NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Retired_Member
Feb 06, 2026RS600 latest version, 1.0.6.16 IoT network works like a Guest Network
Well, I got all excited about the new IoT network capabilities in 1.0.6.16. I moved a couple of devices to the new IoT network, and they connected to the internet. Then connected my phone to the IoT network. It also connected to the internet but could not connect to the devices. Works no different than a guest network. Then switched everything back and working fine. What a waste of time and emotion.
45 Replies
Replies have been turned off for this discussion
- Retired_Member
Nice to see your testing was the same as mine. NG will need to figure this out. Also, when the IoT is enabled, it does not show in the Nighthawk iPhone app.
- coolwifiLuminary
I am still able to control the devices connected to the IoT network from the main wifi or IoT wifi. The IoT network is fully isolated only in the LAN side.
- coolwifiLuminary
I will disable smart connect and see, because I was testing the IoT network before enabling smart connect and could ping IoT devices from the main or IoT wifi.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
Smart Connect was enabled on my RS700 prior to enabling the IoT network.
- coolwifiLuminary
The IoT network and the devices connected to it are fully isolated in the LAN. I couldn't set up or control my soundbar when I connect it to the IoT network and my phone to the main or IoT wifi.
- Retired_Member
So the last week, I put 5 Roku streamers and 2 Sony Bravia TVs on the 5G guest network, and they all worked great. After 2 days of harassment from the TVs (i.e. Google), I turned their WiFi off and just use the Roku streamers. Roku's work great on guest network. I checked with SimpliSafe, and they recommended put devices on the 2.4G guest network, and not on a system with smart connect (although I always keep my networks separate). So, the SimpliSafe hub and 5 cameras are all moved to the 2.4G guest network and working fine. I then went for the Ion System HVAC thermostat, also working great.
So that leaves me with a WiiM amp and Hubitat Elevation Z-wave hub. These two need a true IoT for setup and programming. So, until NG can figure out IoT for the RS600, which for me is communication to the internet and other IoT network devices only (could have an optional setting for main network that I won't use), this will be my network setups. My RS600 is a year old and don't want to spend the money on an Asus for these two devices.
Thanks for all the responses.
- coolwifiLuminary
If you don't want to use guest networks, you could turn off smart connect and still have the same SSID's for all the wifi bands. The 2.4 Ghz band security could be set to WPA2-PSK for full compatibility.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
Retired_Member​
Any progress on this? Please let us know...
- WarmHelp_NTGRNETGEAR Expert
Hi anderpf
I have sent you a private message. Please kindly check it when you have a moment.
- WarmHelp_NTGRNETGEAR Expert
Thank you for reaching out, anderpf
I have sent you a private message again. Please kindly check it when you have a moment.
- Retired_Member
I was asked to install a trial firmware version V1.0.6.20. When I asked what the functionality would be "Starting from Trial firmware version V1.0.6.20, the IoT network and the main network are connected. Devices on both networks can see and communicate with each other". Because I don't want the IoT and the main network connected, I won't be installing it as it provides no benefit over putting IoT devices on the main network. If NG provides a selection to isolate the IoT from the main, then I'll use it.
- coolwifiLuminary
Isn't this what the current firmware provides with the IoT and main network? There's full LAN isolation in the IoT network.
- Retired_Member
Current firmware does isolate from the main network. The issue is that devices on the IoT cannot connect to each other. Thus, it functions like a guest network.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
You might try the FW to see if having devices connected on the IoT network can connect to each other on the IoT network.
anderpf wrote:
I was asked to install a trial firmware version V1.0.6.20. When I asked what the functionality would be "Starting from Trial firmware version V1.0.6.20, the IoT network and the main network are connected. Devices on both networks can see and communicate with each other". Because I don't want the IoT and the main network connected, I won't be installing it as it provides no benefit over putting IoT devices on the main network. If NG provides a selection to isolate the IoT from the main, then I'll use it.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
Got this trial beta v.20 FW loaded yesterday.
Set up 2.4Ghz radio only for test test since I have other wifi systems running and don't want to interfer with them if possible.
Used 4 devices, 1 PC ethernet, 1 PC wireless, iPhone and Android PAD, all these connected to the IoT network. The Ethernet PC connected to Port4 behind the RS router.
Both iPhone and Android pads got internet services. PC gets internet as well. Checked with some youtube videos on each.
I pinged the Iphone and Android pads using the wireless connected PC on the same IoT network and was successful. Pinged the Ethernet PC as well with success from the wireless PC.
Pinged from the ethernet PC to the Iphone, pad and wireless PC with success.
This is what we are seeing on Orbi systems and what I tested prior on this with the RS700.
If users what more isolation, then I guess use the Guest Network feature.
However, I see the user has left the community so will leave this in NG hands and they can figure out the end result.
End result is:
The IoT network is intended to function similarly to the main network. Therefore, devices on the IoT network should be able to access the router GUI and other LAN devices.