAN and WAN to two separate networks. The idea is that you can have a separate network for the internal traffic and a separate network for the external traffic.
For example, if you have a company network and a separate network for the internet, then you can run two different networks on your router, one for the company and one for the internet. This will allow you to have more flexibility and control over your network. To further understand what a dual router is, let’s take a look at how it works below.
How a Dual-WAN Router Works.
A router that has two internet connections is called a dual-WAN router. In the event that one of the lines fails, it enables the user to have a backup connection. It can also be utilized as an internet switch to link together several networks. DSL or cable can both be used with a Dual-WAN router.
You may build “Layer 3” or “Network Address Translation” with a Dual-WAN Router.
This implies that for increased routing flexibility, you will be able to share devices over your LAN and WAN connections in addition to just connecting them to one another on your network. This article will describe how a Dual-WAN Router functions and how it can assist simplify your daily life by removing some of the stress in managing connectivity problems.
What Exactly is a Dual-WAN Router?
A router that can use two WAN connections at once is known as a dual-WAN router. Another name for a dual-WAN router is an active backup or active-active. Data traffic is routed across a primary WAN connection and a backup link by a dual-WAN router. The router starts routing all of its incoming data traffic over the backup connection as soon as the primary link stops working. This process continues until the primary link is operational again.
Dual-WAN routers are beneficial for high availability and load balancing. A network that equally distributes traffic across two or more connections is known as load-balancing. As a result, router users can enjoy better performance with reduced downtime. A system is referred to as having high availability if it can continue to function even when one or more of its components fail. This is accomplished by providing backup components that can take over right away if the main component breaks.
Functions and Usability
An ADSL (cable, xDSL) modem and a 3G/4G dongle are commonly used in a dual WAN router to provide backup connectivity in the event that one of the connections fails. The setup creates an always-on connection that enables simultaneous connections to both broadband networks for the user. This implies that in the event that one Internet connection fails, another is constantly active.
For the most part, this kind of router operates in the same way as a standard router. One Internet connection for your home is built using two ISP connections. By doing so, you may connect all of your devices to a single, reliable connection that offers faster download rates across both networks. If the primary connection fails, the backup connection takes over as long as there is power.
What advantages can dual-WAN connections offer?
The use of Dual-WAN has a number of advantages. Allowing for load balancing first enables optimum routing. This is especially helpful in settings like data centers where incoming traffic has varying levels of priority. Second, it offers DR (Disaster Recovery) capabilities, enabling quick recovery.
Thirdly, by utilizing two different networks, it offers a higher level of security. Fourth, it increases versatility because any network-connected device may be set up to function as an automatic virtual gateway (AVG). While an AVG is comparable to a gateway, it need not be one of the two common routers.
Any appropriate device linked to either WAN link that serves as an access point is acceptable. The ability to configure failover is the final advantage of employing a Dual-WAN. This enables the network to seamlessly transition to the other WAN connection in the event that one is lost or disabled.
What disadvantages do Dual WAN Routers have?
The primary disadvantage of a Dual WAN router is that you must buy it separately. Alternatively, if your ISP provides this option, they frequently charge a premium for the service. Having a Dual WAN Router has the additional disadvantage of being quite difficult to configure.
This kind of router will probably need to be configured by a professional, so the cost of the service will be higher. Furthermore, not all ISPs provide the same level of stability.
Conclusion
A device with two different WAN connections is known as a dual-WAN router. When one of your ISP connections goes down or becomes unreliable for whatever reason, you can utilize the other as an emergency backup. The other connection connects to the Internet. You may switch between ISPs with a dual-wan router as needed, eliminating the need to worry about purchasing new hardware each time you need access to a different service provider.
The advantages and disadvantages of using these routers are straightforward: they’re inexpensive, and offer peace of mind because a backup internet provider is always available in case your primary internet provider should ever go down, but they don’t offer many advanced features like load balancing or failover routing so it might not be suitable for companies.