This guide walks you through the first steps with AstraLink Connect, from unboxing to a protected network. No networking background is required.
What you need
- Your AstraLink Connect device.
- An ethernet cable to connect the device to your modem or existing router.
- A phone or laptop to run setup.
- The AstraLink Connect mobile app or web dashboard login.
Step 1: Connect the device
Plug the AstraLink Connect device into power and connect its WAN port to your modem or upstream router with the ethernet cable. Wait for the status light to turn solid blue. This usually takes 60 to 90 seconds.
Step 2: Claim your site
Open the AstraLink Connect dashboard and sign in. If this is your first device, the dashboard will prompt you to create an organization and a site. Give the site a name you will recognize, such as “Main Office” or “Home Network.”
The device should appear as a discovered gateway. Select it and tap Claim Device. The dashboard will pull down the latest firmware and security definitions automatically.
Step 3: Choose your network mode
AstraLink Connect can run in two common modes:
- Router mode: The device handles routing, firewall, and DNS for the entire network. Use this when it is plugged directly into a modem.
- Bridge mode: The device sits behind an existing router and provides security, segmentation, and remote access without replacing current equipment. Use this for a quick overlay in an office with existing gear.
Pick the mode that matches your setup. You can change it later from Site Settings.
Step 4: Turn on the essentials
From the dashboard, enable the following protections:
- Threat Center: Real-time alerts for suspicious traffic and blocked connections.
- DNS Protection: Blocks known malicious domains at the network level.
- Auto-Quarantine: Puts unknown devices on a restricted VLAN until you approve them.
- Remote Access: Secure WireGuard-based VPN for administrators.
These are the core features that close the most common gaps for small networks.
Step 5: Add your first devices
Power on or connect a laptop, printer, or phone to the network. The dashboard will list each device under Devices. By default, trusted wired devices join the Trusted VLAN and wireless clients join Guest until you move them.
To reclassify a device, select it, choose Trusted, Guest, or Quarantine, and save.
Step 6: Invite users
Go to Team and add the people who should manage the network. Each user gets a role:
- Owner: Full control.
- Admin: Can change most settings.
- Viewer: Read-only access for monitoring.
Every login requires multi-factor authentication.
Next steps
- Read Set Up Network Segmentation to isolate payment terminals or medical devices.
- Enable Remote Access for Your Team so employees can reach internal tools safely.
- Review the Threat Center after a day of normal traffic to tune any false positives.
If you get stuck, open the in-dashboard chat or email support@astralinkconnect.com.