Hasn’t it become quite common that when we meet and greet the next thing we ask is the Wi-Fi password? Been there and done that! Whether we are at a friend’s place, at a restaurant, or a shop, we are totally hooked up to the internet. Ever since the cybersecurity concerns are on a rise, people have realized that revealing info like passwords and other such things could pose serious security threats.
For instance, guests can accidentally end up downloading a malicious program or your Wi-Fi gets connected to an infected phone, laptop, or network. Malware can spread over a local network very easily and can infect everything in its range. That’s where creating a guest Wi-Fi becomes essential!
Why Set It Up?
By setting up a guest network, you can ensure being both, safe and hospitable. On your router, it is a separate access point. You can have all your home devices connected to the home network, a single point. And you can provide access to your guests by creating a guest network without having to essentially give them access to your home network. It’s a distinct network for guests only.
You want to be hospitable and you don’t want your visitors to lose contact with the internet. It can really make some people uncomfortable not to able to stay in touch with their loved ones on social media and WhatsApp. Therefore, a guest network is the right solution to all this. You don’t have to worry about comprising your private Wi-Fi or data by doing so. Remember, giving access to your home network is as risky as using public Wi-Fi.
How to Set It Up?
It’s easier done than said! We will help you configure a separate guest network. But first things first, there is no need to get an extra cable or to pay extra to your ISP. You can set up additional networks on your Wi-Fi router. And you can do it yourself. You need to activate it through the settings. You will need the IP address of your router the router’s user manual. Enter this address in your browser’s URL bar. A dialogue box will open and there you will have to enter the administrator password and user name. It is recommended to change the default username and password for improved security.
Go to the router settings, look for a guest network or allow guest access. You can find it in the Wi-Fi section. You can google your router’s model if you don’t find it or you can check it in the guide again.
If your router is very low-end and old, then you probably don’t have to option to set up a guest network. In that case, select the checkbox that is relevant, and add the name you have decided for the guest network. Your friends will be able to see it then.
How to Configure Your Router
When it comes to configuring Wi-Fi routers, some can immediately allow guest network access. While some may need extra tweaking. Make sure it is correctly configured.
- Set up a password for your guest network
- Set up the right encryption type
- Choose WPA2 from the available options – supports all modern Wi-Fi devices.
- Uncheck allow guests to access the local network. Or, choose to isolate your local network.
- These options will depend on your router type.
- Uncheck the box that says allow access to the settings or anything similar.
- You don’t want your guests to access settings and reconfigure or change router settings.
- They can also alter permission access – that can affect your Internet speed.
You have successfully configured your router.
Why Is Connecting IoT Devices to Guest Wi-Fi a Better Idea?
Not only a guest network a great idea to keep your home Internet connection secure while you have guests around, but it is also useful if you have a plethora of smart home devices. This includes smart TVs, video game consoles, smart teapots, smart speakers, wearables, and so on. Since they all need an internet connection and they come without any malware protection software and firewalls, they are more vulnerable.
In computers and laptops, the latest updates of anti-virus, anti-malware, and firewalls are ensured. But that’s not the case with your smart devices. The vulnerability to hacking and other such things increases. And if they are connected to your home network and they are hacked, your security can be compromised. You don’t want intruders to access your devices. Experts have already predicted that smart devices can be hacked.
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If you connect all your smart devices to a correctly configured guest network, you will ensure better security. This will provide a layer of extra protection against hackers. Also, if a cybercriminal hacks one of your IoT devices, they can’t penetrate into your home network and computers and smartphones connected to it. You can also request your ISP to help you set up a guest network on your connection. For instance, you can find all the relevant instructions on the Cox customer support website.
FAQs:
What is the purpose of Guest Wi-Fi?
It is to protect and keep your home/local network secure. You can provide it to your visitors without having to worry about your network security.
How do I set up a guest Wi-Fi?
You can configure your router and create a guest network on it.
How does a guest Wi-Fi network work?
It works exactly like your home Wi-Fi, only with a different password.
Are Guest Wi-Fi networks safe?
If you are using them at a friend’s home, yes they are safe. However, public Wi-Fi is not very safe.
Does a guest network slow down Wi-Fi?
No, it doesn’t.
