Configuring a Super Layer to Integrate Existing Resources

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for configuring a Super Layer Node in RingLink. A Super Layer enables seamless integration of existing resources into your network, enhancing accessibility and control.

Note: The Super Layer gateway is currently supported only on Linux-based systems. Once configured, it can be utilized across all platforms.

Steps to Set Up a Device as a Super Layer Node

Install the RingLink Client and Connect to the Network

Before configuring a Super Layer, ensure the RingLink Client is installed and connected to your network.

Need Help? If you haven't installed the client yet, check out the guide: Install RingLink on Linux.

Enable IP Forwarding

Enable IP forwarding on your Linux device by following these steps:

For IPv4 Run the following commands in your terminal:

If your system has a /etc/sysctl.d directory

echo 'net.ipv4.ip_forward = 1' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.d/99-ringlink.conf
sudo sysctl -p /etc/sysctl.d/99-ringlink.conf

Otherwise

echo 'net.ipv4.ip_forward = 1' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p /etc/sysctl.conf

Enable Super Layer Mode

RingLink Super Layer acts as a gateway between your RingLink network and your local network resources. Starting from version 0.16.1, it supports two operating modes:

NAT Mode

Works like a typical NAT gateway
Masks internal RingLink IPs when accessing local resources
Simplest to set up - requires no changes to existing network
Best for most users getting started

ringlink-cli set super-layer mode nat

L3 Router Mode

Operates as a pure Layer 3 router
Preserves original source IPs
Enables direct site-to-site connectivity
Ideal for enterprise environments where IP preservation matters

ringlink-cli set super-layer mode l3-router

L3 Router mode requires routing configuration:

Your network gateway must route RingLink subnet traffic (e.g., 100.64.0.0/10) to the Super Layer device
Alternatively, configure static routes on individual devices that need access

Publish Super Layer Routes

Define and publish your network subnets as routes. Replace the example subnets with your actual network subnets:

ringlink-cli set super-layer routes 10.66.0.0/16 192.168.88.0/24

To unpublish all routes, use the --unset flag:

ringlink-cli set super-layer routes --unset

Finalize Super Layer Configuration on the RingLink Dashboard

Complete the configuration on the RingLink Dashboard:

Log in to the RingLink Dashboard
Select your network from the left sidebar
Navigate to the Super Layer Settings page.
Enable the routes you wish to use.

Post-Configuration

Once the routes are enabled on the Dashboard:

All devices within the network can automatically access the advertised prefixes without additional setup.
For more granular control, leverage RingLink Access Control (Firewall) to manage permissions effectively.

Pro Tip: Access Control provides detailed permission management for advanced security configurations.