How to Setup WAN Aggregation on Netgear and Asus Wifi Routers

If you own any of the popular routers from either Asus or Netgear, there is a chance that they offer WAN Aggregation. If you want to setup WAN aggregation, read our article to know the steps.

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The multi-Gigabit offerings from ISPs has been one of the most preferred network connections these days. A multi-gig network refers to an internet connection that offers a network speed over 1 GBPS by a network teaming of multiple WAN connections. You will need to configure ethernet port aggregation if you want to achieve the multi Gig internet speeds. However, a business internet connection will ideally require you to have access to a highly available, fast internet over a WAN aggregation set up.

Related: Best Dual WAN Routers

Table of Contents

What is WAN Aggregation?

WAN aggregation is one type of Ethernet port aggregation. This kind of aggregation helps you link two ethernet ports, and the device will treat the two connected ports as one single connection.

There are two types of aggregations available. The two aggregation options available can be summed up as Wide Area Network (WAN) Aggregation, and Local Area Network (LAN) Aggregation.

The LAN aggregation is related to your home network. An aggregated LAN network will work efficiently with the devices connected to your router. An adequately managed LAN aggregation provides you access to better throughput and bandwidth. This also provides you with access to help in network redundancy in case one of the links fails.

Related: LAN Aggregation Routers for NAS

The WAN aggregation, on the other hand, is associated with the cable modem you would be using. An aggregated WAN connection will help you to achieve a seamless connectivity option. It will also help you to set up a highly available WAN link with optimized usage of speed and bandwidth from multiple ISPs. If you want to accomplish the WAN aggregation, your modem or router should support the feature of WAN aggregation.

What are the benefits of WAN aggregation?

WAN aggregation is also referred to as Multi-Link aggregation. It also relates to link load balancing. You can either deploy WAN aggregation as a single-sided or double-sided option. It can be quite beneficial for improved application performance and enhances the predictability when you are facing network congestions.

This can also be quite beneficial when a link goes down, or a router failure occurs. A WAN aggregation can be a good option for smaller businesses and can prove to be efficient and easy to manage. Moreover, these days, it tends to be an affordable option in more ways than one.

How to enable WAN Aggregation on Asus routers?

Before you can opt for a WAN aggregation on an Asus router, make sure that the router does support WAN aggregation. Without the support available on the individual router, it may not be possible enough to achieve it.

One of the routers from Asus that does support WAN aggregation is Asus RT-AX88U. Let us check out the WAN aggregation on the popular Asus router. A WAN aggregation is used for combining two Gigabit networks to increase the bandwidth. Make sure your router does support LACP-IEEE 802.3ad. Otherwise, you may not be able to achieve WAN aggregation.

Here is how you would be able to enable or set up WAN aggregation –

Connect your router to your laptop or computer. Make sure your computer is connected to your router’s network.
Visit the link http://router.asus.com using any of your favorite browsers. We prefer Google Chrome, though.
Once prompted Login to your router using your login credentials.
Once that done, follow the following path –

Advanced Settings > WAN> Internet Connection

Under Basic config, locate the option for WAN Aggregation
Click on Yes radio button.
Click on Apply

Please note that WAN connection does support both Automatic IP or Static IP only.

Next, you will need to configure WAN aggregation on your cable modem. To do this, follow the steps here below –

Launch your web browser from your computer connected to your cable modem.
Go to your admin page and login with your credentials.
Enable the LACP-IEEE 802.3ad
Connect your modem and router with the Ethernet cables
Make sure you have the wires with the same configuration. Go with either 10/100M or Gigabit cables.
Connect the WAN port of your router to the LAN port of your modem.
Connect the LAN 4 port on your router to another LAN port on your modem.

Under Network Map section, you should find the confirmation for WAN aggregation. That does it, and you have configured the WAN aggregation with ease.

There are a few pointers that you may need to check out. Configuring Dual WAN and WAN aggregation simultaneously may not be possible. You can set up any one of them at a time. If you configure one of the settings, the other one will be disabled. If your ISP has assigned the LAN 4 port for the IPTV services, you will not be able to use the WAN aggregation.

There are a few pointers you may need to pay attention to. Ensure that the LAN ports on your modem are connected to the WAN and LAN 4 ports on your router. You will need to have the two cables of the same type. Different cable types could be a concern. If the connection is not established, it may help you out to reboot your device.

How to enable WAN Aggregation on Netgear routers?

The Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 from Netgear is one of the prominent options that have the WAN aggregation compatibility. It does support both WAN and LAN aggregation options. Please note that the modem you would connect to the router should support Link Aggregation Control Protocol or LACP.

Here are the steps that should help you opt for the WAN aggregation on your Netgear router.

Launch your favorite web browser.
Make sure you are connected to the same network that your router is linked to.
Visit the website at the link http://www.routerlogin.net
Enter your router username and password to login to your account.
Choose the option Internet
Locate the Wan Preference section and choose it.
Choose the radio button for Multi-Gig Internet (1 Gbps + 1 Gbps)
Click on Apply

Next, connect the modem to your router. Ensure that you have opted for two ethernet cables of similar type. Connect the WAN port and LAN 1 port on your router to the aggregated port of the modem.

Once the connectivity is established, you should find that Ethernet Port Aggregation Status is changed to Active from being inactive.

How Effective is WAN Aggregation?

Well, WAN aggregation can be an excellent option you would be able to use with the aim of WAN optimization. The WAN aggregation can also be helpful enough to achieve a diversified connection over multiple ISP connections.

WAN aggregation can be an excellent option for a highly optimized utilization. A perfectly achieved WAN aggregation can help you improve the performance, reliability, and cost advantages.

The Concluding Thoughts

WAN aggregation can be an excellent option to help you achieve the best results concerning the connectivity and its optimization. We assume the tips outlined here should help you set up the best results for establishing a WAN configuration on both the Netgear and Asus routers.

Follow the tutorial above and ensure a complete WAN aggregation on your device.

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