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To move an older Wi-Fi device without changing your main network, create a separate guest or IoT network on your router, set it to a band and security mode the device supports, and connect the device to that network. Check the device’s manual first: age alone does not establish whether it needs 2.4 GHz, WPA2, or both. Before enabling network isolation, confirm that the device can still reach any phone app, printer, hub, or computer it needs.
1. Check which Wi-Fi bands and security the device supports
Look up the device’s manual or manufacturer support page for its supported Wi-Fi bands and security modes. Some older devices may require 2.4 GHz or WPA2, but that is not true of every older device. A 2.4 GHz network is a common compatibility option, not a guarantee that a particular device will connect.
Also note how you use the device. A printer may need to receive jobs from computers on your main network; a smart-home device may depend on a phone app or hub for setup and control. Those local connections can be affected by network isolation.
2. Choose the right way to separate the device
Check your router’s settings for a guest network, an IoT network, or another separate SSID (network name). Router features and access behavior vary by model, firmware, and operating mode, so consult the router’s documentation if a setting is unclear.
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- More Gigabit Ports - Each Deco X55 has 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports(6 in total for a 2-pack) and supports Wired Ethernet Backhaul for better speeds. Any of them can work as a Wi-Fi Router
| Option | Best fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Guest network | You need a straightforward second network and the router lets you set a suitable band and security mode. | It may restrict access to local devices. TP-Link says Deco guest and main networks are automatically isolated in Router mode; in AP mode, an “Allow Local Access” setting is available. TP-Link’s Deco guest-network guide describes these mode-specific behaviors. |
| IoT network | Your router offers a dedicated network with compatibility settings for smart devices. | Check whether phones and computers on the main network can still reach the IoT device. Verizon says its IoT devices can be accessible from the primary Wi-Fi network, illustrating that access rules differ by router. See Verizon’s router FAQs. |
| WPA2/WPA3 transition mode | The device supports WPA2 but not WPA3, and your router offers a transition mode. | Devices and routers must support the mode. Apple describes WPA3 Personal for supported devices and WPA2 Personal (AES) for older devices in its recommended router settings. |
| Separate access point or replacement router | Your current router cannot provide the needed separate network, band, or security setting. | This adds equipment and configuration. Multi-SSID and VLAN features depend on the specific hardware; ASUS documents independent networks and VLAN combinations for supported models in its Guest Network Pro setup guide. |
A separate network name does not, by itself, establish what can communicate with what. Choose based on the device’s compatibility needs and the local access it requires, then verify the router’s actual isolation settings.
3. Create and configure the separate network
- Open your router’s network settings. In its app or admin interface, look for Guest Network, IoT Network, or a similar option. The exact menu path depends on the router.
- Give the network its own name and strong password. Avoid open security. A distinct SSID makes it easier to select the intended network when connecting the device.
- Set the band and security to match the device. If its documentation requires 2.4 GHz, select that band if your router allows it. If the device does not support WPA3, choose WPA2-Personal where available, or use WPA2/WPA3 transition mode if both the router and device support the arrangement. ASUS recommends an IoT network using WPA2-Personal for older IoT devices that cannot use WPA3; see ASUS support.
- Review local-access and isolation controls. Decide whether the device must be reachable from your primary network or communicate with other local devices. Set the router’s access options accordingly, using its model-specific guidance.
4. Connect the device and test what matters
On the older device, select the new SSID and enter its password. Then check both internet access and the device’s main function. If relevant, also test setup or control from its phone app, printing from a computer, casting, and communication with a hub. A successful Wi-Fi connection does not necessarily mean the local services you rely on can reach it.
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If the device will not connect, confirm that the SSID uses a supported band and security mode, recheck the password, and consult the router manual for the model’s guest or IoT options. Band steering and client selection can affect which band a device uses on some Wi-Fi systems; Google explains factors affecting client band selection in its Nest Wifi band guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. If the router has no suitable network option
First check the router documentation for support that may be named Guest Wi-Fi, IoT Wi-Fi, multiple SSIDs, or band selection. Feature availability can depend on the router’s operating mode and firmware. If the current equipment cannot provide the required settings, a replacement router or a separate access point may work—but confirm the exact model supports the desired band, security mode, and local-access behavior before buying or configuring it. Advanced multi-SSID and VLAN setups require compatible equipment and correct configuration.
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