I have a wireless network in the house. Works perfectly. I also have a home automation system that hasn't been updated in a while and the main touch panel is wifi but it's an older touch panel.

The touch panel doesn't have modern encryption so it won't get through the network wifi security. I'd have to run my wireless network without security to use the touch panel and that isn't going to happen.

Is it possible to run a separate wireless network without security just for the touch panel and the automation system? If it isn't I can do an upgrade to the system but I really don't have the time to deal with that now and would prefer to set up a second wireless router for the system if at all possible.

TIA for any and all help.

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Posted by LEASTBAY

Member since Aug 2007

14245 posts

Posted on 4/19/15 at 11:52 am to VABuckeye

Best option might be a dual band router. You can setup a guest network or something and limit the bandwidth to a small amount for the panel.

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Posted by jeff5891

Member since Aug 2011

15761 posts

Posted on 4/19/15 at 12:02 pm to VABuckeye

You might be able to set the router to allow the MAC address of the touch panel. That way the router won't try to block it when it reads the MAC.

This post was edited on 4/19/15 at 12:03 pm

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Posted by Gringo

Good Ole AP

Member since Feb 2015

188 posts

Posted on 4/19/15 at 6:45 pm to VABuckeye

While not optimal, yes... I would setup a secondary access point cabled to the main access point.. Then set that unit up for mac address filtering and whatever kind of security (if any) it will support (WEP instead of WPA, maybe?). I would also hide the SSID so it's not just out there broadcasting.

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Posted by Hopeful Doc

Member since Sep 2010

14931 posts

Posted on 4/19/15 at 7:09 pm to VABuckeye

In line with all that's said, what's your router model? Many recent models let you broadcast an unsecured guest wifi if you want to. Seems like a simple and functional solution if your current hardware supports it.

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Posted by VABuckeye

Naples, FL

Member since Dec 2007

35462 posts

Posted on 4/19/15 at 8:15 pm to Hopeful Doc

It's a recent model time capsule. Unsecured guest seems like the way to go. For someone that knows so much about the hardware side I'm lifeless on mant aspects of the software side.

Thanks guys.

ETA: Not sure if the guest network will work. I need to be able to communicate with the automation gear and sources that are on the primary network. They are all wired connections if that helps me but I think it does the opposite.

This post was edited on 4/19/15 at 8:30 pm

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Posted by jeff5891

Member since Aug 2011

15761 posts

Posted on 4/20/15 at 1:14 am to VABuckeye

quote:
I need to be able to communicate with the automation gear and sources that are on the primary network. They are all wired connectionsThey are all wired connections

subnet

Also if you are ever going to set up a guest network for one wireless device at least use MAC filtering instead of unsecured.

And if your automation device can find hidden networks, disable the SSID broadcast

This post was edited on 4/20/15 at 1:19 am

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