Dual WAN router - gigabit

MovedGoalPosts · 01-11-2010, 15:08

Does such a thing exist, is it affordable, and does anyone use one?

I'm looking to provide some automated redundancy for our office.

We have an ADSL (BT type) broadband. We are going to add a Virgin Media cable broadband. The idea being that if the BT phone line dies, Virgin Medias service runs through different infrastructure so theoretically should still be there, or vice-versa.

So the next stage is to merge the two different incoming broadband services at the office network so it can use either. I believe in a normal state this would be load balancing whilst providing the connection redundancy.

I've seen references to the linksys RV042 routers but they only have 10/100 LAN ports. Anyone seen anything with 10/100/1000 LAN ports in addition to the dual WAN capability?

Jon T · 01-11-2010, 15:31

Sounds as if it might be simpler to get a dual WAN 10/100 router and then link it to a gigabit switch.

EDIT: Quick google found this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000X9BUA...SIN=B000X9BUAC

MovedGoalPosts · 01-11-2010, 18:41

Yep I was thinking along the 10/100 lines and linking that to a Gigabit switch, but in these days of being green a lesser number of networking devices is nice.

That netgear model is in the affordable price range and I suspect I could get it ceaper if I look around. Only issue is I've seen issues with netgear and VPN passthrough. In other words VPN didn't passthrough from an incoming connection to the server behind the netgear ADSL router, despite the router claiming to be fully VPN passthrough compatible. VPN is currently an important requirement for the boss who'd otherwise have to make an effort to get to the office every morning.

smcaul · 01-11-2010, 18:56

this any good? http://www.draytek.co.uk/products/vigor2920.html or this http://www.draytek.co.uk/products/vigor2955.html

MovedGoalPosts · 01-11-2010, 18:58

It could be. But I don't know that much about Draytek as a brand. Anyone used them much. It is something that needs to be solid 24/7 as the connection to the office can be used at any time and during business hours can get as many as 20 users pushing stuff through it.

smcaul · 01-11-2010, 19:03

I use a 2820 for my home network, I work from home. Mine has been virtually faultless over the last 2 years and is by far the best router I have ever used. having said that, as a single user, with maybe only the other half and the kids being on at the same time it does not get anywhere near the usage you describe!!

But they seem to be a popular business product so I would think others must be able to comment!

haydnwalker · 01-11-2010, 22:33

Draytek are known as quite solid bits of kit, my old work place used to use them as ADSL routers and VPN aggregators (we had about 20-30 staff that dialled in from home) and nobody ever complained about them.

Mr Smooth · 04-11-2010, 15:19

I have installed numerous Draytek 5510 and 2820 with this kind of setup. Sterling performance!

Kymmy · 04-11-2010, 16:37

Both Draytek and Vigor get the thumbs up from me.. they're normally a lot more configurable and designed for office work

domo247 · 04-11-2010, 22:02

I have installed a Draytek Vigor 2920 - as simple as Netgear/Linksys if required but highly configurable for experts if you know what your doing. Excellent firewall too.

Both the WAN ports work fine without any tweaking and the router is capable of simultaneously using the bandwidth from both internet connections or there is a setting to use one connection as a slave/backup only.

I would go for one of the Draytek's - they are designed to do what you want and more, not for home users browsing youtube in the kitchen.