diff --git a/client/internal/dns/server.go b/client/internal/dns/server.go
index 3f49c23fd..7b845235c 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/server.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/server.go
@@ -489,7 +489,7 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) applyHostConfig() {
 		}
 	}
 
-	log.Debugf("extra match domains: %v", s.extraDomains)
+	log.Debugf("extra match domains: %v", maps.Keys(s.extraDomains))
 
 	if err := s.hostManager.applyDNSConfig(config, s.stateManager); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to apply DNS host manager update: %v", err)
diff --git a/client/internal/engine.go b/client/internal/engine.go
index 5efc0b92b..d015c1d6c 100644
--- a/client/internal/engine.go
+++ b/client/internal/engine.go
@@ -994,6 +994,15 @@ func (e *Engine) updateNetworkMap(networkMap *mgmProto.NetworkMap) error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	protoDNSConfig := networkMap.GetDNSConfig()
+	if protoDNSConfig == nil {
+		protoDNSConfig = &mgmProto.DNSConfig{}
+	}
+
+	if err := e.dnsServer.UpdateDNSServer(serial, toDNSConfig(protoDNSConfig, e.wgInterface.Address().Network)); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to update dns server, err: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	dnsRouteFeatureFlag := toDNSFeatureFlag(networkMap)
 
 	// apply routes first, route related actions might depend on routing being enabled
@@ -1061,15 +1070,6 @@ func (e *Engine) updateNetworkMap(networkMap *mgmProto.NetworkMap) error {
 	excludedLazyPeers := e.toExcludedLazyPeers(routes, forwardingRules, networkMap.GetRemotePeers())
 	e.connMgr.SetExcludeList(excludedLazyPeers)
 
-	protoDNSConfig := networkMap.GetDNSConfig()
-	if protoDNSConfig == nil {
-		protoDNSConfig = &mgmProto.DNSConfig{}
-	}
-
-	if err := e.dnsServer.UpdateDNSServer(serial, toDNSConfig(protoDNSConfig, e.wgInterface.Address().Network)); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to update dns server, err: %v", err)
-	}
-
 	e.networkSerial = serial
 
 	// Test received (upstream) servers for availability right away instead of upon usage.
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/client.go b/client/internal/routemanager/client/client.go
similarity index 52%
rename from client/internal/routemanager/client.go
rename to client/internal/routemanager/client/client.go
index bff954c27..5582591a9 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/client.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/client/client.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-package routemanager
+package client
 
 import (
 	"context"
@@ -7,10 +7,8 @@ import (
 	"runtime"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
-	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	nbdns "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peerstore"
@@ -36,6 +34,7 @@ const (
 	reasonRouteUpdate
 	reasonPeerUpdate
 	reasonShutdown
+	reasonHA
 )
 
 type routerPeerStatus struct {
@@ -44,9 +43,9 @@ type routerPeerStatus struct {
 	latency   time.Duration
 }
 
-type routesUpdate struct {
-	updateSerial uint64
-	routes       []*route.Route
+type RoutesUpdate struct {
+	UpdateSerial uint64
+	Routes       []*route.Route
 }
 
 // RouteHandler defines the interface for handling routes
@@ -58,64 +57,54 @@ type RouteHandler interface {
 	RemoveAllowedIPs() error
 }
 
-type clientNetwork struct {
+type WatcherConfig struct {
+	Context          context.Context
+	DNSRouteInterval time.Duration
+	WGInterface      iface.WGIface
+	StatusRecorder   *peer.Status
+	Route            *route.Route
+	Handler          RouteHandler
+}
+
+// Watcher watches route and peer changes and updates allowed IPs accordingly.
+// Once stopped, it cannot be reused.
+type Watcher struct {
 	ctx                 context.Context
 	cancel              context.CancelFunc
 	statusRecorder      *peer.Status
 	wgInterface         iface.WGIface
 	routes              map[route.ID]*route.Route
-	routeUpdate         chan routesUpdate
+	routeUpdate         chan RoutesUpdate
 	peerStateUpdate     chan struct{}
-	routePeersNotifiers map[string]chan struct{}
+	routePeersNotifiers map[string]chan struct{} // map of peer key to channel for peer state changes
 	currentChosen       *route.Route
 	handler             RouteHandler
 	updateSerial        uint64
 }
 
-func newClientNetworkWatcher(
-	ctx context.Context,
-	dnsRouteInterval time.Duration,
-	wgInterface iface.WGIface,
-	statusRecorder *peer.Status,
-	rt *route.Route,
-	routeRefCounter *refcounter.RouteRefCounter,
-	allowedIPsRefCounter *refcounter.AllowedIPsRefCounter,
-	dnsServer nbdns.Server,
-	peerStore *peerstore.Store,
-	useNewDNSRoute bool,
-) *clientNetwork {
-	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(ctx)
+func NewWatcher(config WatcherConfig) *Watcher {
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(config.Context)
 
-	client := &clientNetwork{
+	client := &Watcher{
 		ctx:                 ctx,
 		cancel:              cancel,
-		statusRecorder:      statusRecorder,
-		wgInterface:         wgInterface,
+		statusRecorder:      config.StatusRecorder,
+		wgInterface:         config.WGInterface,
 		routes:              make(map[route.ID]*route.Route),
 		routePeersNotifiers: make(map[string]chan struct{}),
-		routeUpdate:         make(chan routesUpdate),
+		routeUpdate:         make(chan RoutesUpdate),
 		peerStateUpdate:     make(chan struct{}),
-		handler: handlerFromRoute(
-			rt,
-			routeRefCounter,
-			allowedIPsRefCounter,
-			dnsRouteInterval,
-			statusRecorder,
-			wgInterface,
-			dnsServer,
-			peerStore,
-			useNewDNSRoute,
-		),
+		handler:             config.Handler,
 	}
 	return client
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) getRouterPeerStatuses() map[route.ID]routerPeerStatus {
+func (w *Watcher) getRouterPeerStatuses() map[route.ID]routerPeerStatus {
 	routePeerStatuses := make(map[route.ID]routerPeerStatus)
-	for _, r := range c.routes {
-		peerStatus, err := c.statusRecorder.GetPeer(r.Peer)
+	for _, r := range w.routes {
+		peerStatus, err := w.statusRecorder.GetPeer(r.Peer)
 		if err != nil {
-			log.Debugf("couldn't fetch peer state: %v", err)
+			log.Debugf("couldn't fetch peer state %v: %v", r.Peer, err)
 			continue
 		}
 		routePeerStatuses[r.ID] = routerPeerStatus{
@@ -128,7 +117,7 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) getRouterPeerStatuses() map[route.ID]routerPeerStatus {
 }
 
 // getBestRouteFromStatuses determines the most optimal route from the available routes
-// within a clientNetwork, taking into account peer connection status, route metrics, and
+// within a Watcher, taking into account peer connection status, route metrics, and
 // preference for non-relayed and direct connections.
 //
 // It follows these prioritization rules:
@@ -140,17 +129,17 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) getRouterPeerStatuses() map[route.ID]routerPeerStatus {
 // * Stability: In case of equal scores, the currently active route (if any) is maintained.
 //
 // It returns the ID of the selected optimal route.
-func (c *clientNetwork) getBestRouteFromStatuses(routePeerStatuses map[route.ID]routerPeerStatus) route.ID {
-	chosen := route.ID("")
+func (w *Watcher) getBestRouteFromStatuses(routePeerStatuses map[route.ID]routerPeerStatus) route.ID {
+	var chosen route.ID
 	chosenScore := float64(0)
 	currScore := float64(0)
 
-	currID := route.ID("")
-	if c.currentChosen != nil {
-		currID = c.currentChosen.ID
+	var currID route.ID
+	if w.currentChosen != nil {
+		currID = w.currentChosen.ID
 	}
 
-	for _, r := range c.routes {
+	for _, r := range w.routes {
 		tempScore := float64(0)
 		peerStatus, found := routePeerStatuses[r.ID]
 		if !found || !peerStatus.connected {
@@ -167,7 +156,7 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) getBestRouteFromStatuses(routePeerStatuses map[route.ID]
 		if peerStatus.latency != 0 {
 			latency = peerStatus.latency
 		} else {
-			log.Tracef("peer %s has 0 latency, range %s", r.Peer, c.handler)
+			log.Tracef("peer %s has 0 latency, range %s", r.Peer, w.handler)
 		}
 
 		// avoid negative tempScore on the higher latency calculation
@@ -197,35 +186,45 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) getBestRouteFromStatuses(routePeerStatuses map[route.ID]
 		}
 	}
 
-	log.Debugf("chosen route: %s, chosen score: %f, current route: %s, current score: %f", chosen, chosenScore, currID, currScore)
+	chosenID := chosen
+	if chosen == "" {
+		chosenID = "<none>"
+	}
+	currentID := currID
+	if currID == "" {
+		currentID = "<none>"
+	}
+
+	log.Debugf("chosen route: %s, chosen score: %f, current route: %s, current score: %f", chosenID, chosenScore, currentID, currScore)
 
 	switch {
 	case chosen == "":
 		var peers []string
-		for _, r := range c.routes {
+		for _, r := range w.routes {
 			peers = append(peers, r.Peer)
 		}
 
-		log.Warnf("The network [%v] has not been assigned a routing peer as no peers from the list %s are currently connected", c.handler, peers)
+		log.Infof("network [%v] has not been assigned a routing peer as no peers from the list %s are currently connected", w.handler, peers)
 	case chosen != currID:
 		// we compare the current score + 10ms to the chosen score to avoid flapping between routes
 		if currScore != 0 && currScore+0.01 > chosenScore {
-			log.Debugf("Keeping current routing peer because the score difference with latency is less than 0.01(10ms), current: %f, new: %f", currScore, chosenScore)
+			log.Debugf("keeping current routing peer %s for [%v]: the score difference with latency is less than 0.01(10ms): current: %f, new: %f",
+				w.currentChosen.Peer, w.handler, currScore, chosenScore)
 			return currID
 		}
 		var p string
-		if rt := c.routes[chosen]; rt != nil {
+		if rt := w.routes[chosen]; rt != nil {
 			p = rt.Peer
 		}
-		log.Infof("New chosen route is %s with peer %s with score %f for network [%v]", chosen, p, chosenScore, c.handler)
+		log.Infof("New chosen route is %s with peer %s with score %f for network [%v]", chosen, p, chosenScore, w.handler)
 	}
 
 	return chosen
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) watchPeerStatusChanges(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, peerStateUpdate chan struct{}, closer chan struct{}) {
-	subscription := c.statusRecorder.SubscribeToPeerStateChanges(ctx, peerKey)
-	defer c.statusRecorder.UnsubscribePeerStateChanges(subscription)
+func (w *Watcher) watchPeerStatusChanges(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, peerStateUpdate chan struct{}, closer chan struct{}) {
+	subscription := w.statusRecorder.SubscribeToPeerStateChanges(ctx, peerKey)
+	defer w.statusRecorder.UnsubscribePeerStateChanges(subscription)
 
 	for {
 		select {
@@ -240,105 +239,92 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) watchPeerStatusChanges(ctx context.Context, peerKey stri
 	}
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) startPeersStatusChangeWatcher() {
-	for _, r := range c.routes {
-		_, found := c.routePeersNotifiers[r.Peer]
-		if found {
+func (w *Watcher) startNewPeerStatusWatchers() {
+	for _, r := range w.routes {
+		if _, found := w.routePeersNotifiers[r.Peer]; found {
 			continue
 		}
 
 		closerChan := make(chan struct{})
-		c.routePeersNotifiers[r.Peer] = closerChan
-		go c.watchPeerStatusChanges(c.ctx, r.Peer, c.peerStateUpdate, closerChan)
+		w.routePeersNotifiers[r.Peer] = closerChan
+		go w.watchPeerStatusChanges(w.ctx, r.Peer, w.peerStateUpdate, closerChan)
 	}
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) removeRouteFromWireGuardPeer() error {
-	if err := c.statusRecorder.RemovePeerStateRoute(c.currentChosen.Peer, c.handler.String()); err != nil {
+// addAllowedIPs adds the allowed IPs for the current chosen route to the handler.
+func (w *Watcher) addAllowedIPs(route *route.Route) error {
+	if err := w.handler.AddAllowedIPs(route.Peer); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add allowed IPs for peer %s: %w", route.Peer, err)
+	}
+
+	if err := w.statusRecorder.AddPeerStateRoute(route.Peer, w.handler.String(), route.GetResourceID()); err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("Failed to update peer state: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	if err := c.handler.RemoveAllowedIPs(); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("remove allowed IPs: %w", err)
-	}
+	w.connectEvent(route)
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) removeRouteFromPeerAndSystem(rsn reason) error {
-	if c.currentChosen == nil {
-		return nil
+func (w *Watcher) removeAllowedIPs(route *route.Route, rsn reason) error {
+	if err := w.statusRecorder.RemovePeerStateRoute(route.Peer, w.handler.String()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("Failed to update peer state: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	var merr *multierror.Error
-
-	if err := c.removeRouteFromWireGuardPeer(); err != nil {
-		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove allowed IPs for peer %s: %w", c.currentChosen.Peer, err))
-	}
-	if err := c.handler.RemoveRoute(); err != nil {
-		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove route: %w", err))
+	if err := w.handler.RemoveAllowedIPs(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove allowed IPs: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	c.disconnectEvent(rsn)
+	w.disconnectEvent(route, rsn)
 
-	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
+	return nil
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) recalculateRouteAndUpdatePeerAndSystem(rsn reason) error {
-	routerPeerStatuses := c.getRouterPeerStatuses()
+func (w *Watcher) recalculateRoutes(rsn reason) error {
+	routerPeerStatuses := w.getRouterPeerStatuses()
 
-	newChosenID := c.getBestRouteFromStatuses(routerPeerStatuses)
+	newChosenID := w.getBestRouteFromStatuses(routerPeerStatuses)
 
-	// If no route is chosen, remove the route from the peer and system
+	// If no route is chosen, remove the route from the peer
 	if newChosenID == "" {
-		if err := c.removeRouteFromPeerAndSystem(rsn); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("remove route for peer %s: %w", c.currentChosen.Peer, err)
+		if w.currentChosen == nil {
+			return nil
 		}
 
-		c.currentChosen = nil
+		if err := w.removeAllowedIPs(w.currentChosen, rsn); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("remove obsolete: %w", err)
+		}
+
+		w.currentChosen = nil
 
 		return nil
 	}
 
 	// If the chosen route is the same as the current route, do nothing
-	if c.currentChosen != nil && c.currentChosen.ID == newChosenID &&
-		c.currentChosen.Equal(c.routes[newChosenID]) {
+	if w.currentChosen != nil && w.currentChosen.ID == newChosenID &&
+		w.currentChosen.Equal(w.routes[newChosenID]) {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	var isNew bool
-	if c.currentChosen == nil {
-		// If they were not previously assigned to another peer, add routes to the system first
-		if err := c.handler.AddRoute(c.ctx); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("add route: %w", err)
-		}
-		isNew = true
-	} else {
-		// Otherwise, remove the allowed IPs from the previous peer first
-		if err := c.removeRouteFromWireGuardPeer(); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("remove allowed IPs for peer %s: %w", c.currentChosen.Peer, err)
+	// If the chosen route was assigned to a different peer, remove the allowed IPs first
+	if isNew := w.currentChosen == nil; !isNew {
+		if err := w.removeAllowedIPs(w.currentChosen, reasonHA); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("remove old: %w", err)
 		}
 	}
 
-	c.currentChosen = c.routes[newChosenID]
-
-	if err := c.handler.AddAllowedIPs(c.currentChosen.Peer); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("add allowed IPs for peer %s: %w", c.currentChosen.Peer, err)
+	newChosenRoute := w.routes[newChosenID]
+	if err := w.addAllowedIPs(newChosenRoute); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add new: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	if isNew {
-		c.connectEvent()
-	}
+	w.currentChosen = newChosenRoute
 
-	err := c.statusRecorder.AddPeerStateRoute(c.currentChosen.Peer, c.handler.String(), c.currentChosen.GetResourceID())
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("add peer state route: %w", err)
-	}
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) connectEvent() {
+func (w *Watcher) connectEvent(route *route.Route) {
 	var defaultRoute bool
-	for _, r := range c.routes {
+	for _, r := range w.routes {
 		if r.Network.Bits() == 0 {
 			defaultRoute = true
 			break
@@ -350,13 +336,13 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) connectEvent() {
 	}
 
 	meta := map[string]string{
-		"network": c.handler.String(),
+		"network": w.handler.String(),
 	}
-	if c.currentChosen != nil {
-		meta["id"] = string(c.currentChosen.NetID)
-		meta["peer"] = c.currentChosen.Peer
+	if route != nil {
+		meta["id"] = string(route.NetID)
+		meta["peer"] = route.Peer
 	}
-	c.statusRecorder.PublishEvent(
+	w.statusRecorder.PublishEvent(
 		proto.SystemEvent_INFO,
 		proto.SystemEvent_NETWORK,
 		"Default route added",
@@ -365,9 +351,9 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) connectEvent() {
 	)
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) disconnectEvent(rsn reason) {
+func (w *Watcher) disconnectEvent(route *route.Route, rsn reason) {
 	var defaultRoute bool
-	for _, r := range c.routes {
+	for _, r := range w.routes {
 		if r.Network.Bits() == 0 {
 			defaultRoute = true
 			break
@@ -383,11 +369,11 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) disconnectEvent(rsn reason) {
 	var userMessage string
 	meta := make(map[string]string)
 
-	if c.currentChosen != nil {
-		meta["id"] = string(c.currentChosen.NetID)
-		meta["peer"] = c.currentChosen.Peer
+	if route != nil {
+		meta["id"] = string(route.NetID)
+		meta["peer"] = route.Peer
 	}
-	meta["network"] = c.handler.String()
+	meta["network"] = w.handler.String()
 	switch rsn {
 	case reasonShutdown:
 		severity = proto.SystemEvent_INFO
@@ -400,13 +386,17 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) disconnectEvent(rsn reason) {
 		severity = proto.SystemEvent_WARNING
 		message = "Default route disconnected due to peer unreachability"
 		userMessage = "Exit node connection lost. Your internet access might be affected."
+	case reasonHA:
+		severity = proto.SystemEvent_INFO
+		message = "Default route disconnected due to high availability change"
+		userMessage = "Exit node disconnected due to high availability change."
 	default:
 		severity = proto.SystemEvent_ERROR
 		message = "Default route disconnected for unknown reasons"
 		userMessage = "Exit node disconnected for unknown reasons."
 	}
 
-	c.statusRecorder.PublishEvent(
+	w.statusRecorder.PublishEvent(
 		severity,
 		proto.SystemEvent_NETWORK,
 		message,
@@ -415,86 +405,101 @@ func (c *clientNetwork) disconnectEvent(rsn reason) {
 	)
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) sendUpdateToClientNetworkWatcher(update routesUpdate) {
+func (w *Watcher) SendUpdate(update RoutesUpdate) {
 	go func() {
-		c.routeUpdate <- update
+		select {
+		case w.routeUpdate <- update:
+		case <-w.ctx.Done():
+		}
 	}()
 }
 
-func (c *clientNetwork) handleUpdate(update routesUpdate) bool {
+func (w *Watcher) classifyUpdate(update RoutesUpdate) bool {
 	isUpdateMapDifferent := false
 	updateMap := make(map[route.ID]*route.Route)
 
-	for _, r := range update.routes {
+	for _, r := range update.Routes {
 		updateMap[r.ID] = r
 	}
 
-	if len(c.routes) != len(updateMap) {
+	if len(w.routes) != len(updateMap) {
 		isUpdateMapDifferent = true
 	}
 
-	for id, r := range c.routes {
+	for id, r := range w.routes {
 		_, found := updateMap[id]
 		if !found {
-			close(c.routePeersNotifiers[r.Peer])
-			delete(c.routePeersNotifiers, r.Peer)
+			close(w.routePeersNotifiers[r.Peer])
+			delete(w.routePeersNotifiers, r.Peer)
 			isUpdateMapDifferent = true
 			continue
 		}
-		if !reflect.DeepEqual(c.routes[id], updateMap[id]) {
+		if !reflect.DeepEqual(w.routes[id], updateMap[id]) {
 			isUpdateMapDifferent = true
 		}
 	}
 
-	c.routes = updateMap
+	w.routes = updateMap
 	return isUpdateMapDifferent
 }
 
-// peersStateAndUpdateWatcher is the main point of reacting on client network routing events.
+// Start is the main point of reacting on client network routing events.
 // All the processing related to the client network should be done here. Thread-safe.
-func (c *clientNetwork) peersStateAndUpdateWatcher() {
+func (w *Watcher) Start() {
 	for {
 		select {
-		case <-c.ctx.Done():
-			log.Debugf("Stopping watcher for network [%v]", c.handler)
-			if err := c.removeRouteFromPeerAndSystem(reasonShutdown); err != nil {
-				log.Errorf("Failed to remove routes for [%v]: %v", c.handler, err)
-			}
+		case <-w.ctx.Done():
 			return
-		case <-c.peerStateUpdate:
-			err := c.recalculateRouteAndUpdatePeerAndSystem(reasonPeerUpdate)
-			if err != nil {
-				log.Errorf("Failed to recalculate routes for network [%v]: %v", c.handler, err)
+		case <-w.peerStateUpdate:
+			if err := w.recalculateRoutes(reasonPeerUpdate); err != nil {
+				log.Errorf("Failed to recalculate routes for network [%v]: %v", w.handler, err)
 			}
-		case update := <-c.routeUpdate:
-			if update.updateSerial < c.updateSerial {
-				log.Warnf("Received a routes update with smaller serial number (%d -> %d), ignoring it", c.updateSerial, update.updateSerial)
+		case update := <-w.routeUpdate:
+			if update.UpdateSerial < w.updateSerial {
+				log.Warnf("Received a routes update with smaller serial number (%d -> %d), ignoring it", w.updateSerial, update.UpdateSerial)
 				continue
 			}
 
-			log.Debugf("Received a new client network route update for [%v]", c.handler)
-
-			// hash update somehow
-			isTrueRouteUpdate := c.handleUpdate(update)
-
-			c.updateSerial = update.updateSerial
-
-			if isTrueRouteUpdate {
-				log.Debug("Client network update contains different routes, recalculating routes")
-				err := c.recalculateRouteAndUpdatePeerAndSystem(reasonRouteUpdate)
-				if err != nil {
-					log.Errorf("Failed to recalculate routes for network [%v]: %v", c.handler, err)
-				}
-			} else {
-				log.Debug("Route update is not different, skipping route recalculation")
-			}
-
-			c.startPeersStatusChangeWatcher()
+			w.handleRouteUpdate(update)
 		}
 	}
 }
 
-func handlerFromRoute(
+func (w *Watcher) handleRouteUpdate(update RoutesUpdate) {
+	log.Debugf("Received a new client network route update for [%v]", w.handler)
+
+	// hash update somehow
+	isTrueRouteUpdate := w.classifyUpdate(update)
+
+	w.updateSerial = update.UpdateSerial
+
+	if isTrueRouteUpdate {
+		log.Debugf("client network update %v for [%v] contains different routes, recalculating routes", update.UpdateSerial, w.handler)
+		if err := w.recalculateRoutes(reasonRouteUpdate); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to recalculate routes for network [%v]: %v", w.handler, err)
+		}
+	} else {
+		log.Debugf("route update %v for [%v] is not different, skipping route recalculation", update.UpdateSerial, w.handler)
+	}
+
+	w.startNewPeerStatusWatchers()
+}
+
+// Stop stops the watcher and cleans up resources.
+func (w *Watcher) Stop() {
+	log.Debugf("Stopping watcher for network [%v]", w.handler)
+
+	w.cancel()
+
+	if w.currentChosen == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if err := w.removeAllowedIPs(w.currentChosen, reasonShutdown); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("Failed to remove routes for [%v]: %v", w.handler, err)
+	}
+}
+
+func HandlerFromRoute(
 	rt *route.Route,
 	routeRefCounter *refcounter.RouteRefCounter,
 	allowedIPsRefCounter *refcounter.AllowedIPsRefCounter,
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/client_test.go b/client/internal/routemanager/client/client_test.go
similarity index 99%
rename from client/internal/routemanager/client_test.go
rename to client/internal/routemanager/client/client_test.go
index 56fcf1613..48a9495bf 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/client_test.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/client/client_test.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-package routemanager
+package client
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
@@ -395,7 +395,7 @@ func TestGetBestrouteFromStatuses(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 
 			// create new clientNetwork
-			client := &clientNetwork{
+			client := &Watcher{
 				handler:       static.NewRoute(&route.Route{Network: netip.MustParsePrefix("192.168.0.0/24")}, nil, nil),
 				routes:        tc.existingRoutes,
 				currentChosen: currentRoute,
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/manager.go b/client/internal/routemanager/manager.go
index 078206ab9..afb74c23e 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/manager.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/manager.go
@@ -11,9 +11,11 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"golang.org/x/exp/maps"
 
+	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/configurer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/netstack"
@@ -21,9 +23,11 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peerstore"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/client"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/notifier"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/refcounter"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/server"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/systemops"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/vars"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routeselector"
@@ -68,9 +72,9 @@ type DefaultManager struct {
 	ctx                  context.Context
 	stop                 context.CancelFunc
 	mux                  sync.Mutex
-	clientNetworks       map[route.HAUniqueID]*clientNetwork
+	clientNetworks       map[route.HAUniqueID]*client.Watcher
 	routeSelector        *routeselector.RouteSelector
-	serverRouter         *serverRouter
+	serverRouter         *server.Router
 	sysOps               *systemops.SysOps
 	statusRecorder       *peer.Status
 	relayMgr             *relayClient.Manager
@@ -88,6 +92,7 @@ type DefaultManager struct {
 	useNewDNSRoute      bool
 	disableClientRoutes bool
 	disableServerRoutes bool
+	activeRoutes        map[route.HAUniqueID]client.RouteHandler
 }
 
 func NewManager(config ManagerConfig) *DefaultManager {
@@ -99,7 +104,7 @@ func NewManager(config ManagerConfig) *DefaultManager {
 		ctx:                 mCTX,
 		stop:                cancel,
 		dnsRouteInterval:    config.DNSRouteInterval,
-		clientNetworks:      make(map[route.HAUniqueID]*clientNetwork),
+		clientNetworks:      make(map[route.HAUniqueID]*client.Watcher),
 		relayMgr:            config.RelayManager,
 		sysOps:              sysOps,
 		statusRecorder:      config.StatusRecorder,
@@ -111,6 +116,7 @@ func NewManager(config ManagerConfig) *DefaultManager {
 		peerStore:           config.PeerStore,
 		disableClientRoutes: config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		disableServerRoutes: config.DisableServerRoutes,
+		activeRoutes:        make(map[route.HAUniqueID]client.RouteHandler),
 	}
 
 	useNoop := netstack.IsEnabled() || config.DisableClientRoutes
@@ -226,7 +232,7 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) EnableServerRouter(firewall firewall.Manager) error {
 	}
 
 	var err error
-	m.serverRouter, err = newServerRouter(m.ctx, m.wgInterface, firewall, m.statusRecorder)
+	m.serverRouter, err = server.NewRouter(m.ctx, m.wgInterface, firewall, m.statusRecorder)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -237,7 +243,7 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) EnableServerRouter(firewall firewall.Manager) error {
 func (m *DefaultManager) Stop(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) {
 	m.stop()
 	if m.serverRouter != nil {
-		m.serverRouter.cleanUp()
+		m.serverRouter.CleanUp()
 	}
 
 	if m.routeRefCounter != nil {
@@ -265,6 +271,54 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) Stop(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) {
 }
 
 // UpdateRoutes compares received routes with existing routes and removes, updates or adds them to the client and server maps
+func (m *DefaultManager) updateSystemRoutes(newRoutes route.HAMap) error {
+	toAdd := make(map[route.HAUniqueID]*route.Route)
+	toRemove := make(map[route.HAUniqueID]client.RouteHandler)
+
+	for id, routes := range newRoutes {
+		if len(routes) > 0 {
+			toAdd[id] = routes[0]
+		}
+	}
+
+	for id, activeHandler := range m.activeRoutes {
+		if _, exists := toAdd[id]; exists {
+			delete(toAdd, id)
+		} else {
+			toRemove[id] = activeHandler
+		}
+	}
+
+	var merr *multierror.Error
+	for id, handler := range toRemove {
+		if err := handler.RemoveRoute(); err != nil {
+			merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove route %s: %w", handler.String(), err))
+		}
+		delete(m.activeRoutes, id)
+	}
+
+	for id, route := range toAdd {
+		handler := client.HandlerFromRoute(
+			route,
+			m.routeRefCounter,
+			m.allowedIPsRefCounter,
+			m.dnsRouteInterval,
+			m.statusRecorder,
+			m.wgInterface,
+			m.dnsServer,
+			m.peerStore,
+			m.useNewDNSRoute,
+		)
+		if err := handler.AddRoute(m.ctx); err != nil {
+			merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("add route %s: %w", handler.String(), err))
+			continue
+		}
+		m.activeRoutes[id] = handler
+	}
+
+	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
+}
+
 func (m *DefaultManager) UpdateRoutes(updateSerial uint64, newRoutes []*route.Route, useNewDNSRoute bool) error {
 	select {
 	case <-m.ctx.Done():
@@ -281,6 +335,11 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) UpdateRoutes(updateSerial uint64, newRoutes []*route.Ro
 
 	if !m.disableClientRoutes {
 		filteredClientRoutes := m.routeSelector.FilterSelected(newClientRoutesIDMap)
+
+		if err := m.updateSystemRoutes(filteredClientRoutes); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("Failed to update system routes: %v", err)
+		}
+
 		m.updateClientNetworks(updateSerial, filteredClientRoutes)
 		m.notifier.OnNewRoutes(filteredClientRoutes)
 	}
@@ -290,7 +349,7 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) UpdateRoutes(updateSerial uint64, newRoutes []*route.Ro
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	if err := m.serverRouter.updateRoutes(newServerRoutesMap, useNewDNSRoute); err != nil {
+	if err := m.serverRouter.UpdateRoutes(newServerRoutesMap, useNewDNSRoute); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("update routes: %w", err)
 	}
 
@@ -341,6 +400,10 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) TriggerSelection(networks route.HAMap) {
 
 	m.notifier.OnNewRoutes(networks)
 
+	if err := m.updateSystemRoutes(networks); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to update system routes during selection: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	m.stopObsoleteClients(networks)
 
 	for id, routes := range networks {
@@ -349,21 +412,24 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) TriggerSelection(networks route.HAMap) {
 			continue
 		}
 
-		clientNetworkWatcher := newClientNetworkWatcher(
-			m.ctx,
-			m.dnsRouteInterval,
-			m.wgInterface,
-			m.statusRecorder,
-			routes[0],
-			m.routeRefCounter,
-			m.allowedIPsRefCounter,
-			m.dnsServer,
-			m.peerStore,
-			m.useNewDNSRoute,
-		)
+		handler := m.activeRoutes[id]
+		if handler == nil {
+			log.Warnf("no active handler found for route %s", id)
+			continue
+		}
+
+		config := client.WatcherConfig{
+			Context:          m.ctx,
+			DNSRouteInterval: m.dnsRouteInterval,
+			WGInterface:      m.wgInterface,
+			StatusRecorder:   m.statusRecorder,
+			Route:            routes[0],
+			Handler:          handler,
+		}
+		clientNetworkWatcher := client.NewWatcher(config)
 		m.clientNetworks[id] = clientNetworkWatcher
-		go clientNetworkWatcher.peersStateAndUpdateWatcher()
-		clientNetworkWatcher.sendUpdateToClientNetworkWatcher(routesUpdate{routes: routes})
+		go clientNetworkWatcher.Start()
+		clientNetworkWatcher.SendUpdate(client.RoutesUpdate{Routes: routes})
 	}
 
 	if err := m.stateManager.UpdateState((*SelectorState)(m.routeSelector)); err != nil {
@@ -375,8 +441,7 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) TriggerSelection(networks route.HAMap) {
 func (m *DefaultManager) stopObsoleteClients(networks route.HAMap) {
 	for id, client := range m.clientNetworks {
 		if _, ok := networks[id]; !ok {
-			log.Debugf("Stopping client network watcher, %s", id)
-			client.cancel()
+			client.Stop()
 			delete(m.clientNetworks, id)
 		}
 	}
@@ -389,26 +454,29 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) updateClientNetworks(updateSerial uint64, networks rout
 	for id, routes := range networks {
 		clientNetworkWatcher, found := m.clientNetworks[id]
 		if !found {
-			clientNetworkWatcher = newClientNetworkWatcher(
-				m.ctx,
-				m.dnsRouteInterval,
-				m.wgInterface,
-				m.statusRecorder,
-				routes[0],
-				m.routeRefCounter,
-				m.allowedIPsRefCounter,
-				m.dnsServer,
-				m.peerStore,
-				m.useNewDNSRoute,
-			)
+			handler := m.activeRoutes[id]
+			if handler == nil {
+				log.Errorf("No active handler found for route %s", id)
+				continue
+			}
+
+			config := client.WatcherConfig{
+				Context:          m.ctx,
+				DNSRouteInterval: m.dnsRouteInterval,
+				WGInterface:      m.wgInterface,
+				StatusRecorder:   m.statusRecorder,
+				Route:            routes[0],
+				Handler:          handler,
+			}
+			clientNetworkWatcher = client.NewWatcher(config)
 			m.clientNetworks[id] = clientNetworkWatcher
-			go clientNetworkWatcher.peersStateAndUpdateWatcher()
+			go clientNetworkWatcher.Start()
 		}
-		update := routesUpdate{
-			updateSerial: updateSerial,
-			routes:       routes,
+		update := client.RoutesUpdate{
+			UpdateSerial: updateSerial,
+			Routes:       routes,
 		}
-		clientNetworkWatcher.sendUpdateToClientNetworkWatcher(update)
+		clientNetworkWatcher.SendUpdate(update)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/manager_test.go b/client/internal/routemanager/manager_test.go
index 318ef5ae5..680bd813f 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/manager_test.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/manager_test.go
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"net/netip"
-	"runtime"
 	"testing"
 
 	"github.com/pion/transport/v3/stdnet"
@@ -454,8 +453,8 @@ func TestManagerUpdateRoutes(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 			require.Len(t, routeManager.clientNetworks, expectedWatchers, "client networks size should match")
 
-			if runtime.GOOS == "linux" && routeManager.serverRouter != nil {
-				require.Len(t, routeManager.serverRouter.routes, testCase.serverRoutesExpected, "server networks size should match")
+			if routeManager.serverRouter != nil {
+				require.Equal(t, testCase.serverRoutesExpected, routeManager.serverRouter.RoutesCount(), "server networks size should match")
 			}
 		})
 	}
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/server.go b/client/internal/routemanager/server/server.go
similarity index 63%
rename from client/internal/routemanager/server.go
rename to client/internal/routemanager/server/server.go
index 5bacb856c..e674c80cd 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/server.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/server/server.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-package routemanager
+package server
 
 import (
 	"context"
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 )
 
-type serverRouter struct {
+type Router struct {
 	mux            sync.Mutex
 	ctx            context.Context
 	routes         map[route.ID]*route.Route
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ type serverRouter struct {
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
 }
 
-func newServerRouter(ctx context.Context, wgInterface iface.WGIface, firewall firewall.Manager, statusRecorder *peer.Status) (*serverRouter, error) {
-	return &serverRouter{
+func NewRouter(ctx context.Context, wgInterface iface.WGIface, firewall firewall.Manager, statusRecorder *peer.Status) (*Router, error) {
+	return &Router{
 		ctx:            ctx,
 		routes:         make(map[route.ID]*route.Route),
 		firewall:       firewall,
@@ -33,104 +33,110 @@ func newServerRouter(ctx context.Context, wgInterface iface.WGIface, firewall fi
 	}, nil
 }
 
-func (m *serverRouter) updateRoutes(routesMap map[route.ID]*route.Route, useNewDNSRoute bool) error {
-	m.mux.Lock()
-	defer m.mux.Unlock()
+func (r *Router) UpdateRoutes(routesMap map[route.ID]*route.Route, useNewDNSRoute bool) error {
+	r.mux.Lock()
+	defer r.mux.Unlock()
 
 	serverRoutesToRemove := make([]route.ID, 0)
 
-	for routeID := range m.routes {
+	for routeID := range r.routes {
 		update, found := routesMap[routeID]
-		if !found || !update.Equal(m.routes[routeID]) {
+		if !found || !update.Equal(r.routes[routeID]) {
 			serverRoutesToRemove = append(serverRoutesToRemove, routeID)
 		}
 	}
 
 	for _, routeID := range serverRoutesToRemove {
-		oldRoute := m.routes[routeID]
-		err := m.removeFromServerNetwork(oldRoute)
+		oldRoute := r.routes[routeID]
+		err := r.removeFromServerNetwork(oldRoute)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("Unable to remove route id: %s, network %s, from server, got: %v",
 				oldRoute.ID, oldRoute.Network, err)
 		}
-		delete(m.routes, routeID)
+		delete(r.routes, routeID)
 	}
 
 	// If routing is to be disabled, do it after routes have been removed
 	// If routing is to be enabled, do it before adding new routes; addToServerNetwork needs routing to be enabled
 	if len(routesMap) > 0 {
-		if err := m.firewall.EnableRouting(); err != nil {
+		if err := r.firewall.EnableRouting(); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("enable routing: %w", err)
 		}
 	} else {
-		if err := m.firewall.DisableRouting(); err != nil {
+		if err := r.firewall.DisableRouting(); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("disable routing: %w", err)
 		}
 	}
 
 	for id, newRoute := range routesMap {
-		_, found := m.routes[id]
+		_, found := r.routes[id]
 		if found {
 			continue
 		}
 
-		err := m.addToServerNetwork(newRoute, useNewDNSRoute)
+		err := r.addToServerNetwork(newRoute, useNewDNSRoute)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("Unable to add route %s from server, got: %v", newRoute.ID, err)
 			continue
 		}
-		m.routes[id] = newRoute
+		r.routes[id] = newRoute
 	}
 
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (m *serverRouter) removeFromServerNetwork(route *route.Route) error {
-	if m.ctx.Err() != nil {
+func (r *Router) removeFromServerNetwork(route *route.Route) error {
+	if r.ctx.Err() != nil {
 		log.Infof("Not removing from server network because context is done")
-		return m.ctx.Err()
+		return r.ctx.Err()
 	}
 
 	routerPair := routeToRouterPair(route, false)
-	if err := m.firewall.RemoveNatRule(routerPair); err != nil {
+	if err := r.firewall.RemoveNatRule(routerPair); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("remove routing rules: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	delete(m.routes, route.ID)
-	m.statusRecorder.RemoveLocalPeerStateRoute(route.NetString())
+	delete(r.routes, route.ID)
+	r.statusRecorder.RemoveLocalPeerStateRoute(route.NetString())
 
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (m *serverRouter) addToServerNetwork(route *route.Route, useNewDNSRoute bool) error {
-	if m.ctx.Err() != nil {
+func (r *Router) addToServerNetwork(route *route.Route, useNewDNSRoute bool) error {
+	if r.ctx.Err() != nil {
 		log.Infof("Not adding to server network because context is done")
-		return m.ctx.Err()
+		return r.ctx.Err()
 	}
 
 	routerPair := routeToRouterPair(route, useNewDNSRoute)
-	if err := m.firewall.AddNatRule(routerPair); err != nil {
+	if err := r.firewall.AddNatRule(routerPair); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("insert routing rules: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	m.routes[route.ID] = route
-	m.statusRecorder.AddLocalPeerStateRoute(route.NetString(), route.GetResourceID())
+	r.routes[route.ID] = route
+	r.statusRecorder.AddLocalPeerStateRoute(route.NetString(), route.GetResourceID())
 
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (m *serverRouter) cleanUp() {
-	m.mux.Lock()
-	defer m.mux.Unlock()
+func (r *Router) CleanUp() {
+	r.mux.Lock()
+	defer r.mux.Unlock()
 
-	for _, r := range m.routes {
-		routerPair := routeToRouterPair(r, false)
-		if err := m.firewall.RemoveNatRule(routerPair); err != nil {
+	for _, route := range r.routes {
+		routerPair := routeToRouterPair(route, false)
+		if err := r.firewall.RemoveNatRule(routerPair); err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("Failed to remove cleanup route: %v", err)
 		}
 	}
 
-	m.statusRecorder.CleanLocalPeerStateRoutes()
+	r.statusRecorder.CleanLocalPeerStateRoutes()
+}
+
+func (r *Router) RoutesCount() int {
+	r.mux.Lock()
+	defer r.mux.Unlock()
+	return len(r.routes)
 }
 
 func routeToRouterPair(route *route.Route, useNewDNSRoute bool) firewall.RouterPair {
diff --git a/client/internal/routemanager/static/route.go b/client/internal/routemanager/static/route.go
index 681c192fb..c8b9338e0 100644
--- a/client/internal/routemanager/static/route.go
+++ b/client/internal/routemanager/static/route.go
@@ -29,13 +29,17 @@ func (r *Route) String() string {
 }
 
 func (r *Route) AddRoute(context.Context) error {
-	_, err := r.routeRefCounter.Increment(r.route.Network, struct{}{})
-	return err
+	if _, err := r.routeRefCounter.Increment(r.route.Network, struct{}{}); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
 }
 
 func (r *Route) RemoveRoute() error {
-	_, err := r.routeRefCounter.Decrement(r.route.Network)
-	return err
+	if _, err := r.routeRefCounter.Decrement(r.route.Network); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
 }
 
 func (r *Route) AddAllowedIPs(peerKey string) error {
@@ -51,6 +55,8 @@ func (r *Route) AddAllowedIPs(peerKey string) error {
 }
 
 func (r *Route) RemoveAllowedIPs() error {
-	_, err := r.allowedIPsRefcounter.Decrement(r.route.Network)
-	return err
+	if _, err := r.allowedIPsRefcounter.Decrement(r.route.Network); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
 }