What is AP Isolation (Access Point Isolation) and why is it needed?
Access Point Isolation, also known in router settings as Client Isolation or AP Isolation, is a security feature that isolates wireless clients from each other. When this feature is disabled, all devices connected to the same router via Wi-Fi are in a single local network segment and can see each other, share files, stream media content to TVs, and print to wireless printers.
When AP isolation is enabled, the router starts processing each wireless client as if it were on a completely isolated public network. Devices can successfully access the internet through the router gateway, but any attempts to send a packet to the IP address of a neighboring wireless gadget will be blocked at the router's operating system level. Meanwhile, wired clients connected via an Ethernet cable usually continue to interact with each other without restrictions.
The main application of this technology is public places with a high flow of users. Cafes, hotels, airports, and coworking spaces enable access point isolation as a mandatory measure to protect visitors from potential network attacks, port scanning, and unauthorized access to shared folders by malicious actors located on the same guest network.
However, this feature is also useful to apply at home:
The main downside of enabling isolation at home is the loss of wireless printing capabilities, screen casting to a Smart TV, and local file sharing between your smartphone and laptop if they are connected via Wi-Fi. Therefore, for a trusted home network, it is best to leave this option disabled.