RT-AX88U | Dual WAN | Route single device via specific connection | Virgin (modem mode) and BT Openreach modem

[chatmandu_uk]

Hi,

I have a very poor Virgin Media connection. The bandwidth is fantastic, but the latency is erratic and has peaked at 1000ms.

I've placed an order with gamingbroadband.com* to have my BT line reconnected and I would like to use that as a dedicated gaming connection. It's a 30 day rolling contract, so I thought I'd give it a go and see how they work out. If I manage to break my Virgin contract due to the poor connection, not being fit for purpose, I may use the new connection as my main broadband.

I have an old BT Openreach FTTC modem and I'd like to achieve the following:

• Connect Asus router to both the Virgin 'modem' and BT Openreach modem.
• Route all of my gaming PC's traffic via the BT Openreach modem.
• All other traffic via the Virgin modem.
• I have a single patch cable from the Asus router to my home office.
  • This connects to a Netgear managed switch.
    • Gaming PC
    • Aruba work VPN device
    • Home server

Is this possible?

• Could it be achieved using static routes or would I need to use the Dual WAN function?
• Does the Dual WAN function work?
• How would I configure the 'Load Balancing' for this requirement?

I haven't been reconnected to Openreach yet, so I can't see how the BT Openreach modem presents the connection on it's LAN port.

• If it presents a local IP (e.g. 192.168.0.1), then I presume Dual WAN won't be necessary and a static route could be used?
• If it presents a WAN IP (e.g. 80.3.2.3), then I guess Dual WAN is the only option?

Thanks,


* I called the helpline for gamingbroadband.com and was immediately answered by a friendly and helpful UK worker. I had a few specific questions regarding the service and was then transferred to the business owner. He explained that they were a subdivision of a specialist VOIP fibre company and their network is designed for low latency connections. He seemed to believe in his product and took the time to answer all my questions. I can't see customer support being a problem.

 

[ColinTaylor]

I haven't been reconnected to Openreach yet, so I can't see how the BT Openreach modem presents the connection on it's LAN port.

• If it presents a local IP (e.g. 192.168.0.1), then I presume Dual WAN won't be necessary and a static route could be used?
• If it presents a WAN IP (e.g. 80.3.2.3), then I guess Dual WAN is the only option?

You would have to use Dual WAN irrespective of what the IP addresses are because that's what you will have (two WANs).

 

[chatmandu_uk]

You would have to use Dual WAN irrespective of what the IP addresses are because that's what you will have (two WANs).

Any idea if it will work?

What ratio should I enter in the 'Load Balance Configuration' fields?

 

[ColinTaylor]

Sorry, I've no experience of using that option. I know there are lots of posts in these forums from frustrated users that couldn't get it to work properly. Whether those posts are representative of all users I don't know.