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Updated on February 14, 2025
When visitors use your organization’s internet, are they accessing your main network? If they are, your internal resources and data could be at risk. The solution is simple: set up a guest network.
This post will cover how guest networks work, why they’re beneficial, and the tools you need to set one up.
Defining a Guest Network
What Is a Guest Network?
A guest network is a separate Wi-Fi network that gives visitors internet access without exposing your core network. It keeps visitor traffic separate from your internal systems, offering better security, stronger data protection, and easier management.
Network Segmentation
Network segmentation divides a network into smaller, separate parts. Guest networks use this approach to keep guest user traffic isolated. It’s like setting up a virtual barrier that stops visitor traffic from mixing with your organization’s internal data.
Primary Network vs. Guest Network
Primary Network
- Purpose: Supports internal operations and connects devices like servers, employee laptops, and printers.
- Security Level: Higher, with stricter access controls and encryption.
- Traffic Flow: Unrestricted within the network for authorized users.
Guest Network
- Purpose: Offers basic internet access to visitors without exposing internal systems.
- Security Level: Limited, with restricted access to internal resources.
- Traffic Flow: Segmented and monitored to prevent unauthorized communications.
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How Guest Networks Work
SSID Configuration
A guest network is created by setting up a separate Wi-Fi network name, known as a Service Set Identifier (SSID). Most modern routers and access points support multiple SSIDs, making it easy for IT administrators to add a guest network alongside the main one.
Traffic Isolation
Guest networks use a separate virtual LAN (VLAN) or subnet to keep their traffic isolated. This ensures guest devices cannot access internal devices or resources, providing an added layer of security.
Authentication Mechanisms
To control access, guest networks commonly use the following authentication methods:
- Pre-Shared Keys (PSK): A simple shared password for guests.
- Captive Portals: Guests are redirected to a web page where they accept terms of use or authenticate with a one-time passcode.
- One-Time Codes: Temporary credentials are generated for visitors, ensuring limited and secure use.
Bandwidth Management
To keep the network running smoothly, you can use bandwidth limits or Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize main network traffic over guest traffic. For example, setting a speed limit on the guest network can help ensure it doesn’t affect employee productivity.
Key Features of Guest Networks
Guest networks offer specific capabilities tailored to their usage:
- Traffic Isolation: Ensures guest devices don’t access internal resources—or even other devices on the guest network.
- Ease of Setup: Built-in guest network options on most modern devices make deployment straightforward.
- Customizable Access Controls: Configure time limits, speed caps, and authentication methods to fit your organizational needs.
- Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of breaches by isolating untrusted devices.
Benefits of Implementing a Guest Network
Guest networks play a key role in keeping your systems secure and running smoothly. Here’s why enterprises rely on them:
- Better Security: Isolating guest traffic reduces risks and limits exposure to cyber threats.
- Stronger Network Performance: Keeps guest devices from slowing down your main network during busy times.
- User-Friendly: Visitors can access the internet without affecting your core systems.
- Compliance Ready: Helps meet security standards like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS by controlling external access.
Challenges and Limitations
Configuration Errors
Incorrectly setting up your guest network can expose vulnerabilities. For example, failing to enable proper traffic isolation might allow guest devices to access internal data unintentionally.
Bandwidth Competition
If unmanaged, guest traffic can consume excessive bandwidth, leading to slow speeds on the primary network. Implementing bandwidth limits or QoS settings is vital for maintaining performance.
Advanced Threats
While guest networks improve security, visitors might unknowingly bring malware or other cyber threats. Combining a guest network with endpoint protection measures strengthens your defenses.
Use Cases and Applications
Guest networks are widely used across various industries, providing secure and convenient internet access where needed:
- Enterprise Networks: Contractors, vendors, and visiting clients access the internet without touching internal systems.
- Hospitality Settings: Hotels, cafes, and restaurants create better guest experiences with isolated public Wi-Fi.
- Home Networks: Keep IoT (Internet of Things) devices and guests off the same network as your personal devices.
- Public Spaces: Libraries, airports, and retail stores deliver controlled, secure access for visitors.
Glossary of Terms
- Guest Network: A logically isolated network for visitor internet access, separate from the primary network.
- SSID (Service Set Identifier): The unique name of a Wi-Fi network.
- Traffic Isolation: The practice of separating network traffic to prevent unauthorized access.
- Captive Portal: A web page that requires authentication or acceptance of terms before accessing a network.
- Bandwidth Management: Techniques to regulate and allocate network bandwidth to prevent congestion.
- Network Segmentation: Dividing a network into smaller segments to enhance security and performance.
- Quality of Service (QoS): A feature that prioritizes certain types of traffic to ensure maximum performance.
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