You can turn off AP isolation by navigating to the wireless settings on your router’s interface. There, you will be able to easily turn it off.
AP isolation is a feature on routers that prevents devices in the same WiFi network from communicating with each other. It helps secure the privacy of other devices on a WiFi network.
How AP Isolation Works
AP isolation uses firewall rules to separate all devices connected to a network wirelessly or through a wired connection.
It prevents devices connected via wireless means from communicating with other devices connected via a wired connection. It also restricts computers connected wirelessly from communicating with other devices that have also connected wirelessly.
How To Turn Off The AP Isolation Feature
It’s very easy to turn off the AP isolation feature on your router. However, not all routers may have the feature. Some routers have a similar mode called the ‘Guest mode’ which simply divides the WiFi connection into two access points, the main one for secure home networks and a secondary one for guests.
But the AP isolation feature is different. Here’s how you can disable it:
Open your router’s web interface.
Navigate to your settings, then advanced wireless settings
You should see the feature there. Now, you can turn off the AP isolation.
NOTE: For some routers that do not have this option on your router, it is possible to install a firmware upgrade that enables these new features. But, your router must have certain hardware specifications to be eligible for an upgrade.
Negative Effects Of AP Isolation
Isolating your access points can have negative effects on your internet experience. So, many people decide to switch it off when they need some features that enable their devices to communicate with each other. So, here are some negative effects of using AP isolation:
It limits your computer from accessing other wireless equipment via the WiFi network. Some of these gadgets include Printers, Music players, and TV Streaming. Also, your computer will not be able to connect to your gaming consoles, e. g. PlayStation consoles.
With AP isolation turned on, the computers on your network cannot transfer files wirelessly.
AP isolation also limits certain products that are essential in our daily activities. For example, you would not be able to use AirPlay to mirror your devices, and you won’t be able to use Chromecast to cast your mobile screen to your TV or computer.
Benefits Of AP Isolation
Using this feature can help you in a lot of ways. Without this feature, any device connected to your home or work router could easily communicate to the wired network and other connected devices. This could be very dangerous for many people. Some benefits of using AP isolation are explained below.
It helps prevent unauthorized content access: This security feature helps businesses protect their access from their clients. For instance, if a company uses a Public WiFi network that many customers connect to, it would mean that all clients connected to your company’s wired network will have access to each other and to your business’ servers.
It isolates malicious devices: AP isolation helps lock down each connected device so that any viruses in any device do not spread to the others. For instance, in your home, where you have trusted devices_ a new device or guest may have viruses that can threaten your network. This way, potentially harmful devices will only have internet access. They will be unable to access information from other clients.
Endpoint security: Society is heading toward an age of IoT(Internet of Things). This means that many wireless devices such as Laptops, phones, and IoT devices could all be connected on a single WiFi network. Endpoint security provides a more advanced defence to the ever-increasing network threats.
Conclusion
AP isolation separates communication between two devices on a network; this feature secures your information from snoopy people. But, it could also limit you from many equally important internet activities. So, knowing when to turn it off is also important.
Do I need to enable WiFi isolation on my router?
Of course, you could. But you have to choose when to do that. Enabling WiFi isolation will prevent various network attacks. It will also prevent any infections from spreading to your other peripheral devices. Allowing unknown sources to access your information is not a risk you should take.
What if I can’t find my router’s AP isolation feature?
On different routers, the name for AP isolation can be different. It could also be called WiFi or wireless isolation, SSID isolation, station isolation, or client isolation. But you should remember that not all routers come with this feature. So there’s a possibility that your router doesn’t support this feature.
