Seamless Internet Redundancy: How to Set Up Mikrotik Router with Broadband and LTE for Uninterrupted Connectivity
A week ago, my fiber optic internet was unexpectedly severed, resulting in a disconnection that persisted for a frustrating three days (Click here to read more). This disruption affected my entire local area and even forced me to miss an important exam, leaving me in a state of despair. It was a wake-up call, prompting me to explore alternative solutions to avoid being solely dependent on my broadband connection.
Initially, I contemplated acquiring a secondary connection from a different Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, I soon realized that I might still be susceptible to a similar problem, given the reliance on fiber optics. After a thorough examination of various options, taking into account factors like implementation costs and complexity, I arrived at the conclusion that LTE (Long-Term Evolution) serves as a robust and viable backup option.
Objectives
Raise awareness about redundancy.
Document the configuration and components.
Set up my network.
Requirements
Mikrotik Router with USB Port (My choice: hEX S RB760iGS)
USB 4G LTE Modem or Pocket WiFi (My selection: Huawei E5577). Check the Peripherals section for compatible models.
Activating Your 4G LTE:
Ensure you have an active data package and that your modem or mobile WiFi device can connect to the internet.
Connect your Modem/Mobile WiFi to your Mikrotik router via USB. Depending on your modem, you may need an additional cable. I used a micro USB cable to connect my Huawei MiFi to the Mikrotik.
Check the USB Connection:
Navigate to System -> Resources -> USB to check for the modem you've just connected. If you don't see it listed, it may not be supported, and you'll need to consider an alternative.
Setting Up the LTE Interface:
Navigate to the "Interfaces" section in your router's settings. An LTE Interface should be automatically generated for you. However, depending on your specific device, you may need to configure the Access Point Name (APN) as well.
With the LTE interface set up, you should now have a functional connection. To test it, temporarily disable your primary internet interface. Once disabled, you should observe activity on the LTE interface, indicating that it's functioning as the backup connection.
Route table
Two default routes will be configured. The router will prioritize the primary connection over LTE because it has a smaller distance.
Both the broadband and LTE interfaces will remain active for routing purposes as long as the Ethernet cable is connected. Even if the internet is down, the router will persist in attempting to route traffic over the broadband connection.
To switch over to the LTE interface, a semi-manual process is required. The primary interface should be disabled and then re-enabled when the internet is up again.
In my configuration, I intentionally require human interaction for several reasons:
Reliability of Broadband: My broadband connection is exceptionally reliable compared to the other available connections in my area. Therefore, I have chosen to prioritize it. In the event of a temporary broadband outage, I can access the router and manually disable the broadband interface to reroute traffic through LTE.
Cost-Efficiency of Mobile Data: Mobile data can be expensive, and I want to have full control over when my network switches to LTE. By manually enabling it, I can keep a close eye on data usage and make informed decisions.
Portability and Versatility: I have selected a Mobile WiFi unit that allows me to carry it with me when needed. This flexibility enables me to connect it to my Mikrotik router when the broadband connection is down, ensuring I have internet access wherever I go.