How to Implement VLANs at Home to Improve Network Security and Performance

Today, homes are filled with numerous connected devices: video game consoles, PCs, smart TVs, virtual assistants, IP cameras, and even Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerators. This technological explosion offers convenience, but it also creates fertile ground for cyberattacks, bandwidth saturation, and performance issues.

One of the best strategies for maintaining a secure and efficient home network is segmentation using VLANs . Although it sounds technical, it's an accessible solution even for homes with common ISP connections like Liberty Puerto Rico or Claro .

What is a VLAN and why does it matter in the home?

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) allows you to divide a physical network into several independent virtual networks. In simple terms:

👉 It's like having several "lanes" within your network so that each type of device flows without colliding with the others.

Benefits:

• Isolate devices to improve security.

• Prevent traffic from the rest of the house from affecting your gaming connection.

• Reduce the attack surface (e.g., IP cameras isolated from the rest of the network).

• It allows you to control internet access for each group of devices.

• It makes it easy to apply specific firewall rules by segment.

  
  

Can VLANs be created from a Liberty or Claro modem?

Here comes the honest (and slightly painful) part:

No.

The modems/routers provided by Liberty PR and Claro do not allow the creation of advanced VLANs , nor the assignment of multiple SSIDs with real isolation, nor the configuration of rules per segment.

These devices are designed for basic use, not for an advanced home network.

But all is not lost. You can implement VLANs in your home with some inexpensive additional equipment.

Recommended Solution: Create VLANs Using Your Own Router

Equipment needed:

1. A router that supports VLANs – Examples: UniFi Dream Router, TP-Link Omada, ASUS AiMesh Pro, Mikrotik, or any router with OpenWRT firmware.

2. A managed switch (optional but recommended) – TP-Link TL-SG108E – UniFi Switch Lite 8

3. The ISP modem is configured in "bridge mode" (Liberty and Claro allow this by calling customer service or activating the option on their equipment, depending on the model.)

   
   

Guide to Configuring VLANs at Home (Universal Method)

1. Put the ISP modem into bridge mode

This turns the modem into a simple "passer" of the Internet to your router.

Advantages:

• Eliminates double NAT.

• Your router gains complete control.

• Reduces latency.

  
  

If your ISP does not allow bridge mode, you can use DMZ as an alternative.

2. Configure your main router with VLANs

Here's a typical example of domestic segmentation:

VLAN	Purpose	Examples of Devices
10	Gaming	Consoles, PC gamers
20	General household	Phones, laptops, Smart TVs
30	IoT	Cameras, smart bulbs, Alexa
40	Guests	Visitor telephones
50	Administration	Router, NAS

You will create these VLANs on your router and assign ports or Wi-Fi networks.

3. Configure separate SSIDs for each VLAN

• Wi-Fi Gaming (VLAN 10) Top priority, no guests, no IoT.

• Wi-Fi Home (VLAN 20) Normal internet for the family.

• Wi-Fi IoT (VLAN 30) Isolated from the rest. Prevents a hacked camera from accessing your PC.

• Guest Wi-Fi (VLAN 40) Limited and without access to your network.

  
  

4. Apply firewall rules per VLAN

Recommended example:

• Gaming → Internet: ✔ Direct connection to minimize latency.

• Home → Internet: ✔ Normal routing for browsing and streaming.

• Home → Gaming: ❌ Avoid; it mixes traffic and increases jitter.

• IoT → Internal Networks: ❌ Should not access the main network; keep isolated.

• Admin → Everything: ✔ Full access for management and maintenance.

  
  

This ensures performance and prevents insecure devices from affecting important ones.

5. Configure QoS to prioritize gaming

If your router allows it:

• Prioritize VLAN 10 (Gaming)

• Limit bandwidth for IoT

• Establish anti-bufferbloat rules

  
  

This reduces ping, jitter, and micro-drops.

Alternative: Don't want to configure VLANs? Here's a simple solution

If you don't want to add an advanced router:

✔ Create a separate network with a dedicated gaming router

1. Connect an additional router to the ISP's modem.

2. You only connect your gaming console or PC to that router.

3. The rest of the house uses the ISP's Wi-Fi.

   
   

Advantages:

• Without family interference

• Isolated network

• Low cost

• Quick installation (20 minutes)

  
  

Recommendations for Gamers in Puerto Rico

Liberty PR

• Very good speed.

• The integrated modem tends to get saturated with many devices.

• VLANs: require using your own router.

• Average latency to the U.S. : 25–40 ms.

Claro

• Similar scenario to Liberty regarding device load.

• Better stability if you configure bridge mode.

• Recommended to use a dedicated router for gaming or segmented networks.

Starlink

• Higher latency: 40–70 ms.

• Avoid connecting too many devices to the kit router to prevent saturation.

Conclusion

Creating VLANs at home is a powerful tool for improving security, performance, and connection stability. While standard Liberty and Claro modems don't allow for advanced configurations, simply adding a router that supports VLANs can transform your home network into a professional and secure architecture.

Whether it's to reduce lag in games, isolate IoT devices, or protect personal data, segmentation is a modern strategy that significantly improves the security of the digital home.

With a suitable router, a little configuration, and good practices, any home can achieve a level of cybersecurity worthy of a small business.