Create a dedicated network for IoT devices.
Create a dedicated network for IoT devices.
Consider using the existing router as a secondary gateway or set up a dedicated IoT network for better isolation and protection.
Unlikely. I'm relying on inexpensive Kasa gadgets with very limited setup options. Edit: My primary router struggles with this. Updated July 28, 2022 by Stardyze
What router are you currently using? Which Fortigate model do you own? Do you have prior experience with FortiGate devices? Will you rely solely on the router or also use a switch? Are your IoT applications connected via Wi-Fi as well? Why are you separating the networks? What level of performance are you aiming for?
I’m using an Asus RT-AX86U and think it might just be the router. Everything is connected via Wi-Fi, and I didn’t mention managed switches in my original post. All devices connect through the same network, so I need a backup network for security and to reduce bandwidth usage. I don’t require a very fast connection since I have few devices, but I want it to stay stable.
You're looking to set up a separate Wi-Fi network that's isolated from your main network. The Asus RT-AX86U supports a "guest network" feature for this purpose. Ensure the "Access Intranet" setting is turned off to prevent IoT devices from connecting to regular devices. This will fully disconnect your IoT gadgets from the primary network. If needed, you'll need to connect to the guest network via your PC before making any adjustments. You won't have the same level of detailed control as with a FortiGate, but this approach is simpler and reduces potential issues. For more details, refer to the official guide: https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1042732/
Consider that creating a second SSID doesn't conserve bandwidth; it may actually consume slightly more since it broadcasts two signals instead of one. To preserve bandwidth, consider using a separate router or Access Point just for IoT devices, or ensure they operate on different radio frequencies. Since most broadband connections are slower than Wi-Fi, improving Wi-Fi efficiency won’t always impact real-world performance. IoT gadgets typically rely on 2.4GHz networks, so they usually have dedicated bandwidth. Confirm this by setting up distinct SSIDs for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, keeping IoT devices exclusively on the 2.4GHz band. Also, many IoT devices are built to communicate via LAN, meaning you might lose some features and need to connect your phone to the dedicated IoT WiFi for control or expansion.
You're not the only one looking for better control. There are other options besides just using a separate router. Home Assistant can still reach your existing devices if they support the right protocols, which helps with both security and bandwidth management.
The exact bandwidth being saved isn't specified. Your high-speed gadgets should run on 5GHz to avoid interference from 2.4GHz signals. For Home Assistant, it varies by setup—if it connects directly to devices instead of the cloud, related gadgets must share the same network. Otherwise, the Home Assistant hub needs to be on both networks for access. The goal is to control security and device performance.