Level Up Your Home Security: Why You Need Multiple Wi-Fi Networks
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Is your home Wi-Fi a one size fits all solution? Chances are, you're not alone if your answer is yes. But what if there was a way to boost your home network security without breaking the bank? This post explores the benefits of having multiple Wi-Fi networks and why it might be the perfect upgrade for your smart home. Even if your router only offers a basic "guest network" feature, enabling it for your smart devices can significantly improve your overall security.
Why do I need more than one network?
Think of it like having separate rooms in your house. You wouldn't want your guests hanging out in your bedroom, right? Multiple networks create separate spaces for different types of devices on your network. This offers peace of mind for everyone in the household. Imagine a hacker gaining access to your smart TV. With a single network, they could potentially access your computer where you do your banking! Multiple networks help compartmentalize your online activity, adding an extra layer of security. Luckily, creating multiple networks (also called VLANs) is easier than you might think. Many modern routers have this functionality built-in. We'll explore how to set up multiple networks in a future post!
How many networks do I need?
The number of networks you need depends on your desired level of security. Here's a breakdown of a minimum setup with three networks, offering a good balance of security and manageability:
Network Name | Security Level | Description |
Main Client | High | This network is for your personal devices that you trust the most, like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. These devices are used for work, online banking, and other sensitive activities. |
IoT (Internet of things) | Medium | This network is for all your smart home devices, including smart speakers, thermostats, appliances, and security cameras. Since these devices might have varying levels of security, isolating them helps prevent potential breaches from impacting your main network. |
Guest | Low | This network is for guests who visit your home. It provides them with internet access without giving them access to your personal devices on the main network. |
How complicated is this to setup?
The complexity of setting up multiple networks depends on your router and desired features. Here's a breakdown:
Guest Network: Setting up a guest network is usually very easy on most routers, even those provided by your internet service provider (ISP). It typically involves a few clicks in the router's settings.
Multiple Networks (VLANs): Creating multiple secure networks (VLANs) requires a more advanced router. Some high-end routers from major brands offer this functionality.
Advanced Options for Power Users:
If you're a tech enthusiast who wants ultimate control over your network, routers from Ubiquiti Unifi offer a vast array of features, including VLAN management, firewalls, IDS/IPS, network traffic monitoring, and even parental controls. We'll explore these features in a future post for those interested in a deeper dive.
What should I do now?
Here are some next steps based on your comfort level:
Start Simple: If you haven't already, enable your guest network. This provides internet access to visitors without giving them access to your personal devices on the main network.
Boost Security: Consider moving your smart devices to the guest network. This helps isolate them in case of potential vulnerabilities.
Take More Control: For those interested in advanced network management, creating multiple secure networks (VLANs) offers a significant security boost. However, this requires a more advanced router.
In the next post, we'll explore how to set up a guest network and discuss the benefits of VLANs. Check out the list of recommended routers for average homeowners at the bottom of this post. These routers offer good functionality at a reasonable price point.
Unifi Cloud Gateway Ultra - $129.00
Unifi Express - $149.00
Unifi Dream Router - $199.00
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