Member Avatar for PHIPH

i have 10 pc at home and currently i have been using internet connection sharing using a modem, my lan is managed by a switch. though now i need to apply a router to to my network.
what is the best way to set it up?

  • 3 Contributors
  • 4 Replies
  • 212 Views
  • 4 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by CimmerianX

Dani AI

Generated

As mentioned, the cleanest way to add a router to a switch-based LAN is to give the router the public/WAN links and let it handle NAT/DHCP while the switch stays unmanaged on the LAN side. For two ISPs and automatic failover, use a router that supports dual-/multi‑WAN so each ISP modem plugs to its own WAN port; those appliances offer both failover (primary->backup) and optional load‑balancing modes. (help.uisp.com)

Recommended, practical wiring and setup (applies to 's 10‑PC + switch layout):

  • Put each ISP modem on a separate router WAN port.
  • If a modem is a modem+router, put it in bridge/passthrough to avoid double NAT (or use DMZ for the router). (kb.netgear.com)
  • Configure each WAN on the router (DHCP/Static/PPPoE as required) and enable the router's DHCP for the LAN; disable any old Internet Connection Sharing/DHCP host. Connect the router LAN port to the switch uplink. (help.uisp.com)

Failover details and hardening:

  • Use the router's online‑detection/health‑check feature (ping or DNS checks) so it only fails over on real outages, not transient drops. Many vendor UIs call this Link Backup / Online Detection and let you choose ping targets. (support.omadanetworks.com)
  • For advanced/custom setups (RouterOS/etc.) use route metrics + gateway checks (example: set a ping check on the primary route so the secondary takes over when unreachable). (wiki.mikrotik.com)

Cautions and test plan:

  • Test by taking the primary WAN cable offline and verify traffic flips to WAN2. Expect sticky‑session problems for some VPNs or inbound services; plan for dynamic DNS or per‑WAN port forwarding if hosting services. For critical uptime, choose small‑business multi‑WAN routers that document seamless failover and monitoring. (draytek.com)

Notes: correctly pointed out that commercial dual‑WAN models exist — pick one whose UI and health‑check options match the desired failover behavior (failover-only vs. active load balance).

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for JorgeM

Your router will be connected to your modem on the router's WAN port. You can connect the router to your switch on an uplink port or connect using a crossover cable If the switch or router cannot detect the port configuration automatically.

The internet router will have different config options to help you log into to your ISP via the router unless the modem takes care of the login process. These details simply depend on the modem and router. Should not be a big deal to make the connection.

Member Avatar for PHIPH

thanks Jorge, though i want to use two different ISP, so how can i make it automatic when one connection goes down.

Member Avatar for JorgeM

There are routers on the market that support this type of configuration (allow you to connect to more than one WAN connection). These routers take care of the automatic failover. Does your Internet router have this option? If so, what trouble are you having setting it up?

If you dont have this option, what else do you have to be able to connect to two ISPs?

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

For example, Cisco-Linksys RC042 supports dual external WAN connections. When the primary fails, the secondary kicks in and everything routes automagically.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.