Do I need internet in both units of a STR duplex or just one?

[Brad Spuhler]

Hi all- probably a silly question, but I'm about to call the internet provider in my area to hook up my duplex that I'm using as a STR/vacation rental and wanted to know if I need a separate internet hook up for each unit or if I could just have one internet hook up.

It’s an up/down duplex and since I’m paying the utilities, I was thinking I wouldn’t need it separated. I’m just thinking if there’s ever an issue with the WiFi the one unit without the modem/router won’t be able to reset it. I’m pretty sure the signal strength would be plenty strong to serve both units but I’m curious what do most people do in this situation?

Obviously paying for one internet subscription for the duplex would be preferable.

Any thought?

Thanks!

[Ilan M Aliphas]

First time I am the one with the answers here and not the questions!!! This is very exciting :)

You should only have one subscription and pay for 1 bill.  However, you’ll want to create 2 separate Wi-Fi networks for a couple of reasons: 1) Security and privacy of the renters from one unit to the other. Pretty easy to monitor what other people on your same network are doing... 2) A person in the Wi-Fi can scan all devices connected to that Wi-Fi... this has now become common since there were a few prominent cases of creepy hosts with hidden cameras to spy on their guests (use a 3rd wi-fi if you want to hide other legitimate equipment for this reason to avoid misunderstanding — e.g. a doorbell camera pointed OUT of the property).  3) You can control the bandwidth of each network and keep it balanced 50/50... so if one guest is running 5 Netflix shows doesn’t impact the speed of the other