How to Set Up Your WatchGuard Firewall and Ensure Reliable Internet Backup

A WatchGuard Firewall is designed to protect your network and keep your business online no matter what. Whether you’re connecting wired devices like desktops and printers or wireless ones like laptops, tablets, and phones, this setup ensures your entire network stays secure and connected.

Below, we’ll walk through how to connect your WatchGuard Firewall and share best practices for maintaining reliable, redundant internet connections for maximum uptime.

Step 1: Connect Your Primary Internet (ISP)

Start by connecting your primary internet connection typically fiber or cable from your modem directly to the WAN port on your WatchGuard Firewall. This is your main internet feed and will handle all your day-to-day traffic.

In most business setups, this connection handles the majority of your network load, ensuring fast and stable access for both wired and wireless devices.

Step 2: Add a Secondary (Backup) Internet Connection

To protect your business from downtime, consider adding a secondary ISP connection. This can be configured for load balancing (sharing traffic between both connections) or failover (automatically switching to backup when the primary link fails).

Here’s the key: not all backups are equal. Using the same provider for both connections might not help if they share the same physical infrastructure.

Step 3: Connect Your Devices

Once your internet connections are configured, connect your devices to the firewall:

• Wired connections (like desktops and printers) plug into the LAN ports.
• Wireless devices (like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones) connect through the WatchGuard’s secure Wi-Fi network.
• You can also set up a Guest Network to keep visitors or temporary users separate from your main business systems.

Step 4: Choose the Right Backup Internet Type

When it comes to internet redundancy, diversity is key. It’s not just about having a second connection, it’s about having the right kind.

Using different types of connections or providers ensures true reliability. For example, AT&T owns most of the copper lines, so using two copper-based connections (even from different providers) doesn’t offer real redundancy.

Instead, combine different delivery types for better protection:

• Fiber + Copper: Great for areas with limited fiber coverage but stable DSL lines.
• Fiber + Cellular: One of the most effective setups fiber for speed, cellular for backup when the physical line is down.
• Copper + Cellular: A strong option when fiber isn’t available.

Best Practice: Use completely separate providers whenever possible. This ensures your business stays online even if one network experiences outages.

Step 5: Test Your Failover Setup

Once both connections are active, simulate an outage on your primary internet line. Your WatchGuard Firewall should automatically switch over to your backup connection with minimal interruption.

Regularly testing this feature ensures your business won’t experience surprises when it matters most.

Why This Setup Matters

Downtime can cost a business money, productivity, and reputation. By configuring your WatchGuard Firewall with multiple internet connections and using different providers or connection types, you’re building a network designed for resilience.

A well-planned failover strategy keeps your team connected, your customers served, and your operations running smoothly even when the unexpected happens.