Apple HomePods and Separate IoT Network / Device Isolation

Apple HomePods and Separate IoT Network / Device Isolation

Apple HomePods and Separate IoT Network / Device Isolation
Apple HomePods and Separate IoT Network / Device Isolation
2024-04-10 15:22:29
Model: Deco X55  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

Rephrasing my previous post to hopfully something that makes more sense.

 

Setup Scenario as follows.

 

>MyHome Network 2.4GHz/5GHz on Deco (Main Network)

Connected Devices: 

  • iPhones
  • Apple TV
  • HomePods (Smarthome Hub)
  • Computers
  • iPads
  • ect...

 

>MyHome_IoT Network 2.4GHz Same Deco Router (using seperate IoT Network that is available)

Connected Devices:

  • Smart Bulbs
  • Smart Plugs
  • Thermostat
  • Smart Locks
  • etc...

 

If I use the seperate IoT Network on my Deco for all my Smart Devices but my Hub (Homepods) that are on main network like above Setup Scenario.

  • Do they behave and interact as if they are connected to the same Network
  • Will all my Smart Devices still work properly with my Voice Assistant Hub (Homepods) ?
  • When Internet is down will I still be able to control my Smart Devices with my Voice Assistant Hub (Homepods) ?

 

Device Isolation

Now is there an advantage to use Device Isolation on my Smart Home devices and if so what would be the best way to set this up? What Devices would I put under the Device Isolation for everything to work seamlesly from within the house and to also be able to control things when away from the house.

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#1
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4 Reply
Re:Apple HomePods and Separate IoT Network / Device Isolation
2024-04-11 07:26:19

  @AGTess 

Hi, the IOT network and Main Network are not separated. So Apple HomePods could still voice control and communicate the smart devices on the IOT network.

Compared to wireless standard routers, the IOT network is like the 2.4GHz band, and the main network works like the 5GHz band. They might use different SSIDs but they are under the same LAN network.

 

When the internet is down on the Deco, the physical Wi-Fi networks are still active and under the same LAN network. You should be able to control Smart Devices with Voice Assistant Hub (Homepods).

Thank you very much and best regards.

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#2
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Re:Apple HomePods and Separate IoT Network / Device Isolation
2024-04-11 07:37:27

  @AGTess in short, the IoT network is still able to communicate with the main network so your Homepods should still work with your TV, phones, etc.

 

Device isolation is useful if you have something with an internet connection that you suspect might be vulnerable to attack like smart switches or lightbulbs etc, so you can provide them with an internet connection to function normally but you are able to shield your local network from them by preventing local connections to/from it. All the isolated devices are put into the same "pool" so to speak so provided you isolate all the devices you want to be able to communicate locally it shouldn't matter if they are on the main SSID or the IoT SSID. The only network that is completely separate from the main one is the Guest network.

 

With regards to local control during an internet outage, that depends on the devices rather than the Decos, if they support local communication then you should be fine as long as the Deco doesn't get stuck in a loop searching for a WAN connection which is apparently a common problem that might be resolved but I haven't had an opportunity to test it myself.

 

Hope this helps!

XE75 V1.0 3-pack / Wired backhaul / Router mode / UK
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#3
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Re:Apple HomePods and Separate IoT Network / Device Isolation
2024-05-20 12:26:38 - last edited 2024-05-20 12:29:27

  @AGTess, thank you for posting this. I am trying to create a very similar setup in my home.

Question for the community support:

 

Is the IoT network separated with a firewall from the 'main network' ?

 

It would be nice to know that (say) your thermostat or lightbulb is prevented from being an open 'back door' for someone looking to get into your computer or phone files?  

 

@David-TP 

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#4
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Re:Apple HomePods and Separate IoT Network / Device Isolation
2024-05-21 14:57:37
Read my post above yours for more details, IoT and main network can communicate with each other
XE75 V1.0 3-pack / Wired backhaul / Router mode / UK
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#5
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