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RBK853
I noticed that my RBK853 system now allows iot networks (both 2.4 and 5.0 GHz). That is good news. My question is, "Will devices on iot networks have visibility to my main networks? in other words, ...
The very first Orbi series (2016) had an option for the Guest Network:
Every Orbi system since then has no option for the Guest WiFi network. Devices on Guest WiFi have only internet access and cannot access (or be accessed from) the primary network.
The Internet of Things (IoT) WiFi network was introduced in a firmware update to some of the Orbi AX products (but not all - sigh). This is an obvious attempt to address the issue of IoT devices which are difficult to set up when both 2.4G and 5G WiFi have the same SSID due to poorly written smartphone apps. Devices on the IoT WiFi network are part of the primary network and fully accessible.
Yes. IoT devices are part of the primary LAN IP subnet.
I have used ASUS routers, they allow multiple guest networks that do not have access to the main network even though they may use the same subnet as the main network. I don't know how they do that but that is what it says. So, do you know if this is the case in Orbi? From your answer, it appears that it is not. Thank you.
The very first Orbi series (2016) had an option for the Guest Network:
Every Orbi system since then has no option for the Guest WiFi network. Devices on Guest WiFi have only internet access and cannot access (or be accessed from) the primary network.
The Internet of Things (IoT) WiFi network was introduced in a firmware update to some of the Orbi AX products (but not all - sigh). This is an obvious attempt to address the issue of IoT devices which are difficult to set up when both 2.4G and 5G WiFi have the same SSID due to poorly written smartphone apps. Devices on the IoT WiFi network are part of the primary network and fully accessible.
Thank you CrimpOn for a clear and complete answer.
However, I am saddened to know this because I like to have my IoT network isolated just like a Guest Network. This is to protect my main network and other devices on the IoT network from any device on the IoT that might get broken into because of its poor design or implementation.
It's how NG intended the IoT network to be used. Due to poorly coded IoT apps and IoT devices, they require some form of connection to there devices. So the IoT network is kept on the same network as the main WLAN so the IoT devices and IoT apps can communicate back and forth since most phones and pads are commonly connected to the main WLAN. This can't be done on the GN since it's separate from the main WLAN on a different subnet and has no access to the main WLAN. So IoT apps and devices would have to be connected to same GN if you use the GN. Users choice. It how NG intended the IoT network to be used on there stuff.
Good Luck.
