Linkys has announced recently that its AX4200 WiFi 6 mesh system will be getting HomeKit support. When a router or mesh system is added to HomeKit, it offers enhanced security, mainly for tweaking the firewall to restrict access for Home accessories.

Linksys have released a software update earlier this month for the Velop AX42000 and it can be updated via the Linksys iOS app. The following settings can be adjusted inside the Home app on macOS, iPadOS or iOS.

  • Restrict to Home: Most secure. Your accessory can interact only with HomeKit through your Apple devices. The accessory won’t connect to the Internet or any local devices so any third-party services, like firmware updates, might be blocked.
  • Automatic: Default security. Your accessory can communicate with HomeKit and connections recommended by its manufacturer.
  • No Restriction: Least secure. This setting bypasses the secure router and allows your accessory to interact with any device in your network or Internet-based service.

There are a number of devices which you want to add to Home for use, but it might be that you don’t fully trust the security of that company, but because HomeKit devices don’t actually need the internet to function it is nice to have the ability to tweak the settings for those devices, without delving into the world of something like Ubiquiti UniFi and managing the firewall that way.