Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about setup, filtering, privacy, product differences, storage, media, and limited beta ordering.
Setup and compatibility
Do I need to replace my router?
No. WOMBATS Shield is designed to connect to your existing router or network. During setup, you apply DNS, DHCP, or network settings appropriate to your environment.
What happens during setup?
You connect WOMBATS Shield, run setup through the local interface, apply network settings, choose policies, and then manage devices locally.
Can devices bypass it?
Devices outside the managed network are outside local policy. VPNs and encrypted DNS may also bypass local DNS filtering unless separately controlled.
Protection and filtering
What does WOMBATS protect against?
WOMBATS Shield helps reduce exposure to known harmful and unwanted domains, phishing domains, unsafe content, unwanted tracking, and selected app/service categories.
Does it block adult content?
It can apply adult-content domain controls and SafeSearch for supported providers. As with any filtering system, results depend on the categories, providers, and devices being managed.
Does it block ads?
It can reduce unwanted tracking and advertising domains when those domains are covered by the active filter sources. Some ads are served from the same domains as the content itself and may not be affected.
Does it stop phishing and malware?
DNS filtering helps block known harmful domains before connections are made. It is one layer of protection and should be used alongside safe browsing habits, device updates, and endpoint security where appropriate.
How does app and service blocking work?
App and service blocking is catalog-based. WOMBATS Shield can block supported services and categories where the related domains and patterns are known.
Can protection be paused?
Yes. Device-level controls include internet pause and filtering relaxation or exclusion for specific devices when needed.
Privacy and data
Does WOMBATS store browsing history?
No. WOMBATS Shield does not store browsing history. It is designed for local network enforcement and administration rather than browsing-history reporting.
Is it cloud-managed?
No. WOMBATS Shield does not use a vendor cloud control plane. Protection and control run on the device, while filtering and updates may use external sources.
What may use external sources?
Filter list updates, catalog updates, software updates, upstream DNS resolution, and optional support workflows may use external sources.
Product differences
What is included in Shield Core?
Shield Core includes network protection and control: DNS filtering, domain blocking, SafeSearch enforcement, app/service blocking, and device-level controls.
What is included in Shield Edge?
Shield Edge includes everything in Core, plus SMB file sharing, Jellyfin media direct play/direct stream, and DLNA support.
What is included in Shield Vault?
Shield Vault includes everything in Edge, plus encrypted internal storage, Time Machine backup support, recycle bin, Wi-Fi access point mode, and a 256GB internal SSD. 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB SSD upgrades are available as paid options and are handled separately during limited beta fulfilment/support, not through online checkout.
Storage and media
Can I stream media to my TV?
Shield Edge and Shield Vault include Jellyfin media direct play/direct stream and DLNA support for compatible devices and files.
Does Jellyfin transcode?
No transcoding claim is made. WOMBATS Shield messaging for Jellyfin is direct play/direct stream only.
Which model supports Time Machine?
Time Machine backup support is a Shield Vault feature.
Beta ordering and support
What does limited beta ordering mean?
Limited beta ordering means the first batch is intentionally limited while the product, setup flow, documentation, and support process are refined.
What does the 20% early access pricing mean?
Early access pricing gives first batch customers 20% off during the limited beta ordering period.
How does early user feedback work?
Early users can provide feedback that may influence future improvements. Feedback is an opportunity to shape priorities, not a promise of specific features or outcomes.
Where can I compare models?
Use the comparison page to choose between Core, Edge, and Vault.