Hardware > Security Appliances [WAN and Multi-WAN configurations]

WAN and Multi-WAN configurations can be found under Hardware > Security Appliances > Actions menu (...) > Edit WAN settings.

This will reveal the configuration panel.

Multi-WAN algorithms

If the Meter Security appliance has two active ISP connections either one of multi-WAN algorithms can be used:

First Active

The first port (lowest uplink priority, then lowest port number) with an active WAN connection will be preferred for all traffic, failing over to the subsequent WAN if it loses connectivity. Link priority can be changed on the Ports page for the Security Appliance.

Who should use this algorithm?

Mostly everyone. If the ISP connections do not have the same bandwidths available, it is recommended to use first-active.

Failover Behaviour

In the event of the active ISP going down - all connections will reset as they move over to the secondary ISP. This also happens during the failback to the primary once services are restored.

Round robin

If multiple WANs are available, traffic will be spread among them evenly. Devices with IP addresses ending in an even number route out of one interface. Devices ending with an odd number in their IP address route out of the other.

Who should use this algorithm?

Sites with 2 ISP connections that have equal upload and download bandwidth connections AND regularly reach bandwidth limitations of a single ISP.

Failover Behaviour

If a single ISP fails, clients using the failed ISP connection will have their connection interrupted and reset to route out of the functioning ISP. When the ISP connection is restored, the same clients will reset again during the failback. (depending on which ISP fails it will be clients ending with odd or even numbers that are interrupted).

Other WAN settings

Success threshold

Minimum success ratio for a WAN to be considered stable. This refers to the ‘ISP quality’ that is reported on the Network Insights page.

Ping Lookback

Number of ping rounds to consider for link quality assessment. The average of all rounds is compared to the success threshold. This alters the calculation used for ISP quality.

Failure Cooldown

Time in seconds to wait after a failover before another failover can occur.

Host monitoring Interval
Time in seconds between host monitoring pings. This alters the calculation used for ISP quality.

Host monitoring timeout

Time in seconds before timing out a host monitoring ping. This alters the calculation used for ISP quality.

When should these settings be altered?

Typically Meter Support may recommend altering these settings if an ISP is unstable. This is typical of backup LTE connections. Or if there is an upstream issue on an ISP network preventing the Meter Security Appliance from reaching one of the hosts used for the ping test. Otherwise, the default configuration should remain in place.

If you have questions about altering any of these values, or would just like assistance please don’t hesitate to contact Support at meter.com/support.