Guidance for designing hotel networks that securely support Chromecast and similar casting solutions while minimizing multicast noise and protecting guest privacy.

Objectives

• Ensure Chromecast, SMD/CMD, and similar casting work reliably
• Maintain strict peer-to-peer isolation for guest devices
• Minimize multicast and broadcast RF utilization across the WLAN

Architecture Overview

• Use a dedicated Chromecast VLAN and a control plane for discovery
• Reflect or proxy mDNS between Guest and Chromecast VLANs using a Chromecast proxy or mDNS reflector
• Contain mDNS laterally so it does not flood across APs or the wired network

Scenario A — Wi‑Fi Chromecast dongles

Chromecast dongles connect over Wi‑Fi. Create a dedicated 5 GHz‑only WLAN on its own VLAN for the Chromecast dongles. On this VLAN, deploy a Chromecast proxy such as Avahi, Gandem, or a proprietary gateway such as Marriott Staycast.

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Scenario B — Embedded Chromecasts in TVs (wired)

Many hospitality TVs include embedded Chromecast functionalty. The discovery, ACL, and proxying guidance is the same as for Chromecast dongles.

• TVs are wired, so no Chromecast SSID is required
• Continue using the Chromecast proxy or mDNS reflector between the Guest VLAN and the Chromecast/TV VLAN