How to Configure Virtual Router Backup Protocol?
In this article, you will find out how to configure the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP).
Virtual Router Fallback Protocol (VRRP) is a computer networking protocol used for automatic default gateway selection for clients on a LAN network in case the main router becomes unavailable. Another VRRP router (Backup) assumes the role of Master; thus backing up the connection.
To configure VRRP we need;
- Two Teltonika Routers (supporting VRRP)
- An end device with an Ethernet port (e.g. a PC or laptop) to configure the routers and perform tests
- switch
You can find the example topology we will create below.
Routers and PC are connected to the same network via a switch (192.168.1.0/24). The purpose of the system is to provide Internet connection to the PC via the Master Router in case of failure of the Master.
Below is an alternative topology that does not include a Switch. The configuration is the same in both cases. However, while the above topology provides connection backup in case of any failure, the following topology only backups the connection if the Master Router loses its connection but remains available within the network (it does not backup the connection if the connection is lost, in this scenario it cannot backup if the Master loses internet access).
Alternative Topology;
This section provides the configuration parameters used for the MASTER and BACKUP Routers.
The table below is a screenshot of the VRRP configuration page for MASTER Router;
The configuration of the VRRP backup Router should be the same except for the Priority parameter (which should have a lower value on VRRP backup Routers).
PC Settings;
Now you will need to set up a static IP address configuration on your PC. For this example we will use the following parameters;
IPv4 address: 192.168.1.3 Netmask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.1.253 Testing and Troubleshooting;
To test whether the configuration works, disconnect the MASTER ROUTER from the internet (e.g. remove the cable or SIM card). If all is well, the PC should regain internet connection shortly after that.
Then reactivate the MASTER Router's cable or sim card.