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KEB12's avatar
KEB12
Aspirant
Dec 07, 2022

Orbi RBR10 and Alexa Echos in Stereo

Wanted my IoT devices on the Guest network for security reasons. Seems like a reasonable idea.

 

The problem is is you want to have two Echo devices setup in Stereo (and of course on the Guest network to interface with the IoT devices) you MUST check:

     "Allow guests to see each other AND MY LOCAL NETWORK"

for the stereo pairing to work, WHICH DEFEATS THE SECURITY I WAS GOING FOR WITH THE GUEST NETWORK!!!

 

Why isn't there an "Isolate" switch so I could:

- Allow guests to see each other

- NOT allow guests to access my local network

                                ???

 

Is there a way to accomplish this that I'm missing???

Thanks!

3 Replies

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 07, 2022

    so you're complaining because the way amazon setup their echos, they need to be on the same local network without client isolation? 

    Basically what it comes down to. 

    If you want to use them in stereo, put them on the local network. that's something coming from amazon. 

    It tends to be the IoT devices like switches/bulbs/cameras/etc that are a little more security sketchy. 

    and the 

    • KEB12's avatar
      KEB12
      Aspirant
      Dec 31, 2022

      Hi Plemans,

       

      So what I'm hearing is to put the Echo devices on my Main network and all of the IoT devices (switches/bulbs/cameras/etc) on the Guest network. Is that correct and will that work?

       

      Thanks,

      Keith

       

       

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 31, 2022
    KEB12 wrote:

    Why isn't there an "Isolate" switch so I could:

    - Allow guests to see each other

    - NOT allow guests to access my local network

                                    ???

    Why networking companies design products the way they do is interesting to speculate about, but not productive.  "It is what it is."

    At the time the original Orbi products were being designed (2015-2016), the "Internet of Things" was just beginning.  A Guest WiFi network was intended to be what it is named, a way to allow guests to access the home WiFi without sharing the primary WiFi password with them.  That enable/disable feature described on page 78 of the user manual was rather a clever way solve a common problem.  "How do I print something?"  Instead of "Well, you can't print anything because the printer is on the primary network", the owner can say, "Just a minute", enable guest access to the primary network, and say "The printer is at IP address ###." After guests depart, the guest password can be changed so that no one knows it any more.  (Even if they sneak back and park outside, they can no longer access your WiFi.)

     

    The current mania to "protect me from IoT security issues" is a new problem, and as you've found out, it is more complicated than anyone would have believed.  Echo speakers needing to talk to each other!