How to Create a Separate Network for Your IoT Gadgets

IoT is a point of entry for hackers. One way to prevent vital data leaks is to learn how to create a separate network for your IoT gadgets.

By now, you’ve most likely acquired a number of smart home devices. These all connect to the internet via the same router. Needless to say, there are numerous methods for protecting your IoT device network from potential hacking efforts. One method is to learn how to create a separate network for your IoT.
Everyone understands that their gadgets must be password-protected and that the passwords must be strong and unique. There are various tools available to assist you with this. Here, we’re going to talk about your IoT device network. In addition, we’ll discuss how it affects the overall security of your smart home devices.

Connect all of your devices. (Check to make sure.)

Isn’t it true that your main router must connect all of your IoT devices to the internet? Your major devices, such as PCs, laptops, and cellphones, are very certainly connected to the same network.
Suppose all of your devices are connected to the same network. A skilled hacker can move from one device to the next if they can breach one of your devices and gain access to the network. As a result, if your network is breached via your smart doorbell or your smart refrigerator, they may be able to access your smartphone or home computer. They may be able to do this if they are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Therefore, cybersecurity experts advise establishing two independent networks, one for IoT devices and the other for laptops, smartphones, and other mobile devices.
Jumping between networks is far more difficult than between devices. Therefore, connect your devices to different networks. Then, even if someone hacks into your smartwatch, they won’t be able to get access the information on your phone.
You can set up different Wi-Fi networks using a variety of methods at home. This is also known as home network segmentation.
You can rest assured that expert specialists strongly recommend it. Of course, if you don’t know how to set up a Wi-Fi network or operate your router, segmenting your home network may be too difficult. As a result, it is strongly advised that you get help from an independent technician. You may also ask for help from your Internet service provider.
Meanwhile, here are a few different home network segmentation choices. You can pick the one that looks most convenient to you and discuss it with your professional.

What is the best way to segment a home network?

Let’s look at three basic alternatives for learning how to create a separate network at home. Any of the three alternatives will help you improve the security of your smart home devices. In addition, they will allow you to link your primary and IoT devices to different networks.

1. Set up two distinct networks.

This is certainly the safest solution. In addition, it’s the simplest to comprehend and implement.
The disadvantage is that it might be fairly pricey.
What exactly do two networks mean? It means you can have two internet connection lines at home. There can be two from the same provider or one from one and one from another provider. This way, you’ll have two entirely independent lines. There will be no overlap between your primary and IoT device connections.
Setting up two separate connections is also the most user-friendly option. This is because you don’t need to know much about your network’s technical elements or how to configure it.
An ISP technician installs the router. This completes your part in the system setup.

2. Have one router for two networks.

If your router is fresh, you should be able to set up a guest network right away.
You essentially create a new Service Set Identifier or SSID, which is another name for a Wi-Fi network. However, the network is still on the same router. Therefore, you don’t need to switch internet service providers.
To do this you’ll need the administrator username and password. In addition, you will need access to and modification of your router’s settings.
Of course, if you don’t know how to do it yourself, you should contact your ISP. They will send a technician to set up the new network for you. In addition, it is possible to prohibit access to the settings menu via the guest network. This makes it even more difficult for hackers to hop networks.

3. Set up two routers.

It’s possible to have two independent networks via two different routers. This is true even if you have connected both connected to the same internet line.
However, keep one thing in mind. You must configure both routers correctly.
If you don’t set up the configuration correctly, two different routers won’t help. Again, for an unskilled user, setting two routers could be a bit much. Therefore, don’t be afraid to seek expert help.
Finally, don’t overlook the fundamental security procedures that you must implement on your IoT devices. If your device comes with a default password, for example, you must update it.
In addition, for your segmented home networks, you’ll need to create secure passwords as well. To put it another way, you must secure your routers with unique passwords that are difficult to crack. Furthermore, don’t forget that password management software can assist you with this.
We control the majority of IoT devices using mobile apps on our smartphones. When you install an app, you must first go over the list of permissions it requires. If you don’t do that, the app might be able to do a lot more than you desire. To put it another way, be cautious and aware of the apps you use and the devices you administer.

Brad Anderson

Editor In Chief at ReadWrite

Brad is the editor overseeing contributed content at ReadWrite.com. He previously worked as an editor at PayPal and Crunchbase. You can reach him at brad at readwrite.com.