Only one standard gateway is available.
Only one standard gateway is available.
Hey there! I just purchased a 4G router and it’s really convenient. I can connect wherever I am. Now I’m thinking about using it at home when my DSL connection isn’t working properly. The main issues I have are: I need only certain devices to use the 4G network, they should switch back to my DSL connection automatically when 4G isn’t available (my friends sometimes borrow the mobile router). Also, those devices must be able to connect to the WiFi mesh network seamlessly. As far as I understand, on Windows you can easily set up an alternative gateway without too much trouble. For Android users, I’d like the system to handle routing so the right gateway is used. I also noticed that the DSL modem/router combo I have is a Fritzbox 7530 version, while my 4G router is a Speedbox 2 made by ZTE for Deutsche Telekom. Thanks! Updated on December 23, 2020 by TitanOne
It's possible using certain routers, like connecting the Speedbox 2 as an additional WAN, though it might be more expensive and complicated than expected. Working with pfSense is fine, but it could add unnecessary cost and complexity.
The issue is that the particular Fritzbox model lacks a WAN port, which adds extra complications. I’m hesitant about spending 150€ on a used unit with this feature. Adding a dual WAN router seems uncertain for my setup, especially since the WiFi Mesh relies on the Fritzbox functioning properly. Placing the 4G router near the Fritzbox isn’t ideal—it would require navigating two solid walls to reach a window. I might consider connecting via fiber between floors, but that could be quite challenging and likely still need another device.
You must choose your requirements carefully. A WAN port isn't required on the 4G CPE because it's a 4G connection. The WAN is separate. As long as you have a LAN port, that's acceptable. Depending on your current setup and need to maintain Fritzbox mesh capabilities, installing a dual-WAN router with load balancing and failover would disrupt some functions if not done correctly. Ideally, both devices should operate in bridge mode—disabling their full router/switch/AP features and using them just as modems. This would disable mesh functionality on the Fritzbox side. The dual-WAN router handles load balancing and failover (available on many Ubiquiti EdgeRouters). On the LAN side, you can link various switches, APs, or even a different mesh network. Clients accessing these devices won't notice changes in WAN performance since the upstream router manages it. All connections must go through the switches/APs downstream from the dual-WAN router for failover to function properly.