How to create guest network on Wi-Fi router

When we receive guests at home, often their first request concerns the password for accessing 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 have no particular privacy requirements 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 working documents, we will have to ensure 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” in other devices connected to the modem.
Let’s see together cHow 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 the event that the router in our possession does not offer this possibility).

Create a 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 purchase 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 modem IP address in the address bar: the most common are:

• 192.168.1.1
• 192.168.0.1
• 192.168.1.254

If we can’t access the router configuration panel, we invite you to read our guide on how to Enter the router to access the settings easily.

Once the login screen is open, enter the login credentials for the modem; if we do not know this information, we can try with admin/admin or get the right credentials from our guide at Password and default login for all Routers. If in the past we have changed the login password and now we do not remember it, we advise you to reset the router, so as to restore the factory settings.
After logging in, let’s go to the wireless settings screen and identify the items that allow you to configure a guest Wi-Fi network.

We enable the necessary entries and choose a name for the network and a password to use (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 as to be able to distinguish it.
If we want to prevent guests from using our Wi-Fi network too much or using non-permitted services (such as downloading files via torrent), on some modems we can also add navigation restrictions, so as to only allow 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 modems provided by the operators (Fastweb, TIM, Vodafone, etc.), but we can also find it on third-party modems recommended in the guide to Best Modem to buy (fiber, dual-band, wireless AC).

Create a guest network on a computer

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 present on Windows.
We turn on a PC (which will stay on as long as we have guests at home), so we download the free MyPublicWiFi program.

After downloading it to the computer, we start the program, we apply the checkmark on the item Automatic Hotspot configuration then we choose a name and a password to give to the guest network, filling in the fields Network name (SSID) is Network key (at least 8 characters).

Now we share the network connection already active on the computer, by selecting Enable Internet Sharing and making sure that your network card is visible in the drop-down menu, then we 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 at home.
To learn more about Internet sharing on 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 have a business and our modem does not support the guest network, sharing the connection of your company PC is not recommended. In this case, it is worthwhile to have a Wi-Fi access point, on which we will connect all the guests who will 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 modemless routers offered for sale on Amazon at prices that are truly accessible to everyone:

1. TP-Link TL-WR841N N300 Wi-Fi Router (€ 20)
2. TP-Link TL-WR940N N450 Wi-Fi Router (€ 23)
3. TP-Link Archer C60 Wi-Fi Router AC1350 Dualband (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 port (or Internet) on the selected router.
Once the cable is connected we turn on the router, access its configuration panel by connecting a computer via Ethernet cable (the credentials should be admin/admin, unless otherwise indicated, let us go to the menu Wireless (or Wifi) and configure the name and password to configure the guest network (choose a different name from the main network).

We confirm where necessary and exit the router: from now on we can have our customers connect 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 learn more about the subject (very useful in certain areas) by reading our guide on how Connect two wireless routers to increase WiFi range.

Conclusions

Whatever our needs, we have shown you how simple it is to create a wireless network to dedicate to guests, so as to be able to have more control and prevent them from having access to the shared resources we possess.

Always with the theme of guests, in another guide we talked to you about the methods to use the PC for guests and friends without having to share personal files: you will just have to read How to use the PC for friends and guests in a separate and secure way. If instead, we want to restrict access to the Google Chrome browser, thus protecting our history and our bookmarks, we refer you to reading the guide to the Access management menu in Chrome and guest mode.