homelab-vlan-segmentation
Learn to partition your home network into isolated VLANs using UniFi, pfSense/OPNsense, or MikroTik. This guide covers switch trunk and access port configuration, firewall rules, and SSID-to-VLAN mapping to prevent IoT devices, guests, and trusted machines from reaching each other.
Homelab VLAN Segmentation teaches you to isolate IoT and guest devices from your trusted home network using managed switches and firewalls.
AI-generated summary based on this skill's SKILL.md
Install
affaan-m/ECC/homelab-vlan-segmentation · repository language: JavaScript
git clone https://github.com/affaan-m/ECC
cp -r ECC/skills/homelab-vlan-segmentation ~/.claude/skills/homelab-vlan-segmentationnpx skillfed install affaan-m/ECC/homelab-vlan-segmentationFrequently asked questions
AI-generated answers based on this skill's SKILL.md and metadata
How do I set up VLANs on a home network?
homelab-vlan-segmentation teaches you to partition your network into isolated segments using UniFi, pfSense/OPNsense, or MikroTik. Start by enabling VLAN support on your managed switch, configure trunk ports between your switch and router, then create access ports for each device group. Assign IP ranges and DHCP pools to each VLAN, then map wireless SSIDs to VLANs for guest and IoT isolation. Finally, set firewall rules on your router to control traffic between segments.
What's the best way to isolate smart home devices from my main network?
homelab-vlan-segmentation recommends creating a dedicated IoT VLAN separate from your trusted devices. Place all smart home devices on this VLAN via switch access ports or wireless SSID assignment. Configure firewall rules to block inbound traffic from the IoT VLAN to your main network, while allowing outbound internet access. This prevents compromised IoT devices from reaching your computers, NAS, or personal data.
How do I configure VLAN firewall rules and trunk ports?
homelab-vlan-segmentation covers configuring trunk ports on your managed switch to carry multiple VLAN tags between switch and router. On pfSense/OPNsense or UniFi, create firewall rules that define which VLANs can communicate. For example, block all traffic from guest VLAN to trusted VLAN, but allow trusted to guest for services you choose. MikroTik users configure similar rules via interface lists and firewall filter chains.
Can I map wireless SSIDs to VLANs for guest network isolation?
Yes—homelab-vlan-segmentation shows how to assign each SSID to a specific VLAN in UniFi, pfSense, and MikroTik. Create a guest SSID on a dedicated guest VLAN, then configure firewall rules to isolate it from your main network. Guests connect to their SSID and receive DHCP from the guest VLAN's pool, keeping them completely separated from your trusted devices and IoT segments.
How do I troubleshoot VLAN routing and DHCP connectivity issues?
homelab-vlan-segmentation addresses common VLAN problems: verify trunk ports are tagged correctly on your switch, check that your router has subinterfaces or VLAN interfaces for each segment, and confirm DHCP is enabled and scoped to the right VLAN. Test connectivity between VLANs using ping and check firewall rules aren't blocking legitimate traffic. Review switch port assignments and VLAN membership if devices can't obtain IP addresses.
What VLAN concepts and best practices should I know for home security?
homelab-vlan-segmentation teaches that VLANs create network boundaries to contain breaches—if one IoT device is compromised, it can't reach your personal files or other devices. Use separate VLANs for IoT, guests, work, and trusted machines. Implement firewall rules following the principle of least privilege: deny by default, allow only necessary traffic. Regularly audit VLAN assignments and firewall rules to prevent unauthorized access.
SKILL.md
rendered from the published skill — quoted content, verbatim
Homelab VLAN Segmentation
How to split a home network into isolated VLANs so IoT devices, guests, and your main PCs cannot talk to each other. The most impactful security upgrade for a home network.
All firewall rules shown here add isolation between segments — they do not remove existing protections. Apply changes in a maintenance window and verify connectivity between segments after each step before moving on.
When to Use
- Setting up VLANs on a home network for the first time
- Isolating IoT devices (smart bulbs, cameras, TVs) from trusted devices
- Creating a guest Wi-Fi network that cannot reach home devices
- Explaining how VLANs work to someone unfamiliar with the concept
- Configuring trunk ports, access ports, and SSID-to-VLAN mapping
- Troubleshooting inter-VLAN routing or firewall rule issues on pfSense/OPNsense/UniFi
How It Works
``` Without VLANs — flat network: All devices
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skills/homelab-vlan-segmentation/SKILL.md