OK people - I know there are several of you that understand networks better than I, but it sounds like there is some uncertainty amongst you concerning network security once an Ooma device (Hub or Telo) becomes part of a typical home network. In the past I was aware that there were two prime methods for installing the Ooma, but it seemed that either one was OK. The method I use happens to be the first one I tried, and I am very hesitant to "fix what isn't broke." But if there is as secuity issue, then maybe it is broke? I'm sure there are others like me who have seen some recent postings that make us a bit confused and uncomfortable.
Let me start by saying that my definition of a "typical home network" contains a router so that multiple devices can access the internet. My view of this network before an Ooma device is introduced is as follows:
Stand alone modem with single output connected to WAN port on router. LAN port(s) on router connected to computer and/or other devices. Here is the shorthand that I am used to seeing for this setup: modem>>router>>PC
Now after the Ooma device is installed we seem to have two variations (note that after the router I do not show a PC or other device connected to a router's LAN port, even though they probably are connected):
A) Ooma mounted between modem and router. Modem connected to either "To Internet" or "Modem" port on Ooma, then either the "Home Network" or "Home" port on Ooma connected to the WAN port on the router. Then the LAN port(s) on router connected to a computer and/or other devices. Here is the shorthand that I am used to seeing for this setup: modem>>Ooma>>router
B) Ooma mounted after the router. Modem connected to WAN port on router. Then one LAN port on router connected to Ooma. Other router LAN ports could be used for PC, game system, etc. In this configuration the "Home Network" or "Home" port on the Ooma is rarely used, usually only for initial setup purposes. Here is the shorthand that I am used to seeing for this setup: modem>>router>>Ooma
Now, is either one of these installation methods "insecure?" And if so, is it always insecure? Or is security affected when certain parameters inside the Ooma or router are set to certain values?
Let me start by saying that my definition of a "typical home network" contains a router so that multiple devices can access the internet. My view of this network before an Ooma device is introduced is as follows:
Stand alone modem with single output connected to WAN port on router. LAN port(s) on router connected to computer and/or other devices. Here is the shorthand that I am used to seeing for this setup: modem>>router>>PC
Now after the Ooma device is installed we seem to have two variations (note that after the router I do not show a PC or other device connected to a router's LAN port, even though they probably are connected):
A) Ooma mounted between modem and router. Modem connected to either "To Internet" or "Modem" port on Ooma, then either the "Home Network" or "Home" port on Ooma connected to the WAN port on the router. Then the LAN port(s) on router connected to a computer and/or other devices. Here is the shorthand that I am used to seeing for this setup: modem>>Ooma>>router
B) Ooma mounted after the router. Modem connected to WAN port on router. Then one LAN port on router connected to Ooma. Other router LAN ports could be used for PC, game system, etc. In this configuration the "Home Network" or "Home" port on the Ooma is rarely used, usually only for initial setup purposes. Here is the shorthand that I am used to seeing for this setup: modem>>router>>Ooma
Now, is either one of these installation methods "insecure?" And if so, is it always insecure? Or is security affected when certain parameters inside the Ooma or router are set to certain values?