# Foreign WAN

> Point the foreign link, Starlink or similar, at a physical interface on the router.

Source: https://joinnasnet.com/en/guides/nasnet-connect/wan/foreign-wan/
Last updated: 2026-08-14

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## Overview

The screen is titled **Foreign Network Connection**, described as *"Configure your foreign
network connection (WAN)"*. This is the link that reaches the wider internet
directly. You pick an interface type first, then the specific interface, then
whatever settings that type needs.

In **Advanced Mode** this becomes a fuller flow: you can add more than one
foreign link, each with its own interface and connection type, and then combine
them under **LoadBalance & Failover**.

## Before you start

- Know which physical port the foreign link is plugged into.
- Only interface types your router actually has are selectable, and the others are
  greyed out and marked **Not Available**.
- If a port is already in use by another link or a trunk, it will not be offered
  here.

## Steps

1. Under **Interface Type**, pick **Ethernet**, **Wireless**, **SFP** or
   **LTE**.
2. Under **Select Foreign Interface**, pick the specific interface.
3. Fill in the settings for that type, meaning SSID and password for a wireless link,
   APN for LTE, connection type and credentials in Advanced Mode.
4. When the panel shows **Ready to Complete**, save the sub-step.

## Reference

Interface types:

| Type | Notes |
| ---- | ----- |
| **Ethernet** | A standard Ethernet port on the router |
| **Wireless** | The router joins an existing Wi-Fi network as a client; you supply **SSID (Network Name)** and **Password** |
| **SFP** | An SFP / SFP+ cage, on models that have one |
| **LTE** | The built-in LTE modem; you supply the **APN (Access Point Name)** |

Connection types (Advanced Mode):

| Connection type | What it does |
| --------------- | ------------ |
| **DHCP Client** | Automatic configuration from ISP |
| **Static IP** | Manual IP configuration |
| **PPPoE** | Username and password authentication |

Advanced Mode sub-steps for this link:

| Sub-step | Purpose |
| -------- | ------- |
| **Foreign Link & Interface** | Configure foreign WAN interfaces and settings |
| **Foreign Connection** | Configure foreign connection types and settings |
| **LoadBalance & Failover** | Configure multi-link strategy and priorities |
| **Review** | Review and apply configuration |

## Troubleshooting

**"No Ethernet interfaces available".** Every interface of that type is already
assigned, either to the other WAN link or to a trunk. Pick a different type, or free
up a port on an earlier step.

**Password rejected.** Wireless and PPPoE passwords must be at least 8
characters; the field says so under the input.

## Related

- [Domestic WAN](/en/guides/nasnet-connect/wan/domestic-wan/)
- [VPN Client](/en/guides/nasnet-connect/wan/vpn-client/)