Dual WAN offers both fiber and 5G connectivity options. Assistance is available to support your needs.
Dual WAN offers both fiber and 5G connectivity options. Assistance is available to support your needs.
I believe I've shifted focus toward discovering a viable answer for this issue. However, my language limitations and unfamiliarity with certain terminology are hindering progress. Here’s how I’m set up: Fiber ISP MODEM connected to an Orbi mesh network. My aim is to use my fiber connection as the primary WAN with 5G as a backup. Key challenges I face: 1. My fiber speed fluctuates between 4,000Mbps and 2.5Gbps per port; I can’t locate routers offering dual WAN with that capacity. 2. I prefer fail-over functionality over continuous 5G usage to avoid unnecessary costs. 3. I need a solution that leverages my actual throughput—currently around 1,000Mbps at home. 4. My setup involves many network switches and multiple LAN cables, making management difficult. 5. The 5G option should support an external antenna, which is important given my recent hurricane preparations in Puerto Rico. I’m seeking a more streamlined, reliable setup that works with my existing speed and future needs. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated; I’ve been researching extensively without finding a perfect match.
What model of modem are you using? Does it support LAN output via copper/ethernet or SFP? Who is responsible for your 5G service? Currently, with present WiFi technology, this setup should be quite limited. Wi-Fi 6E devices can reach higher frequencies on the 6GHz spectrum, but you'd need several units and compatible clients to achieve good coverage. WiFi 7 is still under development. The challenge goes beyond just the wireless layer—it's about whether your router or switch can sustain those high WAN-to-LAN speeds. You might need specialized equipment or opt for a multi-gig switch from your ISP instead. Why do you require 4Gbps? If you're paying for it but only using 1Gbps, you're wasting resources. I'd consider switching to a more affordable option and redirect the savings elsewhere.
I use the ISP modem they provided: DZS 5205P XGS-PON/10GS FiberLAN Desktop ONT. My mobile service is T-Mobile. I noticed most similar devices have speeds around 2,500 Mbps on "GAMING TM" models with Wi-Fi 6E. I have several wired connections to my PCs, so both computers connect directly to the modem via a 5Gbps LAN for high-speed tasks and a 1Gbps link to the OBI system for network access like streaming or media servers. My workload involves frequent large file transfers—Vectorworks, Wisiwig, Capture. I don’t need 4GB, but my ISP upgraded me for just 1GB per year ago without extra charge. It’s also enjoyable; I can watch games and download media in minutes on my PC.
This approach offers flexibility as long as you're willing to invest. For a home setup, consider an Ubiquiti device paired with SFP+ to RJ45 adapters to connect to your modem, then use a UniFi Enterprise XG 24 for high-speed Ethernet (10GB) across the network. Add LTE backup for redundancy and include several U6 Enterprise access points for Wi-Fi 6E. By the end, you could be looking at around $3500. 2.5GB networking is costly, but 10GB is quite reasonable.
5 Gbps connections are rare, so you might need to assemble a dedicated box with the ports required. I think 5 Gig cards are quite costly. The ONT should offer a 10 Gig port, which could be a better option since 10 Gig cards have been available for some time and may be more affordable. I’m confident this addresses the second point as well, and I’m sure failover functionality isn’t too complex.
3) PFSense doesn’t support WiFi natively, so adding wireless APs would likely help.
4) If you’re okay with running cables, set up a central switch for all connections. PFSense doesn’t handle switching efficiently, so you’d still need a proper switch.
5) You mentioned T Mobile, their gateway doesn’t allow external antennas. You must use only their equipment. I’ve seen people modify the gateway to work around this, but be aware you’ll have to pay T Mobile for it. Just remember they use CGNAT, so any solution will result in triple NAT when using their network. They don’t support bridge mode from what I understand.
Choosing Unifi means relying on AT&T for LTE backup, at least according to what I understand.
I noticed it clearly. My plan seems to match what Donut mentioned. I’ll connect via the T-Mobile gateway—though using their locked system in Puerto Rico isn’t the only choice, I’ve heard. Plug it into the Ethernet port and set everything up on the gateway. Sadly, AT&T is no longer available in Puerto Rico; it was taken over by Liberty and then declined from there.