Using AirPort Express to create isolated Subnet for IoT devices

FBI recommends that you keep your IoT devices on a separate network.


How would this look on an Apple network using an AirPort Extreme and two AirPort Expresses?


I want to use one of the AirPort Expresses (AP1) to extend the AirPort Extreme into a distant room using ethernet cable. I have this set up and working (albeit at the 100 Mbps limit for ethernet on AirPort Express). Done.


I want to use the other AirPort Express (AP2) to create the IoT network that is isolated from my existing network which uses (192.168).


I can't seem to use a different IPv4 Range on the Express (10.0) relative to the Extreme without creating a Double NAT. In this case if there is a Double NAT can I safely "Ignore" it? I am doing this because I do want the networks to not be reachable from one another.


When creating a "Guest Network" (172.16) there is no "Double NAT" issue reported, and the Guest Network is using a different IPv4 than what is set on the Extreme. Is this discrepancy just Apple thinking for us and not providing enough information?


The Extreme

Set to use IPv4 Range of 192.168.80.2 - 192.168.80.250. DHCP and NAT are set. I have DHCP reservations for all of my local devices by MAC addresses.


Wireless
Network Mode: Create a wireless network
Wireless Securitv: WPA2 Personal


The Express

Internet
Connect Using: DHCP
IPv4 Address: 192.168.80.3
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Router Address: 192.168.80.1
DNS Servers: 192.168.80.1


Wireless
Network Mode: Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name: IoT
Wireless Securitv: WPA2 Personal


Network
Router Mode: DHCP and NAT
DHCP Range: 10.0.100.2 to 10.0.100.200
Network Options
IPv4 DHCP Range:
10.0.100.2 to 200
Checked: Enable NAT Port Mapping Protocol

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Jun 18, 2023 3:10 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 18, 2023 7:20 PM

I can't seem to use a different IPv4 Range on the Express (10.0) relative to the Extreme without creating a Double NAT


Correct. Your "main" router is providing NAT service for your main network. When you set up the AirPort Express as a separate router......as you must do to accomplish your network separation goal.....it is also providing NAT service.


So, the Express sees NAT from your main router and also the NAT that is creating......Double NAT.


can I safely "Ignore" it?


Yes.


When creating a "Guest Network" (172.16) there is no "Double NAT" issue reported, and the Guest Network is using a different IPv4 than what is set on the Extreme.


The Guest Network option on the AirPort routers is using what is known as VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) Technology....and it uses the same NAT service as the main network.......so there is no Double NAT created when the Guest Network is enabled. Sneaky Apple doesn't mention things like this in their documentation.









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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 18, 2023 7:20 PM in response to johnnyjackhammer

I can't seem to use a different IPv4 Range on the Express (10.0) relative to the Extreme without creating a Double NAT


Correct. Your "main" router is providing NAT service for your main network. When you set up the AirPort Express as a separate router......as you must do to accomplish your network separation goal.....it is also providing NAT service.


So, the Express sees NAT from your main router and also the NAT that is creating......Double NAT.


can I safely "Ignore" it?


Yes.


When creating a "Guest Network" (172.16) there is no "Double NAT" issue reported, and the Guest Network is using a different IPv4 than what is set on the Extreme.


The Guest Network option on the AirPort routers is using what is known as VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) Technology....and it uses the same NAT service as the main network.......so there is no Double NAT created when the Guest Network is enabled. Sneaky Apple doesn't mention things like this in their documentation.









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Using AirPort Express to create isolated Subnet for IoT devices

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