They may also limit certain features.

Guest networks are often customary for businesses but are increasingly common for home networks.

How to Set Up a Guest Wi-Fi connection

jump in to the router as an administrator.

192.168.1.1 router sign in prompt

turn on the Guest Wi-Fi option.

Most routers have guest networking disabled by default but provide an on/off option to control it.

Define the SSID that the guest data pipe should use.

A wireless setup screen with the Guest Network checkbox highlighted

TurnSSID broadcast on or offto either keep the connection name visible or to hide it from potential guests.

Leave SSID broadcast on so that guests can see which web link to use.

Choose a password for the guest online grid.

A Wi-Fi setup screen with the guest network SSID column highlighted

Unless you block certain access, guests can do anything that you, the administrator, can do.

That means they candownload torrentsillegally, spreadvirusesto other devices, ormonitor online grid trafficand website passwords.

Enable other options as needed.

A Wi-Fi admin screen with the Hidden option for a guest network highlighted

You may also want to limit how many guests can connect to your web link at the same time.

Choose a reasonable number to prevent the web connection from overloading and slowing to a halt.

If these instructions do not work with your router, visit the manufacturer’s site for more detail.

A wireless security screen with the WPA Passphrase section highlighted

This prevents the spread of viruses that may enter from a guest’s machine.

Guests must be provided with the connection name and password to jump into the connection.

However, some guest networks are open, meaning there isn’t a password to access them.

Wireless network settings on a Comtrend router

In places like hotels, you’ll often receive the guest Wi-Fi information from the staff.

If you upload or download a lot of data, let the administrator know in advance.

Drawing a lot ofbandwidthcauses the connection to slow down, so it’s always best to get permission.

Does Your Router Support Guest Networking?

Business-class routers are common platforms for guest networks, but some home routers have guest networking capabilities.

When a guest internet is active, its devices operate on a separateIP addressrange from that of other devices.