How to Set Up a Secure Wi-Fi Network: A Look at ASUSWRT 5.0

What is ASUSWRT 5.0? According to ASUS, it’s “someone or something that helps, supports, and can be relied on no matter what challenges you face.” In practice, it’s a piece of software designed to give users greater control over their network. Beyond bandwidth management, ASUSWRT 5.0 includes tools for securing data and protecting connected devices from potential threats.

For better security and convenience, it’s generally more effective to implement protection measures at the router level. If you’re looking to avoid complex configurations or expensive subscriptions, ASUS WiFi 7 routers with ASUSWRT 5.0 firmware offer a straightforward solution. They can serve as your first line of defense without requiring additional software or services.

Let’s start with the key advantages:

• Out-of-the-box security – ASUS routers provide automatic network protection from the moment they’re powered on. No additional setup is required for basic safety.

• No subscription required – Even the more advanced security features are included at no extra cost, which sets ASUS apart from many competitors.

• AiProtection Pro – A robust, always-on security system powered by Trend Micro. It continuously updates and monitors for threats in real time, adding an extra layer of defense for your network.

• Straightforward management – The ASUS Router app provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring and managing your network. It also sends alerts if any suspicious activity is detected, helping you stay on top of potential security issues.

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ASUS Router

You don’t need to be a networking expert to use the ASUS Router app effectively. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to set up and manage your network’s security with just a few taps.

Security Scan features allow you to:

• Check network health and receive security recommendations
• Detect and block potentially dangerous devices
• Receive notifications of new connections or suspicious activity
• Activate AiProtection Pro to protect against cyber threats.

AiProtection Pro

Router-level protection is one of the most effective ways to secure all devices in your home — especially smart appliances that don’t support traditional antivirus solutions.

Main responsibilities of AiProtection Pro:

• Blocking malicious websites – automatically filters dangerous resources, preventing phishing attacks
• Intrusion detection system (IPS) – analyses incoming and outgoing traffic, protecting devices from attacks
• Monitoring local traffic – if any device on the network behaves suspiciously, the system automatically isolates it.

Triple DNS Guard

DNS (Domain Name System) is a distributed system used to retrieve information about domain names. Most commonly, it translates a website’s hostname into its corresponding IP address. DNS requests are essential for establishing internet connections, but they can also be targeted by attackers. That’s why routers like the ASUS RT-BE88U offer a comprehensive solution to address these risks:

• DNS redirect protection – prevents redirects to malicious sites
• DNS over TLS – encrypts DNS queries for added privacy
• DNSSEC – verifies the authenticity of responses from DNS servers.

These features ensure that your network consistently connects to reliable websites, preventing hackers from redirecting your traffic to malicious resources.

Read also: ASUS RT-BE88U Review: Router with Up to 34 Gbps Throughput

VPN Fusion

VPN Fusion is a technology that allows users to connect to multiple VPN servers simultaneously and, if needed, route client devices through different VPN tunnels. It also enables running VPN connections within a home local network without relying on VPN client software. Many users turn to VPNs for privacy, but traditional routers often force all traffic through the VPN, which can reduce speed, as seen with the ROG Rapture GT-BE19000.

ASUS routers with VPN Fusion allow users to select which devices will use the VPN and which will remain on the regular network. This also helps minimize the load on the internet connection, ensuring high performance.

Read also: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE19000 Review: Tri-Band Gaming Router

IoT Network

The term IoT, or Internet of Things, refers to a network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices, the cloud, and between the devices themselves. However, smart devices often have weak security measures, which can pose a threat to the entire network. ASUSWRT 5.0 software allows users to create a separate IoT network, helping protect their main devices.

Your smart devices will operate in a separate segment, without interacting with your PCs and smartphones, and a dedicated SSID for the IoT network ensures stability and compatibility. ASUSWRT 5.0 also allows the use of devices that do not support the latest security standards.

ASUS WiFi 7 routers with the new ASUSWRT 5.0 firmware provide robust protection for all devices in your network. They combine intuitive management, advanced security features, and speed without compromising performance. Choosing an ASUS router gives you built-in security with no subscription required, protection for your smart devices, and flexible network management.

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