Most routers designed for home use will have a mobile device or web-based configuration application; these devices are not designed for interaction through a command line or automation. Figure 11-7 is a screenshot from the TP-Link Deco configuration app running on a mobile device.
Figure 11-7 TP-Link Deco Configuration Main Screen
Figure 11-7 shows a straightforward interface with just a few pieces of information and options. You can see the network devices connected in the center of the screen and the number of users connected to each network node. The sample network is a Wi-Fi 6 mesh network, so two network devices are shown.
Note
The following section considers Wi-Fi settings.
There is also a switch with several connected hosts in this network, but these are not typically shown in the diagrams presented by an app. Figure 11-8 shows the remaining portion of this initial configuration screen.
Figure 11-8 Lower Portion of the Initial Configuration Screen The lower portion of this initial configuration screen, shown in Figure 11-8, provides some basic security and quality of service (QoS) settings. These settings do not provide many options— essentially just “on” or “off”—because these devices are designed for users with little training in managing or operating a network.
The Malicious Content slider enables a cloud-based system that examines incoming packets for evidence of an attack and outbound packets for evidence of a compromised host or device attached to the network.
The QoS settings prioritize traffic from a small set of hosts over traffic from other hosts. If you have a host used for work, heavy content streaming, or gaming, you can configure the router to prioritize sending packets from these hosts. The QoS settings offer options for streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and other activities.
The More Settings Screen
Figure 11-9 shows the screen displayed when you select the More button on the bottom right of the screen.
Figure 11-9 More Options in Home Network Configuration The Guest Network option allows you to enable a guest network, as discussed previously in this chapter.
The Block List option allows you to block specific devices from connecting to the network based on their physical interface (MAC) address. Suppose a neighbor’s device often connects to your network. In that case, if you have a local television or other devices you do not want to connect to the network, or an attacker often attempts to access your network, this option can block their access.
Note
The section “Configuring the Wireless Access Point” considers Wi-Fi settings in more detail.
The Internet Connection option allows you to manually set an IP address for the router or get one from the provider. You normally want to leave this set, so the router obtains an address from the provider.