Available options include devices that support dual IP access for both Canada and the USA.
Available options include devices that support dual IP access for both Canada and the USA.
Looking for ways to run a dual network that lets US content through a home network while also supporting Canada devices. Here are some ideas I’ve considered:
1) Configure two separate internet services, each with its own dedicated network—one using a VPN for Canada and another for the USA, each with its own equipment.
2) Create two distinct VLANs, one for Canada and one for the USA, though figuring out how to route the correct IP addresses correctly is tricky.
3) Install two different VPN devices and physically link them via wireless access points connected to a switch, which in turn connects to a router linked to a bridge-modem setup.
4) Deploy a VPN on the router, but it only allows one connection at a time, meaning users in Canada or the USA would need to manually adjust settings.
5) VPN software varies across devices (like Apple TV, Netflix on LG WebOS, etc.), making management difficult.
6) There might be simpler alternatives to this approach.
My current setup includes:
- Cisco SG-200 26-port switch
- Ubiquiti edge router
- Asus RT-AX88U
- Shaw internet connection (1GB)
- NordVPN for personal devices
Devices I use: Apple TV, LG WebOS, Amazon Alexa, iPad, laptops, Apple Music, Google Play, Xbox, and Amazon apps.
Experience with VPNs has been frustrating, especially with Windows and the Microsoft Store—country restrictions often block features or prevent streaming. The main challenges are:
- Content not being available in Canada
- Regional access issues for services like Netflix, Hulu, and others
- Difficulty maintaining separate connections without manual changes
Ideally, I want a single network that handles routing and VPNs automatically, so users don’t have to tweak settings or switch networks. This would simplify management and avoid compatibility problems across devices. If possible, I’d appreciate learning about more straightforward solutions. I’m open to investing in better hardware if it delivers reliable performance.
With a reliable router setup, dual-WAN configuration is possible and you can direct traffic to particular addresses via designated WAN interfaces. These interfaces don’t need to be physical; a VPN connection is an option, yes. Preparing this setup involves significant effort—understanding networking fundamentals, routing, DNS, and router operation are essential. Begin by installing a suitable router OS such as OpenNMS or pfSense on the device you plan to use, then familiarize yourself with its features.
James Laitinen You already have an EdgeRouter, so consider policy-based routing through a VPN. Be aware that the EdgeRouter CPU may become the limiting factor for OpenVPN traffic, especially if many clients connect via it. The bandwidth available to users through the VPN is likely insufficient for more than one person at a time. An alternative approach could be running an OpenVPN client on a separate device positioned between the main router and all clients. I’ve tried this with AdvancedTomato on a Netgear R7000 before. I concur with @WereCatf that upgrading your router would be beneficial. I appreciate the EdgeRouter, but your setup calls for more powerful hardware.