Sharing Wi-Fi with Caution: A Cautionary Tale

Recently, I made the decision to allow my neighbor’s teenage grandson to use our home Wi-Fi. It seemed like a friendly gesture at first, especially since his grandfather is not keen on getting internet service for their home. However, as I reflect on this decision, I can’t help but think twice about the implications—especially given my own teenage antics with technology.

A Bit of Background

The neighbor’s grandson, who appears to be around 15, recently moved in next door, and it turns out his grandfather isn’t interested in shelling out for internet access. Last year, I invested in a fiber-optic connection that provides unlimited 50 Mbps upload and download speeds, and I thought sharing wouldn’t hurt. Initially, the kid even offered to pay for the access, but instead, I requested that he use the connection responsibly and respectfully.

A Cause for Concern

Upon further reflection, I realized that in granting him Wi-Fi access, I may have inadvertently opened the door to my home network and all the devices connected to it. As a teen, I remember engaging in some questionable internet shenanigans, particularly with programs that could exploit network vulnerabilities. Now, knowing how easily things can go awry, I’m starting to feel a bit uneasy about the arrangement.

The Need for Isolation

To safeguard my devices, I’m considering ways to isolate his connection from my home network. I’ve heard about wireless isolation but lack the technical know-how to implement it effectively. One thought I had was to utilize a spare router. If I hardwire it to my existing connection and set it up as a separate network for him, I can create a different subnet entirely. However, I’m unsure how much this would protect my devices from potential risks.

My Current Setup

For reference, my current network consists of a Bell Home hub 3000 connected directly to a Netgear Nighthawk R7000 router, which is running DD-WRT firmware.

Seeking Advice

If you have any insights or suggestions on how I can efficiently isolate his connection while ensuring my network’s security, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. How can I effectively set this up to enjoy peace of mind while still being a good neighbor?

This experience has undoubtedly opened my eyes to the importance of careful network management, especially in today’s interconnected world. I look forward to hearing any tips you might have!