Home network security is paramount, and establishing a guest Wi-Fi network has become an essential step towards safeguarding your digital fortress. Without proper network security, you expose yourself to a multitude of cyber threats, including unauthorized access to your internet service, malware infiltration into your devices, and the theft of personal data. More alarmingly, a vulnerable Wi-Fi network could be commandeered by hackers and used as a weapon in large-scale cyberattacks against organizations. However, the importance of a guest Wi-Fi network goes beyond merely securing your primary network; it also mitigates the unexpected risks your house guests may unknowingly pose to your home network.

Consider the scenario: your home is equipped with numerous devices, from laptops and smartphones to smart home gadgets and shared storage drives. Each device is linked to your primary Wi-Fi network, accessible by anyone who gains access to it. While you may trust your friends and family not to compromise your network intentionally, there's a subtle yet potential danger when their devices connect to your network. If their devices are infected with malware, this malicious software could spread to other connected devices, unintentionally jeopardizing your data and security.

The solution to this unique threat is a guest Wi-Fi network, a feature offered through the Strata Hub app. This segregated network grants your visitors access to the internet and nothing more. They cannot see or interact with your devices, rendering them incapable of inadvertently introducing malware or compromising your data.

So, how does a guest Wi-Fi network function? When someone attempts to connect to your Wi-Fi, they will see two network options: your primary and guest networks. For instance, if your primary network is labeled "MyWiFi," the guest network might be named "MyWiFi-guest." Each network is accompanied by a distinct password—one for your guests and another for your family. When a guest requests your Wi-Fi password, simply provide them with the guest Wi-Fi password and instruct them to connect to "MyWiFi-guest." Once connected, they can access the internet without posing any security threats.

Setting up a guest network is now simpler than ever through the Strata Hub app.

When you tap the “ + ” icon from the main menu, you will have the option to “Add a Guest Network” by selecting Networks.

In the "Setup a Guest Network: screen, do the following:

1. Enter the event name: e.g. family visit
2. Set the name of the wireless guest network as you want it to appear for your guests
3. In the drop-down box, you can choose to set a password for this guest network, which is highly recommended to keep your network safe
4. This will bring up additional boxes for you to set and confirm your password
5. If you set this network to Endless, it will stay available
6. The alternative is to set a Start and End time for this guest login to be valid
7. Once you have set the parameters for your guest network, select Done at the top of the screen
8. Press Done to complete setup or Share to send an SMS or email to your contacts.
9. To edit Guest Networks, select My Network from the home screen. Select View Networks and select the network you wish to edit or delete.

By following these steps, you'll have a separate, secure guest Wi-Fi network in place to protect your devices and data from potential threats posed by your house guests. So, don't hesitate to implement a guest Wi-Fi network today—your home network's security is worth the peace of mind. View more about the Strata Hub app here.