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Second router

A second router creates a trusted home network for computers and phones. Smart devices stay on the first router's network and cannot initiate connections through the new router's NAT protection.Source: NETGEAR Support

It is still worth trying a guest network first. It is free and it does the same thing for most people.

Two routers one after the otherThe connection comes from the internet to the first router, whose device network holds the camera, bulb and television. A connection then runs to the second router. The computer and phone are behind its firewall.InternetFirst routerDevice networkCamera, bulbTelevisionSecond routerHome networkComputerPhone
The home network is behind the second router's firewall. Devices on the first network cannot initiate a connection to it when the second device is in router mode.

What to get

Choose a router that still receives updates and has a separate internet port. A brand name or a high price does not replace either requirement.

Ask the seller the same question you would ask about any device: how long is this updated for?

Five steps

Step by step

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  1. Get a router that is still being updated

    Choose a model with a separate internet port, router mode and continuing update support. Check the support page before buying.

    It may also be called: Reititin (router), Router, Tukiasema (access point)

    Do not use a model whose update support has ended. Check it on the manufacturer's support site.

  2. Connect the new router's internet port to a network port on the old one

    A network cable from a numbered port on the old router to the internet port on the new one. The new router gets its connection through the old one.

    It may also be called: WAN, Internet, Ulkoverkko (external network)

    If the new device has no separate internet port, look in its manual for the section on working as a router.

  3. Give the new router a different address range

    If the first one starts with 192.168.1, set the second one to 192.168.20 for instance. The networks must not use the same range.

    It may also be called: LAN-asetukset (LAN settings), Reitittimen IP-osoite (router IP address), DHCP-alue (DHCP range)

    The symptom of the wrong setting: devices get a network connection, but some pages will not open, or the connection drops for no reason.

  4. Give the new home network its own name and password

    Give the first router’s device network and the new router’s home network different names and passwords.

    It may also be called: SSID, Verkon nimi (network name)

  5. Move computers and phones to the new router's network

    Computers and phones belong behind the new router. Cameras, bulbs, plugs and other smart devices stay on the first router’s network.

    Change the first network’s password if you need to stop previously connected devices joining it automatically.

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Check the address range and operating mode

The routers must use different address ranges. The second device must also work as a router, not as an access point or bridge.

Symptom: devices get a network connection, but some pages will not open, the connection drops at random, or the router admin page opens on the wrong device.

Fix: change the second router's address range to a different start. If the first one is 192.168.1, set the second to 192.168.20 for instance.

What this does not protect against

It does not stop a device from sending data to the internet. Outbound traffic from the device network still passes through.

It does not fix the device's own faults. An unpatched camera is an unpatched camera on its own network too.

It does not isolate the networks in access-point or bridge mode. The second device's firewall applies only in router mode.

Two routers can complicate remote access, online gaming, port forwarding and automatic device discovery.Source: Google Nest Help Use a guest network if it provides the separation you need.

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