A guest Wi-Fi network is common in many businesses today, and it pays to set it up correctly. Otherwise, it can lead to a less-than-pleasant experience for your customers and other visitors, or worse, it can leave confidential company information vulnerable. In this short article, we'll guide you through the process of optimizing your guest Wi-Fi network.
Why you should keep guests off the primary Wi-Fi network
While granting guests access to your primary company's Wi-Fi may appear convenient, it's a practice you should avoid.
Even individuals with modest technical skills could potentially breach your company's network security, gaining access to sensitive data. This includes confidential documents, proprietary information, and even customer data. Moreover, in the event that any of your visitors' mobile devices have been compromised, there is a risk that they could introduce malware to your entire network.
To mitigate these security risks, it's advisable to establish a separate guest Wi-Fi network that provides internet access while maintaining a strict separation from the company's main network. This way, guests can enjoy connectivity without jeopardizing the security and integrity of the internal network.
Methods for establishing secondary Wi-Fi access for guests
If your router is equipped with built-in guest Wi-Fi functionality (which can be verified with a simple web search), you have the option to establish a distinct "virtual" network. This approach ensures that guests can enjoy internet access without directly linking to your company's primary network.
In case your router lacks the capability for multiple Wi-Fi networks, you can opt to deploy a separate wireless access point that operates independently of the rest of your network. This direct connection to the internet effectively safeguards your company's private data from intrusion.
It's important to note that guest Wi-Fi relies on your ISP connection, so it's advisable to impose restrictions on the bandwidth usage within your guest network. If your visitors stream videos while connected to your network, your internet connection can slow down, potentially impacting your employees' productivity. In relation to this, you might want to encourage your employees to use the guest Wi-Fi on their mobile devices to reduce the risk of them monopolizing company bandwidth for personal activities.
Bear in mind that your guest Wi-Fi should exclusively offer external users internet connectivity and nothing beyond that. While the correct configuration isn't overly complex, it can be a time-consuming task. So if you require a team of professionals to handle this for you, or if you have any inquiries about optimizing your hardware for improved efficiency and security, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
