How to set up a guest network at home (And why you should)

With everyone, from friends and family and even smart fridges, wanting a piece of your WiFi, it’s more important than ever to think about network security at home. Setting up a guest network is one of the simplest but most effective ways to protect your private data without turning your house into a digital fortress.

Let’s talk about what a guest network actually is, why you might need one, and how to set it up properly, without slowing down your internet.

What is a guest network?

A guest network is a separate WiFi connection that allows visitors and devices to access the internet without giving them access to your main network (the one your laptops, phones, and smart home devices rely on).

Think of it as a virtual front porch: it gives guests what they need (internet access), but keeps them from wandering into your living room (your private files, smart home settings, or internal devices). When you connect to WiFi in a café or office and see “guest” in the network name (SSID), that’s typically a dedicated access point created by the router (we’ll explain how shortly). It provides internet access while keeping internal networks, where sensitive data is stored, completely isolated and secure. In short, a guest network is a great way to keep your home internet secure.

Why should you have a guest network?

There are a few key reasons to enable a guest network at home:

1. Protect your personal data

When someone connects to your main network, they’re technically on the same system as all your other devices, including laptops with sensitive files or smart home hubs. If their device is infected with malware (or even just poorly configured), it could pose a security risk.

2. Keep smart devices isolated

Guest networks aren’t just for humans. You can also put Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart bulbs, voice assistants, or fridges on a guest WiFi network to reduce security risks (more on this below).

3. Avoid sharing your main WiFi password

Instead of giving everyone the keys to the kingdom, give them access to a temporary or more limited guest network password, and change it as needed.

Does a guest network slow down your internet?

The short answer: not really, unless lots of guests are gaming, streaming 4K movies or downloading large files at once.

Most modern routers are designed to handle multiple separate networks efficiently. That said, bandwidth is shared, so it’s wise to limit streaming or large downloads on the guest network if you’re noticing a performance dip.

Many routers also let you prioritise traffic for certain devices or limit the bandwidth available to guests. If you’re with Airband, the Nokia WiFi app can monitor and manage your entire home network in real time, directly from your smartphone. You can track bandwidth usage, identify connected devices, and limit guest WiFi access with just a few taps.

Should smart devices be on a guest network?

Yes, because many smart home devices have limited security features, making them a potential weak point in your home network. By placing them on a guest network, you:

• Isolate them from your work and personal devices
• Reduce the risk of malware spreading from a compromised IoT device
• Contain any security issues that arise within the guest network
  

If your router allows it, you can even set up two guest networks: one for smart devices and another for actual guests.

How to create a guest network on your router

The exact steps vary slightly depending on your router, but the general process looks like this:

1. Log into your router settings (usually via an IP address like 192.168.1.1).
2. Look for a section called “Guest Network” or “Wireless Settings.”
3. Enable the guest network feature.
4. Set a unique network name (SSID) and a strong password.
5. Turn on “Access Isolation” or “Allow guests only internet access” to block access to your main network.
6. Save your settings.
   

Tip: If you’re an Airband customer, follow our step-by-step guide to easily set up a guest network on the Nokia WiFi app.

Guest network vs. separate router

Now that we know what guest WiFi is all about, what about a whole separate router? Well, while using a separate router for guests can offer even greater isolation and bandwidth control, it’s overkill for most homes. 

Guest networks are a feature built into most modern routers and are designed to be easy to set up. With just a few clicks in your router’s guest network settings, you can create a dedicated WiFi network that’s separate from your main one. It’s a quick, cost-effective solution that suits most households and doesn’t require any technical know-how.

On the other hand, using a separate router creates a completely distinct network environment. This offers even more robust isolation and can allow for detailed bandwidth management or custom configurations. However, this setup is typically best reserved for the more tech-savvy, as it requires additional hardware and a more complex configuration. It’s also more expensive, making it less practical for typical home use.

In other words, unless you have super-specific requirements, enabling the guest network option on your current router is more than enough. It keeps things simple while still allowing you to control access and protect your main network from potential vulnerabilities introduced by unfamiliar devices.

Want more protection?

Setting up a guest network is one of the easiest, quickest ways to boost your home network’s security. It’s quick to implement, keeps unfamiliar devices off your main network, and offers better control over who’s connected, whether that’s your friends, your in-laws, or your smart fridge.

And if you’re already an Airband customer, you have even more tools at your fingertips. With the Nokia WiFi app, you can set up and manage guest access in minutes from your phone. 

Want added peace of mind? Airband Protect provides extra layers of digital security, including real-time threat detection and safer browsing, perfect for households with many connected devices.