Ultra 3 Network Layout
Network Wiring Plan, incorporating the small switch at the lower floor to split the Fibre Router’s connection.
Ultra Network Wiring Plan
The network consists of a Fibre Router, a UniFi Ultra Router, a Backup Router, a 24-port Switch, and a Small Switch. The Fibre Router provides the primary internet connection, while the Backup Router serves as a failover (and balancing) solution for the Ultra.
Network Overview
• The Fibre Router connects to a Small Switch in the "Ultra cupboard", which then splits the connection to both the Ultra’s WAN Port and the Backup Router’s WAN Port, ensuring both routers have a direct internet connection - albeit with double NAT.
• The Ultra serves as the primary router for the LAN, with its LAN ports connecting to the 24-port Switch, distributing the network to connected devices.
• The Backup Router is connected via LAN Port 1 to the Ultra’s WAN2 (Failover), allowing the Ultra to switch over to it in case the Fibre connection fails - which by definition relies on its 5G internet connection, so it will itself have failed over to 5G.
• Additionally, the Backup Router’s LAN Port 2 is connected to the Switch, ensuring that devices on the LAN can communicate with the Backup Router when necessary.Network Wiring Plan
| Device | Port Used | Connected To | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre Router | LAN Port 1 | Small Switch (Port 1) | Extends Fibre connection to both routers |
| Small Switch | Port 1 | Fibre Router LAN Port 1 | Receives internet from Fibre Router |
| Small Switch | Port 2 | Ultra’s WAN Port | Ultra gets internet from Fibre |
| Small Switch | Port 3 | Backup Router’s WAN Port | Backup Router gets direct internet |
| Ultra | LAN Port 1-2 | 24-Port Switch | Main LAN Network |
| Backup Router | LAN Port 1 | Ultra’s WAN2 (Failover) | Ultra uses Backup Router if Fibre fails |
| Backup Router | LAN Port 2 | 24-Port Switch | Backup Router provides LAN access when active |
Key Benefits of This Setup
✔ Eliminates the need for a second Ethernet run from the Fibre Router to the lower floor.
✔ Ensures both the Ultra and Backup Router get direct internet from Fibre for independent operation.
✔ Allows seamless fail-over—if the Ultra loses Fibre, it switches to the Backup Router’s WAN2 port.
✔ LAN devices can always communicate—whether the Ultra or Backup Router is in use.
✔ A small unmanaged Gigabit switch ensures plug-and-play operation with no complex setup.
Failsafe Considerations
• Use a high-quality unmanaged 5 port Gigabit switch (e.g., Netgear GS305, TP-Link TL-SG105).
• If the Fibre Router enforces MAC address binding, reboot it when changing devices.
• Confirm the Backup Router’s DHCP doesn’t interfere with the Ultra’s network - done by scope and reservations.
• The Ultra’s failover settings are set to automatically switch when Fibre goes down.What Happens in a Failure?
• If Fibre goes down, the Ultra switches to WAN2 (Backup Router).
• If the Ultra fails completely, the Backup Router can still provide direct LAN internet via its LAN Port 2.
• Devices on the LAN remain connected regardless of the active internet source.This setup keeps both routers online at all times while ensuring the failover works automatically.