How to set up a Secure Guest Network for Visitors with Limited Access to your main network

Setting up a secure guest network for visitors with limited access to your main network involves creating a separate network with restricted permissions. Here's how to do it:

 1. Access Router Settings:

• Open a web browser on a device connected to your main network.
• Enter your router's IP address in the address bar.
• Log in to your router's administration interface using your username and password.

2. Enable Guest Network Feature:

• Look for the option to enable a guest network. This feature may be labeled differently depending on your router's manufacturer and model. Common labels include "Guest Network," "Guest Wi-Fi," or "Guest Access."
• Enable the guest network feature and save your settings.

3. Configure Guest Network Settings:

• Set up the guest network SSID (network name) and password. Use a different SSID and password from your main network to keep them separate and easily identifiable.
• Choose the security mode for the guest network. WPA2-PSK (AES) is recommended for strong encryption.
• Specify any additional settings, such as enabling or disabling network isolation (which prevents guest devices from communicating with each other) and setting a maximum number of guests allowed.

4. Configure Access Restrictions:

• Determine which devices and services guests should have access to on your main network.
• Set up access restrictions or firewall rules to block guest devices from accessing sensitive resources such as networked drives, printers, or admin interfaces of routers and other devices.
• Consider using a separate subnet or VLAN for the guest network to isolate it from your main network further.

5. Test Guest Network:

1. Connect a device to the guest network using the provided SSID and password.
2. Test internet connectivity and ensure that guests can access the internet but are unable to access restricted resources on your main network.

 6. Regularly Monitor and Update:

• Periodically review the guest network settings to ensure they remain secure.
• Update the guest network password regularly, especially after hosting events with many visitors.

Additional Tips for Security:

• Implement MAC address filtering to allow only authorized devices on the guest network.
• Consider setting time limits for guest network access to automatically disconnect guests after a specified period.
• Regularly update your router's firmware to patch security vulnerabilities.

By following these steps and best practices, you can set up a secure guest network for visitors with limited access to your main network, providing them with internet access while protecting your network resources and data.