Guest WiFi for Businesses: Benefits, Security, and Setup Guide

Guest WiFi is becoming widespread in businesses of all sizes. Offering internet access to your visitors may seem trivial, but it has significant benefits and security issues that are important to understand. In this article, we'll explore why it's advantageous to install guest WiFi, how to configure it securely, and the best practices to follow to ensure controlled, security-compliant access.

What is a guest WiFi?

A guest WiFi network is a wireless network dedicated to visitors, customers, and other people external to the company. Unlike the main WiFi, which is reserved for employees and internal equipment, guest WiFi is designed to offer an internet connection without compromising the security of internal data and systems.

The special feature of a guest WiFi network is that it is isolated from the company's main network. This separation helps to limit the risks of cyber-attack, unauthorised access to sensitive data, and to maintain optimum performance for employees.

Why should you set up guest WiFi in the workplace?

Installing guest WiFi in the workplace offers several advantages:

1. Improving visitor reception: Offering Internet access to customers, partners or other visitors shows a concern for hospitality and professionalism. This can be particularly appreciated in spaces such as meeting rooms, reception, lounges, or showrooms.
2. Internal data security: By setting up a separate network, you reduce the risk of attacks into your main network. Guest WiFi prevents outside users from accessing your sensitive data or corporate network resources.
3. Limiting legal risks: If users connect to the main network and perform illegal actions (such as downloading unauthorised content), the company could be held liable. By separating the network, you can set up specific terms of use and monitor activities more accurately.
4. Better network performance management: With a separate guest network, you can allocate limited bandwidth to visitors to ensure that the main network remains fast and efficient for employees.

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Steps to set up a secure WiFi Guest network

Setting up a secure guest WiFi requires a few essential steps to ensure that the network is safe, functional, and easy to manage.

Step 1: Choose the right WiFi infrastructure

For a guest WiFi network, it's essential to choose an infrastructure capable of managing two distinct networks: the main network and the guest network. Many professional routers offer the ability to create multiple SSIDs (WiFi network names), each with its own security rules. These routers also enable network segmentation, essential for isolating guest users from internal company resources.

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Step 2: Separate the guest network from the main network

Separation of the guest network from the main network is a fundamental security step. This configuration prevents users on the guest network from accessing files, printers, and other devices connected to the company's main network.

Professional routers enable the creation of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), virtual networks that securely segment traffic. A guest-dedicated VLAN ensures that guest traffic doesn't interfere with the main network, preventing accidental or intentional intrusion.

Step 3: Implement security measures

Ensuring the security of a guest WiFi network is essential. Here are some key measures to consider:

• WPA3 encryption: Using WPA3 encryption, the latest secure standard, is essential to protect guest WiFi from unauthorised access.
• Strong password: Although intended for guests, a guest WiFi network should be protected by a complex password, changed regularly if necessary.
• Temporary access: Providing options to limit the duration of guest access can enhance security and ensure reasonable use of the network.

Step 4: Managing access rights and bandwidth

To prevent guest WiFi users from consuming too much bandwidth or accessing inappropriate content, you can set up restrictions. This includes:

• Limiting bandwidth: Some routers allow you to limit the bandwidth allocated to guest WiFi, ensuring that the main network retains the resources needed for business activities.
• Content filtering: Content filtering makes it possible to block access to certain sites (e.g. streaming or download sites) for secure, compliant use.
• Access duration: Setting a maximum access duration per session can be useful to prevent visitors from consuming too many resources.

Good practices for guest WiFi in the workplace

For an efficient and secure guest WiFi network, here are a few best practices to follow:

1. Inform visitors of terms of use: Display the terms of use for guest WiFi in reception areas or on a captive login page to remind visitors of the rules of use.
2. Use a captive portal : A captive portal is a welcome page that is automatically displayed when connecting to guest WiFi. This page serves as a reminder of usage rules and obtains user consent, reinforcing security and compliance.
3. Monitoring guest network activity : Regular monitoring can detect suspicious behaviour and intervene if necessary. Some software allows you to view traffic in real time and generate usage reports.
4. Regularly change the password : By regularly changing the password for the guest network, you reduce the risk of unauthorised access by users who have retained login information.
5. Educate employees : Informing employees about the importance of redirecting visitors to the guest WiFi rather than the main network enhances security.

FAQ on guest WiFi in the workplace

Can we limit user access time?

Yes, limiting access duration is possible and even recommended to prevent a user from monopolising the connection. Many routers allow you to configure time limits per session or per day.

What tools are needed to manage guest WiFi effectively?

There are software and hardware solutions that make guest WiFi management easier, such as captive portal systems, bandwidth management solutions, and network equipment with integrated VLANs. Popular options include solutions such as Cisco Meraki, Ubiquiti, and Aruba, which offer advanced features for managing guest access.

How to secure guest WiFi?

To secure guest WiFi, use a strong password, implement WPA3 encryption, limit access permissions to internal resources, and consider a captive portal to obtain user consent.

Guest WiFi: is it mandatory for all businesses?

No, guest WiFi is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended in businesses that receive regular visitors. It improves the user experience and protects sensitive data by reducing the risks associated with unsecured access on the main network.

How to connect to guest WiFi?

To connect to guest WiFi, the user must select the network from the list of available WiFi, enter the password provided by the company, and accept the terms of use displayed. Some companies use a captive portal where users must enter their name or e-mail address before gaining access.

Installing guest WiFi in a company is a simple but essential solution for offering secure Internet access to visitors without compromising the security of the internal network. Following the steps and best practices outlined in this article will enable you to create a high-performance, well-protected guest network.