If you have family and friends coming to your place over the weekend, there is a high chance that they will ask for your Wi-Fi password. The moment you provide your network credentials to multiple people, the possibility of intrusion or hacking increases. While you can trust your close ones with your personal information, your neighbors or guests can put you at risk by visiting unknown sites, which can lead to various cyber-attacks on each device connected to the same network. For this reason, creating a guest network is the best way to ensure your network security.
As long as you have a reliable internet connection, such as HughesNetinternet at your home or office, you don’t have to worry about cyber criminals trying to get through your personal information. Even if you trust your roommates or colleagues enough to give them your network credentials, you should be better safe than sorry! In such situations, a guest Wi-Fi network will help you separate your trusted devices from mixing up with the rest of the devices on the same network without any hassle. Besides, you can offload all the unnecessary devices whenever you want.
Reasons Why You May Need a Guest Wi-Fi Network
While most internet deals come with features that help protect your router against security threats, it is always a good idea to take precautionary measures to protect your primary Wi-Fi network. If you are skeptical about having a separate Wi-Fi network for visitors at your place, we have compiled a list of reasons why you should consider setting up a guest Wi-Fi network:
Secure Your Smart Home Devices
Your smart home devices, such as cameras and door locks require additional security to protect them against intruders. Since such devices can be remotely accessed, they are vulnerable to privacy threats, which can put you and your home at risk. Therefore, you must ensure that your primary Wi-Fi network does not connect to any random device, as it can become a source of intrusion for hackers over the internet.
Manage the Number of Devices on Your Network
The best thing about having a guest Wi-Fi network is that you can limit unwanted devices from connecting to your network. Moreover, as soon as your guests leave your place, you can change your password to remove all devices connected to the guest network. Similarly, if you wish to restrict someone from viewing explicit content on your Wi-Fi network, you can block such websites through your network settings.
Creating a Guest Wi-Fi Network
Check out the foursteps for creating a guest Wi-Fi network:
Step 1: Log into Your Router
Enter your router’s IP address into your web browser’s search bar and click on the link that appears on your screen. Check your web browser’s setting page to know your router’s password. However, if you still can’t find it, then you should reach out to your ISP instantly.
Step 2: Check Your Network Settings
Go to your Wireless Settings and see if you can find a separate section for a guest Wi-Fi network. Once you land this page, tick the “Enable Wireless” checkbox and save the modified settings. This step varies from router to router; hence, you should look for a similar option on your device.
Step 3: Create a Name and Password for Your Guest Wi-Fi Network
The name of a Wi-Fi network is usually known as its SSID. Since some routers may not require you to enter a name, they may set a default network name with a prefix, such as “guest” in it. It’s up to you whether you want to continue using this name for your network or customize it the way you want.
Next, you need to visit your router’s Security Settings to set a password. Make sure you enter unique alphanumeric characters that are not the same as your home address, phone number, date of birth, or Wi-Fi router’s model number. This way, you can prevent the risk of intruders using your network by deciphering your password.
Step 4: Save Your Changed Settings
Once you have completed all the steps listed above, now it’s time for you to save your new settings. Your guest Wi-Fi network has been created, which can be shared with your friends and family without worrying about your primary network’s privacy and security.
The Bottom Line
With a separate network for your guests, you can secure your primary Wi-Fi network from potential hackers and intruders that may try to gain access to the rest of the devices connected to the same network. In addition, you can control users and devices from connecting to your network for browsing unknown sites. So, follow our abovementioned steps to set up a guest Wi-Fi network and protect your devices against cyber-attacks in the future.
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