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Help with network configuration

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exergist

New Around Here
I have a somewhat odd network configuration that I'm hoping the wizards here can help me get working as I need.

Here are my requirements:
  1. I need to be able to remotely (within my house) enable & disable the wifi network. I want this to happen without exposing my router to the internet via something like Alexa or IFTTT.
  2. When the wifi is disabled I need the wired network to still be connected and reach the internet.
  3. At least two guest wireless networks (one for actual guests and one for IoT devices) that are isolated from each other, my LAN devices, and my personal wifi networks.
  4. Everything (possibly excluding the guest networks if it isn't feasible) leverages PiHole running on a raspberry pi.
Here is my current setup:
  • Modem is connected to Asus RT-AC86U
  • PiHole pi is connected to AC86U and powered via its USB port
  • AC86U is connected to a semi-managed switch (TP-Link TL-SG108E)
  • Switch is attached to other stuff, including an Asus RT-AX86U operating as an access point
  • The AC86U is powered via an outlet plug that can be controlled with a wireless remote
  • Both routers are running Merlin firmware and the AX86U also has YazFi.
Basically the AC86U is the primary router and the AX86U serves up the wifi as an access point, and the AX86U can be turned off with the wireless controller at will. With this setup I'm currently meeting Requirements 1, 2, and 4. Unfortunately I don't know how to meet them all (YazFi appears to work only if the router it's installed on is acting as a router and not an access point, and I don't know how to properly configure two routers on the same LAN).

Is what I'm after possible with the hardware I mentioned? Any thoughts and feedback would be most appreciated!
 
Last edited:
You need multiple VLANs implemented for #3. All equipment needs to support VLANs. Don't know how ASUS/Merlin would implement that as i thought they assume only 1 guest vlan. Maybe better to ask this question in the ASUS/Merlin specific subforums.
 
When I remove the access point and run Merlin with YazFi on the router I believe I can isolate the guest wifi. Unfortunately that also prevents me from manually enabling/disabling the wifi. Perhaps I will redirect my question as you suggested.

Any other suggestions out there?
 

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