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Backup connection with parallel antenna [solved]
Posted: Sat May 16, 2015 8:45 pm
by Benik3
Hello.
I have two Mikrotiks connected together with two antennas through LAN (24GHz main and 5GHz as backup).
Now I would like to make some system of the backup. The only idea which I got was to write script like this:
Ping remote router through LAN1 port (with 24GHz antenna). LAN2 port (with 5GHz antenna) is disabled.
If fail, change default gateway and enable LAN2 port.
Ping router through the LAN1 port, if the connection will start work again, change GW and disable LAN2 back.
It's a good idea or you have any better?
I didn't want to leave both antenna enabled, because I'm afraid of circulation of packets. Or not?
Thank you

Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Sat May 16, 2015 11:15 pm
by pukkita
Hello.
I have two Mikrotiks connected together with two antennas through LAN (24GHz main and 5GHz as backup).
Now I would like to make some system of the backup. The only idea which I got was to write script like this:
Ping remote router through LAN1 port (with 24GHz antenna). LAN2 port (with 5GHz antenna) is disabled.
If fail, change default gateway and enable LAN2 port.
Ping router through the LAN1 port, if the connection will start work again, change GW and disable LAN2 back.
Do a search on "load balancing" and failover, you'll find lots of ways to achieve that on this forum.
It's a good idea or you have any better?
I didn't want to leave both antenna enabled, because I'm afraid of circulation of packets. Or not?
Thank you

It depends, are the router interfaces connecting to the antennas in a bridge or same layer 2 segment? if not (routing) you won't have loop problems.
Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Sun May 17, 2015 3:57 pm
by Benik3
Do a search on "load balancing" and failover, you'll find lots of ways to achieve that on this forum.
Thanks, I will look. I tried to search something related to "backup connection", but I wasn't very successful...
It depends, are the router interfaces connecting to the antennas in a bridge or same layer 2 segment? if not (routing) you won't have loop problems.
The antennas are routed not bridged. Each have own /29 address space...
So maybe just adding some packet prioritization (to make the most of the connection through the 24GHz antenna) and it will be good.
Thanks for the reply

Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Sun May 17, 2015 4:02 pm
by pukkita
Ok, as connections are routed, no loop problems to care about.
No need for traffic prorization, just set two default routes:
- One through the 24Ghz PTP remote IP, distance=1
- Another through the 5GHz PTP remote IP, distance=2
With this the 5Ghz link will only be used if the remote IP of 24GHz PTP link is unreachable.
Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 11:34 am
by TomosRider
Just following what pukkita said, route AD is the key. Router will choose route with smaller AD and if it becomes unavailable, it will go on second route.
Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 1:14 pm
by Benik3
Thanks!
I just tried it. In one direction it works OK (upload), in the second (download) it still split the connection on both antennas :/
I tried to set the GW on both routers...
Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 1:35 pm
by pukkita
You have to set the gateways on routers on both sides.
Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 8:07 pm
by Benik3
As I said, I did it on both routers.
Here are screenshots. In the first picture you can see, that the download stream is divided (it's not always 50:50) and routing table. This router is connected to our provider of connectivity (eth1)
The second screenshot is from second router (deeper in our network).
Any idea?
Thanks
P.S. The 10GHz is the 5GHz antenna which I mentioned, I just forgot that we changed it
EDIT: pictures deleted
Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 10:37 pm
by pukkita
I supposed the scheme was router A <==== Wireless links =====> Router B.
If that is not the Scheme results won't be what expected.
I see you're already using OSPF, why don't you use interface costs?? just make interface cost on those with the 10GHz link higher than those connected to 24GHz links and OSPF will take care of the rest giving priority to paths with lower cost...
Re: Backup connection with parallel antenna
Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 10:42 pm
by Benik3
Yes. The scheme is like this. Exactly:
router A LAN1<--------24GHz wireless-------->LAN1 router B
router A LAN2<-------10GHz wireless-------->LAN2 router B
The cost on OSPF is good idea! I will test it, thanks!
EDIT: After setting OSPF interface cost and priority it works as it should. Thanks a lot!
