Two modems to one wifi? help

TimHem

Hi guys,
just as I have added a little more smart home products, my virgin media BB fails on me, and alas that is not all that rare.
So need some advice, but no jargon cos i am really clueless on this network malarky.
So I have a virgin media super hub 2, but also have a 4G modem. I am wanting to hook the VM to a new independent wifi router, have all my gear connected to that wifi and also have it connected to a switch for more ethernet ports. I then want, when Virgin goes down, to be able to unplug the VM moden, plug in the 4G modem, and everything connect to the internet and still work. Can I achieve this? does being on a different modem with presumably different IP screw it up. Im clueless, need help
To add, I know the VM can be put into modem mode, so thats good...but no idea about the 4g modem, which is a Huawei B311. That has wifi and one ethernet port. I have a feeling that is where my cunning plan may fall over, in which case it will require a new 4g modem that can be configured...I'm guessing

psychopomp1

Yes, you can do this. You need a router which supports dual WAN connections such as the Synology RT2600AC. When one internet connection fails the router automatically switches to the second one - you can tell the router which is your primary and secondary internet connection. The router will use the same wifi networks for both connections.

Router RT2600ac | Synology Inc.

Synology Router Manager - Knowledge Base | Synology Inc.

TimHem

thanks Psycho, that sounds like it is almost made for what i want...ha.
I am buying an 8 port switch today, so at least i can get everything ethernet wired up and running, but that sounds a perfect christmas treat for myself....question is, is it idiot proof, or would i kinda need to know what i was doing to set it up?

psychopomp1

The synology is fairly easy to setup. The synology software is arguably the best and most feature rich out of all router manufacturers.

TimHem

just not sure if not have the ability to put the 4g modem into a "modem mode" would have me over, or how important that is

EndlessWaves

The general term for this is Failover.

TimHem

Laptops direct have them (Synology RT2600ac) for a smidge over 200, which seems reasonable for what it is. Think I will take the plunge and figure it out as I go along...or rather start a thread in the networking forum and get you lot to hold my hand  ha.
This kind of kit must be coming more in demand for domestic use what with the rise of home automation. Having a 4G backup is almost an essential

outoftheknow

Over here the biggest internet providers are starting to offer their (branded) modems with built in 4G failover (speed limited) as part of their plans. That also means normal modems are available with the built in 4G failover for others, just need a cheap PAYG plan on the 4G.

TimHem

good idea.
I have wanted to have my own wifi router for some time, so if change isp or technician wants to change modem for fault detection, it dosnt mean you have to set up your whole damn network again.

TimHem

seems the easiest solution will be to pop my 4g sim into a usb dongle. Virgin modem into modem mode, usb dongle into usb port -Bobs your uncle and Fannies your Aunt