Key takeaways

Virtual LANs allow you to separate devices across your network.
This action matters since certain gadgets offer weaker defenses.
Many providers restrict VLAN creation on supplied equipment.

Imagine this situation: Your residence features a single local area network. Connected to it are computers, portable machines, tablets, mobile phones, and smart home gadgets including climate controls, televisions, audio units, and additional items.

These smart home gadgets can interact with other equipment and the reverse holds true. Although they feature notably weaker protections compared to computers and laptops, they share the same network connection.

One day an IoT gadget suffers a breach. Harmful code enters the unit and then moves onward to computers and laptops. Before long an intruder obtains banking details and drains funds.

The root cause traces back to an unprotected climate control unit reaching a desktop computer.

Yet this outcome can be prevented with VLANs.

Defining a VLAN

VLAN refers to virtual local area network. In simple terms a virtual LAN functions as an additional network layer inside the main LAN and remains separated from the primary setup. The main network might use addresses such as 192.168.1.x while the VLAN uses 192.168.2.x.

The key benefit stems from the address ranges preventing direct access between the VLAN and the main LAN. This division keeps devices apart effectively.

Applying the prior example label the networks LAN1 for the main segment and LAN2 for the VLAN.

LAN1 receives computers laptops tablets and phones while LAN2 receives all IoT units. Should an IoT device face compromise its isolation on LAN2 limits reach to other items on that same segment leaving computers laptops tablets and phones untouched.

This method can expand with two VLANs one dedicated to phones and tablets and another for IoT units resulting in this layout:

LAN: Computers and laptops along with possible printers
VLAN1: Phones and tablets
VLAN2: IoT units

The main LAN can reach all items on its segment plus those on VLAN1 and VLAN2 yet the reverse access from VLAN1 or VLAN2 to the main LAN stays blocked. With suitable hardware VLAN2 can further restrict internal communication among its devices allowing only external connections. This prevents one compromised IoT unit from affecting others.

A third VLAN can serve child devices with added controls that restrict sites without impacting the primary network.

The approach extends further with a fourth VLAN for visitors and a fifth for remote work routed via VPN.

More VLANs raise setup demands yet the core remains awareness of connected devices and their proper separation.

Steps to Build VLANs

Router modem and switch models vary widely so VLAN creation depends on exact hardware.

Many providers such as Spectrum block VLAN support on their devices and this holds for most services.

Two paths remain: install router software like OPNsense or IPFire on Linux hardware or acquire an independent router.

The software route often proves complex so an independent router is advised. Models supporting VLANs include:

TP-Link ER605 V2 Gigabit VPN Router
PW-AX1800 WiFi 6 Dual-Band Router with VLAN Support
TP-Link BE6500 Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (BE400)
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (BE9300)
ASUS RT-BE88U WiFi 7 Router

Any chosen router must confirm VLAN support. Documentation for the specific model guides configuration since steps differ.

If an ISP device allows VLANs they often appear pre-set as guest mobile or streaming options.

An added benefit of a third-party wireless router includes extended coverage range.

Assigning VLAN Names

Instead of VLAN1 VLAN2 and so on descriptive labels such as IoT Mobile Kids or Guests seem convenient yet carry risk. Visible names reveal purpose to outsiders scanning nearby networks. An intruder could target an obvious IoT label and exploit weaknesses. Neutral names that hide intent reduce this exposure.

VLAN Limitations

No network offers complete safety since any connected device remains exposed. VLAN separation still surpasses a single shared network.

VLAN hopping exists as a risk where misconfigured ports or tagging allow jumps between segments granting unauthorized entry.

Correct setup per hardware instructions current router firmware and updated operating systems plus software on all devices help limit threats.

VLANs do not eliminate every concern yet they effectively isolate less protected items like IoT hardware from sensitive systems.