Securing Your Home Network: Managing Guest Wi-Fi Access

In today’s interconnected world, sharing Wi-Fi can sometimes seem like a helpful gesture, especially when a neighbor in need reaches out. However, it’s essential to consider the potential risks involved in granting access to your network. Recently, I found myself in a situation where I agreed to let a new neighbor—an adolescent—connect to our home Wi-Fi. At first, it felt like a kind act, but after some reflection, I realized that it might not have been the wisest decision.

Background Story

A few days ago, a 15-year-old moved in next door with his grandparents. Unfortunately, his grandfather was too frugal to invest in a home internet connection. Given that we had just installed a fiber internet service with an unlimited 50Mbps plan, the kid asked if he could use our network. Though he offered to compensate me for the access, I declined the payment but requested that he adhere to responsible and legal usage of the internet.

In hindsight, I quickly became aware of the implications of my decision. By allowing him access to my Wi-Fi, I inadvertently opened the door to all of my devices. This realization kicked in strong memories of my own teenage years, when network exploits like “Wack-a-Mole” were popular—a reminder that young users might not always exhibit the most responsible behavior.

Addressing the Concern

Given the risks of unrestricted access, I immediately considered the need to isolate his connection to safeguard my devices and personal information. I recently learned about a concept called wireless isolation, which sparked my curiosity, but I wasn’t sure how to implement it effectively.

One solution I contemplated was setting up a separate router. I have a spare router that I could hardwire and position strategically in a window facing his home. By configuring this router with its own subnet, I could potentially limit his access to the main network. However, I wondered how significantly this would enhance my security.

Currently, my network setup includes a Bell Home Hub 3000, connected to my Netgear Nighthawk R7000 router, which is running on DD-WRT firmware (version 3.0).

Seeking Solutions

To ensure my home network remains secure while accommodating my neighbor, I’m reaching out for advice. Has anyone had experience with wireless isolation or setting up a guest network that provides limited access without exposing personal devices? What additional measures can I take to protect my information while still being a good neighbor?