Having visitors over requires a bit of prep work, especially during the holiday season. Along with the cleaning, cooking and decorating, you may also want to consider setting up a guest Wi-Fi network.
A guest network allows your visitors to connect to your Wi-Fi router without granting access to any devices connected to your main network. It's akin to directing your visitors to a guest bathroom versus letting them use your master bathroom -- it serves the same purpose and doesn't give your guests access to your more private spaces.
Why use a guest Wi-Fi network?
There are a couple reasons why you should create a guest Wi-Fi network, but ultimately, it's all about security. Anyone with the password to your private home network will also potentially have access to any and all devices connected to that network. A guest Wi-Fi network restricts access to these devices, even though they are connected to the same router.
Your guests could affect your main network without even knowing it
More often than not, it's safe to assume the people in your home have no desire to access or manipulate the devices connected to your main network. Unfortunately, they can still pose a threat to your network security.
By using a malware-infected device or downloading a virus while connected to your private network, your guests may unintentionally expose it (and all those connected devices) to others outside your home who are not as trustworthy. Again, a guest Wi-Fi network will restrict access to your main network and the connected devices, so even if someone on the guest network has or downloads malware, the potential damage is minimal.
Some devices are easier to hack than others
Hackers and malware are constant threats, even when there's no one in your home. Consequently, it's a good idea to use a guest Wi-Fi network for your IoT devices -- smart TVs, thermostats, smart plugs and so on -- which are often more vulnerable to security breaches than your computer or phone.
How to set up guest Wi-Fi
If "set up a Wi-Fi network" sounds intimidating, rest assured that creating a guest Wi-Fi network is simple. In fact, it's similar to setting parental controls. Once established, your new network will accommodate any number of guests and devices for as long as the network is active.
There are two ways to go about setting up your guest Wi-Fi network, and the available method depends on your internet service provider and your router.
Create a guest Wi-Fi network via the router or ISP app
Most new routers, including those provided by ISPs like AT&T, CenturyLink, Verizon Fios and Xfinity, feature an app that lets you access and manage your Wi-Fi network. Such apps enable you to see connected devices, set parental controls and, what you came here for, create a guest network.
Each provider or router app will look a little different, but the option to create a guest Wi-Fi network should be relatively easy to find. Once you've reached the guest Wi-Fi settings, enter your desired network name and password, then apply the changes. Your new guest network should now be ready for use.
Your guests can connect to the new network the same as they would any other Wi-Fi network: by selecting it from their device's list of available nearby networks and entering the password. If that isn't easy enough, or you don't feel like repeating the password every time someone new shows up, some apps let you print a QR code. That means you can stick the "password" to your fridge for guests to scan at their, and your, convenience.
Or do it the old fashioned way
Not all routers and ISPs offer an app to easily access and control router settings like creating a guest Wi-Fi connection. You may still be able to set one up, but it'll involve a few more, still fairly simple, steps.
Start by entering your router's IP address into your preferred browser. You can find your IP address on PC and Android devices under the Wi-Fi settings or on Mac devices by clicking the Wi-Fi symbol and selecting Open Network Preferences. Next, you'll need to enter your router credentials to gain access to the admin settings. You can often find this information somewhere on your router, possibly on the bottom (here's what to do if you can't find your router login info and password). Once you're logged in, look for guest Wi-Fi settings. If you can't find it right away, check under Wireless Settings, Network Settings, or something similar. This is where you'll enable a guest Wi-Fi network if necessary and create your settings. Enter your desired network name and password, then save your new settings. Your new network should be ready for use.Note that not all routers are equipped with the ability to create a guest Wi-Fi network. If you can't find the guest network settings, either on an app or when accessing the router settings on your computer, it's possible that there is no guest network option available.