When we receive guests at home, often their first request concerns the password to access the Wi-Fi, so that they can continue to receive messages and notifications without having to depend on the connection to the mobile network. If we do not have particular privacy needs we can communicate the same password that we use for our devices but if we have a data server or a cloud server with our confidential data or important work documents, we will have to make sure that users can connect to our router without being able to access other devices on the network. In these scenarios it can be very useful to create a guest Wi-Fi network, so that our guests can access the Internet without problems and without being able to "poke their nose" in other devices connected to the modem.
Let's see together how to create a guest network on compatible Wi-Fi routers and how to create a guest network with a PC or an access point (in case the router in our possession does not offer this possibility).
Create guest network on compatible Wi-Fi routers
If our modem offers the possibility of creating a guest Wi-Fi network, we will not have to buy any additional components or configure the computer in this sense: we already have everything we need to proceed!First we turn on a PC connected to the home Wi-Fi network, open a Web browser and type the IP address of the modem in the address bar: the most common are:
- 192.168.1.1
- 192.168.0.1
- 192.168.1.254
If we are unable to access the router's configuration panel, please read our guide on how to Enter the router to access the settings easily .
Once the login screen is open, type in the modem login credentials; if we do not know this information, we can try with admin / admin or obtain the right credentials from our guide to Passwords and default login for all Routers . If in the past we have changed the password and now we do not remember it, we advise you to reset the router, in order to restore the factory settings.
After logging in, go to the wireless settings screen and identify the items that allow you to configure a guest Wi-Fi network.
We enable the necessary items, and choose a name for the network and a password to be used (possibly different from the one used on the main Wi-Fi network). On some modems the name of the host Wi-Fi network will be identical to that of the main network, with the addition of the prefix or suffix GUEST, so that it can be distinguished.
If we want to prevent guests from using our Wi-Fi network too much or using unauthorized services (such as downloading files via torrent), on some modems we can also add browsing restrictions, so as to allow only the use of browsers and messaging apps.
By setting all the parameters offered by the modem we can thus create a guest network to which strangers or passing visitors can connect without accessing our shared files or using the network without any form of control.
The guest Wi-Fi network is available with all the modems provided by the operators (Fastweb, TIM, Vodafone etc.), but we can also find it on the third-party modems recommended in the guide to the Best Modems to buy (fiber, dual band, wireless AC ) .
Create a guest network on computers
If our Wi-Fi modem or router is not compatible with the guest network, we can create one on the fly using the hotspot feature on Windows.We turn on a PC (which will remain on as long as we have guests in the house), then download the free MyPublicWiFi program.
After downloading it to the computer, we start the program, apply the check mark on the Automatic Hotspot configuration item, then choose a name and password to be given to the guest network, filling in the Network name (SSID) and Network key (at least 8 characters) fields .
Now let's share the network connection already active on the computer, selecting Enable Internet Sharing and making sure that the network card in use is visible in the drop-down menu, then click Set up and Start Hotspot . After a few seconds we will see our new guest Wi-Fi network appear, ready to be used by guests in the house.
To learn more about sharing the Internet connection on a PC and other programs similar to the one already mentioned, we recommend reading our guides on how to create a WiFi hotspot on a Windows PC and how to turn Windows 10 into a Wi-Fi router .
Create a guest network with an access point
If we own a business and our modem does not support the guest network, we do not recommend sharing the connection of your company PC. In this case it is better to have a Wi-Fi access point, on which we will connect all the guests who visit our business, without having to share the password of the main Wi-Fi network.For the purpose we can use both an old router and buy one of the routers without modem offered for sale on Amazon at really affordable prices for everyone:
- TP-Link TL-WR841N N300 Wi-Fi router (20 €)
- TP-Link TL-WR940N N450 Wi-Fi router (23 €)
- TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350 Dualband Wi-Fi Router (40 €)
Once you have chosen the router to be used as an access point, connect it to our main modem using an Ethernet cable, taking care to use one of the LAN ports of the main modem and the only WAN (or Internet) port on the chosen router.
Once the cable is connected, turn on the router, access its configuration panel by connecting a computer via Ethernet cable (the credentials should be admin / admin, unless otherwise indicated), go to the Wireless (or Wi-Fi ) menu and configure the name and the password to configure the guest network (choose a name other than the main network).
We confirm where necessary and exit the router: from now on we can connect our customers to this network, while our devices will be connected exclusively to the main modem.
If we do not know how to connect two routers or modems in cascade, we advise you to deepen the topic (very useful in certain areas) by reading our guide on how to connect two wireless routers to increase WiFi range .
Conclusions
Whatever our needs are, we have shown you how simple it is to create a wireless network to dedicate to guests, so that you can have greater control and prevent them from accessing the shared resources that we have.
Still on the theme of guests, in another guide we talked about the methods to make guests and friends use the PC without having to share personal files: I'll just read How to make friends and guests use the PC in a separate and safe way . If, on the other hand, we want to limit access to the Google Chrome browser, thus protecting our history and our bookmarks, we refer you to reading the guide to access management menus in Chrome and guest mode .
