Firewalla has unveiled a practical new approach to help users modernize their outdated flat networks using the company’s security platform and the new Firewalla AP7. As IoT devices, smart home gadgets, and personal devices continue to multiply, many networks have grown flat and difficult to manage — where every device can see every other device, security is compromised by legacy encryption, and upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 is often out of reach.
The Firewalla AP7, combined with Firewalla’s Zero Trust Network Architecture, transforms these big, old flat networks into segmented, secure, and future-ready environments. With intuitive controls and enterprise-grade capabilities, customers can remodel their networks without the complexity of VLANs, renumbering, or advanced IT skills.
The Problem with Flat Networks
Flat networks develop naturally over time as new devices are added, but they introduce several challenges:
- Every device has visibility into every other device, increasing risk if one becomes compromised.
- Changing SSIDs or passwords requires reconfiguring dozens of IoT devices.
- Legacy devices force networks to rely on outdated encryption standards.
- Wi-Fi 7 devices require WPA3, but flat networks often can’t support it.
The Firewalla Solution
The AP7 enables users to divide their network into logical, isolated groups without breaking existing IP addressing or requiring advanced network reconfiguration. This microsegmentation improves security, performance, and manageability.
Key features include:
- Seamless IoT migration — Keep your old SSID and password so legacy IoT devices connect automatically while still gaining microsegmentation.
- Modern encryption for new devices — Segment newer IoT or personal devices with WPA2/WPA3 or WPA3-only SSIDs for stronger protection.
- Flexible grouping — Organize devices by type (cameras, sensors, lights) or by household member, applying tailored policies such as Ad Block, Family Protect, or Safe Search.
- Zero Trust by design — Firewalla’s VqLAN and Device Isolation prevent lateral movement of threats, protecting the network if one device is compromised.
- Future-ready Wi-Fi — AP7 supports Wi-Fi 7 devices and advanced standards while ensuring legacy devices still function smoothly.
Unlike traditional enterprise solutions that require deep networking expertise, Firewalla AP7 simplifies the process. Customers can redesign their networks in minutes—retaining old IP addresses, avoiding device renumbering, and gaining control over each group of devices with simple rules and dashboards.
For more information, visit www.firewalla.com.
