With the introduction of the IoT network, I'm thinking about how I'll revamp my network with a future Flint 4.
Is there a reason why we still have separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks? I tried out a TP-Link router recently and the GUI claimed that it can "intelligently" create a network using both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, or something like that. Not sure how that is really done in practice.
So my thinking now is to have all my IoT devices like washing machine, TV, Apple TV/streamers, and light bulbs in this network.
Where should I place my video game consoles?
I also have tenants that I want segregated from my own devices. Should I put their devices on the Guest network? Am I running out of potential networks that I can create since I only see 2.4GHz, 5GHz, Guest, and IoT?
I'd love to hear what your network topology is like. I really want to optimize my next network configuration.
Personally found that IoT networks only broadcast in the 2.4ghz range, as these devices tend to be low-bandwidth, small-packet devices that often have just limited bandwidth requirements, adding your TV, AppleTV and streamers onto that network, I would imagine would degrade performance and playback as it’s bandwidth limited “normally”.
Personally with the ability to create multiple high speed networks on the Flint3 and probably the Flint4, I’d create a seperate network for your streaming devices that prioritises the 5ghz and 6ghz spectrum for optimum video bandwidth for your media devices, and the IoT from your washing machines etc.
Can you have multiple IoT networks? So is IoT only limited to 2.4 GHz?
I think it's easy to assume that streamers would use a lot of bandwidth, but a typical stream, for example, Netflix 4K, uses about 25 Mbps. I don't think bandwidth will be the issue. I think interference is more likely to be the problem with 2.4 GHz.
The Flint3 only allows 1 IoT network and 1 Guest Network from what I can see, but I haven’t attempted to set it up as I use IP filtering and speed control so that everything is on the same network, but I don’t think putting your media devices on the 2.4ghz IoT Network would be beneficial for your setup.
Media should be allowed to use all your channels available across large bandwidth sections. IoT will severely restrict what you can and cannot do with your media setups.
You could create a 5ghz IoT network if you wanted to as that is an option in the IoT network setup wizard.
So I just went to my Beryl AX, which is what I only have with me at the moment, and I do see the option to create both an IoT 2.4GHz and 5GHz network, same with Guest. So it seems like the maximum is 6 SSIDs that I can create? Your earlier comment suggested that IoT only operates on the 2.4GHz band.
As I also said, on previous equipment I have used, IoT was only on the 2.4ghz band. GL-iNet also state in their IoT Network setup wizard that IoT has better compatiblity in 2.4ghz mode.
I personally think you’re trying to overcomplicate your home setup. IoT is for smart devices etc, not media usage. I cannot comment on what speeds you’d get through 5ghz IoT network setup, as I’ve said I don’t use that for media, as I use MLO for my media devices so that they get the best speed they can support.
Thank you for sharing the details of your planned network setup.
For your planned Flint 4 setup, we would suggest placing your trusted personal devices, TVs, Apple TV or other streaming devices, and game consoles on the Main or MLO Wi-Fi network. This also makes local features such as AirPlay, casting, and device discovery easier to use.
Low-trust smart devices such as light bulbs, washing machines, sensors, and smart plugs can be placed on the IoT Network. The IoT Network can use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Your tenants and visitors can be placed on the Guest Network so that they remain separated from devices on your primary network.
The standard GL.iNet web interface currently provides Main, Guest, IoT, and MLO Wi-Fi options. You may refer to the following guide for the Wi-Fi network options available in firmware v4.9:
We hope this helps you plan a secure and practical home network setup.