Island Install Instructions

In our install steps, the term “combo” refers to a hardware unit that has an integrated modem, router, and often Wi-Fi too. Your Internet provider supplies either a combo or a standalone modem plus separate router. If the modem and router are separate, you will use only the modem. For a new-from-scratch install, try to pre-order only a modem from your ISP.

Island does not come with built-in Wi-Fi, so you will need to purchase or acquire a wireless mesh system or other wireless access points if:

• This is a new-from-scratch installation

• Your provider has supplied a combo

• You are totally replacing an existing wireless router

Ideally, there should be only one router on your network, and Island will be it. Router functionality comes integrated in various other products, such as a combo, a wireless mesh system, or a wireless router. By default, the router function in those products is normally active. So, during the Island install process, you will be instructed to disable any other router function on the same network. Leaving a competing router function active can impact performance, as well as cause other issues. At the designated step in the install:

• If you are using a Wi-Fi mesh system, you will need to know how to put it in AP mode using the manufacturer’s app

• If you have a provider-supplied combo, you will need to know how to put it in bridge or pass-through mode according to the provider’s instructions. Be aware that some providers’ combo units do not support bridge mode, in which case you should order a modem only from them. Information for some common ISP combos can be found on the Island website at: https://support.islandrouter.com/compatibilities

Google access points are not compatible with Island for this reason: when using more than one of their APs, Google insists on being the router and does not allow bridge or AP mode, making the One Router Guideline impossible. Note that using Google fiber-to-the-home as your Internet service works fine and is unrelated.

In all router replacement cases, if Island is installed into an existing network while the router-to-be-replaced is still active, Island will learn and retain existing IP addresses and VLANs. To take advantage of this time-saving feature, it is imperative to follow the install steps in sequence. Note however that any DHCP reservations and port forwards will not automatically be preserved. To reinstate DHCP reservations after completing install is simple: choose Network from the main menu, scroll down to DHCP reservations, tap the “+” on the right, and individually select each device for which a reservation was previously specified. Verify the displayed IP address for the reservation is correct and tap Save. Port forwards will need to be manually re-entered from the same menu.

The Island app does not reside in the cloud; it needs a local wireless connection to make the first contact with an installed Island. To begin the hardware install, you can either launch the app or go to the Island website to get instructions. Choose the appropriate condition below:

If this is the first time you are opening the app on your phone or other device:

• Launch the app; it will detect if no Island is present and prompt to begin the install

• Follow the steps to install Island and your Wi-Fi hardware if the latter is not already present

• When you indicate you are done with the hardware steps, the app will automatically search for and discover the local Island to continue with setup

If opening the app on the same device that has previously been used to setup one or more Islands in other locations, the app will either:

1) Automatically connect to a specified previous Island. In this case:

• Go to the main menu at the upper left, and select Tours

• Select Installation and follow the hardware install steps

• After completing the steps for the new hardware install, return to Tours

• Select Discover to find the new local Island; the app will then prompt to continue with setup

2) Or present a list of accessible Islands. In this case:

• Choose any Island in the list to open the app

• Go to the main menu at the upper left and select Tours

• Select Installation and follow the hardware install steps

• After completing the steps for the new hardware install, return to Tours

• Select Discover to find the new local Island; the app will then prompt to continue with setup

If using the Islandrouter website to get instructions:

• Go to the website support-page tab Install Steps and follow instructions

• After completing those steps, you will be instructed to launch the app

• If this is the first install by the app on your device, it will discover the local Island and continue with setup

• If this is a subsequent install by the app on your device, go to Tours and select Discover to find the new local Island and continue with setup. If you have been presented with a list of Islands for which this device has been used to set up, choose an Island, and then go to Tours and Discover.