Chapter 6 Internet Connection
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## Chapter 6 Internet Connection

The basic function of WinRoute is connection of the local network to the Internet via one or more Internet connections (Internet links). Depending on number and types of Internet links, WinRoute provides various options of Internet connection:

A Single Internet Link — Persistent

  The most common connection of local networks to the Internet. In this case, only one Internet connection is available and it is used persistently (typically Ethernet, WiFi, ADSL or cable modems). It is also possible to use dial-like links which can be connected persistently, such as PPPoE connections or CDMA modems.

A Single Internet Link — Dial On Demand

  This type of connection is fit for links which are charged by connection time — typically modems for analog or ISDN links. The link is down by default and WinRoute dials it in response to a query demanding access from the local network to the Internet. If no data are transferred via the link for some time, WinRoute hangs it up to reduce connection costs.

Multiple Internet Links — Failover

  Where reliability (availability of the Internet connection) is an issue and two Internet links are available, the connection failover feature can help. If the primary link fails, WinRoute switches to the secondary link automatically. Users may therefore notice just a very short disconnection of the Internet connection. When the connection on the primary link is recovered, WinRoute automatically switches back to it. For most part of users, this operation takes so short to be even noticeable.

Multiple Internet Links — Traffic Load Balancing

  If throughput (connection speed) is an issue, WinRoute can use multiple links concurrently and spread data transferred between the LAN and the Internet among these links. In standard conditions and settings, this also works as connection failover — if any of the links fails, transferred data are spread among the other (working) links.

In all cases, WinRoute works in the mode of shared Internet connection. Sharing uses the NAT (IP address translation) technology, hiding the entire local network behind a public IP address of the firewall (or multiple addresses — depending on the type of Internet connection applied). WinRoute can also be used as a neutral router (router without NAT). However, this mode is not the best connection of the LAN to the Internet — it requires expert configuration and advanced security.

This involves selection of the Internet connection type in the Configuration → Interfaces section of the WinRoute configuration, setting corresponding interfaces for connection to the Internet and definition of corresponding traffic rules (see chapter 7.3 Definition of Custom Traffic Rules).

### Hint

All necessary settings can be done semi-automatically with use of Traffic Policy Wizard — see chapter 7.1 Network Rules Wizard. Following chapters provide with guidelines for setting of individual Internet connection types as well as with description on configuration of the corresponding interface and traffic rules in the wizard. The information available there can be used for customization of settings (e.g. for setting of a new local subnetwork or for change of Internet connection).

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Chapter 5 Network interfaces | Contents | 6.1 Persistent connection with a single link