Using Firewalla Purple SE with smart home devices

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Peter tumulty

• February 25, 2024 20:37

Hello,

I'm delving into home networking and smart home setups as a beginner/hobbyist and would like to confirm whether my setup is correct or recommended. Currently, I'm using a Firewalla Purple SE connected to a Linksys MX5300 Velop AX Whole Home WiFi 6 System. The Firewalla is connected to the Linksys WiFi 6 System via WAN to an Ethernet input on the WiFi router, following the setup guide's recommendation. The ad blocker and parental controls appear to be functioning correctly—I visit specific sites, and they are blocked, indicating that I've correctly configured this part.

My question revolves around the connection of my Wyze Motion Sensor Hub, Homeassistant Green, and a Hue Bridge. These devices are all connected to the Linksys WiFi 6 System via the Ethernet inputs, similar to the Firewalla. I'm unsure if this is the best approach to ensure these devices are protected by Firewalla, or if I should connect them directly to the Firewalla using the LAN input. I anticipate the need for a LAN input extender if that's the recommended configuration.

In essence, I want to ensure that my smart home devices and their associated hubs are securely protected behind Firewalla's firewalls.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance on this matter.

Thank you,

Peter

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  Firewalla

  • February 25, 2024 22:17

  If your Linksys is in AP mode, they should be "directly" connected to the firewalla network. If your Linksys is not in AP mode, then are you running in simple mode? 

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  Peter tumulty

  • February 28, 2024 00:59

  Thank you for getting back to me! I believe my Linksys is not in AP mode and I think I am running simple mode for Firewalla. With this set up are my home devices behind the firewall?
  
  Thank you again, 
  
  Peter

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  Firewalla

  • February 28, 2024 03:32

  You are best use the firewalla in "router mode". This way, all of your network devices will be "behind" the firewalla. See this article and you can find some examples https://help.firewalla.com/hc/en-us/articles/4411167832851-Firewalla-Router-Mode-Configuration-Guides

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  Peter tumulty

  • February 28, 2024 11:50

  Great thank you so much! This information is super helpful. I have two more question's for you. Since Firewalla Purple SE only has one LAN input should I get an Ethernet Switch so I can plug that into Firewalla LAN input and then plug the smart home devices into the Ethernet Switch? And, do I keep Firewalla connected from WAN to Linksys wifi LAN as is?

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  Firewalla

  • February 28, 2024 17:02

  Yes, you will need a switch for more ethernet ports. If you are into networking, a managed switch (they are not that expensive) can help you in the future to create VLAN based segmentations.

   

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