Switches for Mesh Wi-Fi Networks
AP/bridge mode
The chosen mesh system does not have to offer all the functionalities you need.
Although most meshes can also be changed to AP mode or bridge mode, where their router logic is disabled. They just work as wireless passages for your present router.
This can be a convincing solution in case you’re utilizing a costly router with modern features. A modem that the mesh system doesn’t repeat. Or if you simply need to utilize a different ISP’s router for the connection to the Internet. In that case, you should disable the router’s wireless services to reduce interferences and radio obstructions.
If you are interested, you can even operate the two networks simultaneously. It is possible with your network to connect to the internet through your original router. If you want to use parental controls in the network system, you can try this. This wireless network still allows various users to access services operated by the primary router.
Notwithstanding, try this with caution, as it can prompt issues with port forwarding, QoS, and other network Managed Switch services.
Your home and office network’s best DNS blockers and firewalls
Do you have a secure network at home or the office?
Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with an anti-malware/antivirus solution called Windows Security, which I believe works particularly well. It’s not enough to rely on antivirus alone.
With the growing number of remote workers, rising international tensions are driving the need for small-scale solutions and best practices. To protect home and small business networks and mobile devices from malware, adware, and other threats. . .
For those who are interested in navigating the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape, here is a short guide. Product recommendations and best practices. This guide is for people who have little experience with network security. But want to protect themselves, their small businesses, or their friends and family.
I use the following products to protect my family’s home networks and mobile devices. As soon as I have time to research, I will add more product and service recommendations.
Hardware and software-based DNS VPN protection wall
NextDNS
Since you or your friends or family can’t buy hardware-based firewall hardware, look for a solution other than NextDNS. The solution combines the encrypted VPN traffic tunnel and a firewall. And DNS blocking and filtering service that encrypts the VPN traffic tunnel.
When configured as an application, the service creates an encrypted private connection (VPN) to the cloud servers.
In its primary role, it proxies Domain Name Service (DNS) requirements against a large database of malicious sites. And, depending on how limited the service is, blocks them. The block list will prevent you from accessing blocked pages. It will also block advertising and pornography.
For NextDNS to work, a VPN connection to the enterprise (for example, via OpenVPN) is necessary. And NextDNS does not provide such a service. However, it is possible to use them both together as well.
The service is available as a standard DNS server for routers and IoT devices. Devices supported are iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS.
It is free at its lowest level. There is no limit to the hardware, no limit to requirements, and no limit to configurations in the Pro service.
Each device you use must be installed with this software in order to use this service. In other words, it is suitable for smartphones, tablets, and laptops when you are on a mobile network. The solution is also DNS-based. Rather than IP- or connection-based. So it’s not a real intrusion solution, such as a hardware wall.
Your first concern should be the randomly generated ID. The ID through which you and your family will identify themselves in the service. And the family determines how certain security settings will apply to them.
It is having similar configuration screens. And easy to install. But the main consideration is the configuration ID. And when you register the activity system, you can choose what device the event takes place on.
The “Logs” tab at the top of the UX web portal is a convenient way to ensure clients are using NextDNS VPN. And registering the client’s connections. Each device’s log page allows you to view traffic logs based on all DNS queries, or just blocked queries.
You can configure security settings on the Security tab.
There you can enable the following features:
- artificial intelligence threats,
- Google Safe Browsing,
- crypto-jacking,
- DNS re-binding,
- IDN homograph attacks,
- typographic squatting,
- domain generation algorithms,
- recently registered domains,
- parking domains, and
- materials of child sexual abuse.
My configuration has all of these features enabled.
On the Privacy tab, you can enable tracking and blocking of ads. I have just included the NextDNS. And also OISD lock lists. That will protect mobile devices for most regular browsing and mobile applications. It is done while maintaining a minimum level of functionality. When you enable too many lists, you will have to temporarily disable NextDNS to make them work again. You can add some blocklists, such as AdGuard and a few others, one by one to their curatorial list. This list helps to see how this affects your usability.
NextDNS blocks certain websites, programs, and games. It also offers parental control functionality to block pornography, piracy, dating, and social networks. NextDNS allows you to assign different configuration IDs to different accounts. Therefore, you can configure your children’s devices separately and enter a password that cannot be changed on the next-DNS settings screen. Additionally, you’ll want to configure parental controls on their devices. Configuration Uses built-in app restrictions (like the iOS Content and Privacy Restrictions menu) so that you can’t uninstall NextDNS.
The ExtNoc learning guide is an excellent place to start if you want more comprehensive information about network security.
