Adding Starlink Backup for fiber replacement project - MX, Auto-VPN, and VLANs

[kent-at-bci]

We currently have 6 site connected using 1 Gbps - 40 Gbps fiber. switches (ms355 and c9300) using L3 switching and core ms450 stack routing before hitting the firewall. 

We are planning on replacing the 20-year-old fiber with a 144-strand single mode fiber for the next 20 years. During this time, the fiber to one or more of the buildings will be replaced, and the fiber connection between the buildings offline. 

Our solution is to place a MX68 + Starlink at the hub and each spoke building. This will act as backup after the fiber project, and keep the building online during the fiber replacement project.

I was hoping to set up OSPF routing to pass the spoke buildings VLANs to the MX to pass the traffic via Auto-VPN to the Hub MX.

We have about 50 VLANs, routing normally likes to see different networks on each interface of a router. I can set up local VLANs on the MX, but can I match the VLAN numbers and IPv4 networks also?

pc (172.16.1.10 VLAN 2) --- MS355 +-- MX Spoke Auto-VPN --- Starlink --- MX Hub Auto-VPN --+ MS450 (core router) --- server (172.16.1.2)
                                  +------------------------ Fiber -------------------------+

The idea is to run on fiber until fiber fails. Run over starlink until fiber is returned to service.

My other option is what I currently do with our Z3s, use different networks, pass the VLANs, let the router do it's work (this is using a Spectrum ISP line).

Anyone have some ideas on fiber backup (think trenching ripping up fiber) via StarLink?

[IvanJukic]

Hi @kent-at-bci ,

Without knowing any further details on the topology. The second option would achieve your outcome with the added complexities of routing. The switches would have a Default route or transit VLAN to the MX. The MX Hubs would share the Routes/Subnet in the AutoVPN to the Spokes and other Hubs.

You certainly can use Starlink as a backup to the Primary Fibre. When the fibre dies, the Starlink will kick in until the Fibre comes back. See below Meraki and Starlink Deployment Guide.

https://documentation.meraki.com/SASE_and_SD-WAN/MX/Design_and_Configure/Deployment_Guides/Meraki_an...