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Forum Discussion
Solved
Optimal Network Architecture+Load Balancer+Router+Switch+Orbi+VPNRouter
Good Day,
I understand this topic may have been discussed previously, however I have a couple clarifications needed on my specific set up for peace of mind. Anyones assistance will be greatly appreciated.
*NOTE* I live in an area with poor internet speeds and quality. My Neighbours wifi signals do not reach my home.
Home Size: 10,000 SQFT or 875 SQM
Type: Open Concept but Concrete Walls and Ceilings
ISP 1: Cellular (SIM) based Modem/Inbuilt Router (50 Mbps)
ISP 2: Cellular (SIM) based Modem/Inbuilt Router (50 Mbps)
ISP 3: Fibre connected Modem/Inbuilt Router (15 Mbps)
Products:
TP-LINK - ER605 Load Balancer - Gigabit
TP-LINK - TL-SG1024D - 24 Port Gigabit Switch - Unmanaged
NetGear - RBR850 Orbi Mesh - 1 Primary & 2 Satellites
NetGear - NightHawk R7000P (Express VPN Flashed Router)
Cables - All CAT6
I wanted to confirm the best set up for optimized usage:
Currently I have wired everything as so:
1. ISP 1,2,3 Modem/Routers (SSID Broadcast Off) ----> Load Balancer ---> NightHawk R7000P (For VPN Across Devices - SSID Broadcast Off) ---> Netgear Orbi (Back Haul Connection in Router Mode) ---> Network Switch (All TV's - Receivers - Blu Ray Player - Playstation - Media Devices)
A. Is this the correct way to set up???
Issues:
1. Inconsistent Speeds - when I run a speed test on each ISP I get the correct amounts; but not when connected to the Orbi with all other devices off. I still do not get the combined speeds I should. Even with the VPN off. I assume this may be a load balancer issue but I am not sure what settings to tinker with.
2. I randomly have my wireless connected devices drop off the network. Even if I am next to the Obri Router or their access points. My laptop and phones at times won't connect at all until I forget the device and reconnect. With VPN on or off. The Wifi Bars are also full and DB range is -65.
I am not an expert by any means but I have tried my level best to reach this point. Any advice would be helpful to create a more stable & efficient environment.
Thank You.
Priyesh12 wrote:
When you refer to two VPN capable devices, I assume you mean the Night Hawk and Orbi.
No. The TP-LINK - ER605 Load Balancer is capable of acting as an OpenVPN Client. See page 133 of the user manual:
https://static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2022/202208/20220830/1910013241_ER605(UN)2.0_UG.pdf
Here's a description of the process:
https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/3135/
If all devices are connected to the Orbi and the plan is to have all devices use the VPN connection, then it doesn't matter whether the Orbi is in router or access point mode. There are certain applications which will be difficult to support when there are two routers (search for "Double NAT") and the general preference on the forum is to avoid a Double NAT.
6 Replies
It is not clear why there are two VPN capable devices in series.
SSID Broadcast "off" does not eliminate the actual WiFi signal. WiFi from the three ISPs and R7000P will probably not penetrate the concrete walls, but may affect the room where all the equipment is located.
Yes, most users would connect the switch to the 850 router so that all user devices are on the same LAN.
I have seen reports of WiFi issues on the 850 product, but do not have one myself and thus have not paid much attention (sorry).
CrimpOn Thank you very much for the response.
Just to clarify, you agree that the current architecture is correct in terms of product connections and paths.
When you refer to two VPN capable devices, I assume you mean the Night Hawk and Orbi. If so, I use Express VPN and I have not been able to figure out how to operate it on the Obri. I bought the NightHawk simply because ExpressVPN supplies a downloadable firmware for that model and they say the Obri is not compatible. Please do provide insight on this.
Should I use the Orbi in router mode or AP? If I keep the NightHawk as my router or continue the way
I have taken note of completely turning off the wifi on the other devices and will provide an update thereafter.
Thanks
Found one of your previous discussions over Express VPN on the Orbi, and you clarified that the Orbi will not be able to set up a VPN client, only host it for remote access.
Therefore I will need to keep the NightHawk in line. So I need to know whether I should use the Orbi in AP mode or router.
1. ISP 1,2,3 Modem/Routers (WIFI Off) ----> Load Balancer ---> NightHawk R7000P (For VPN Across Devices - WIFI Off) ---> Netgear Orbi (Back Haul Connection in Router Mode OR AP??) ---> Network Switch (All TV's - Receivers - Blu Ray Player - Playstation - Media Devices)