Blog

Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network on a Ubiquiti system involves configuring a separate network for guests that isolates them from your primary network while still allowing them internet access. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a guest Wi-Fi network using Ubiquiti’s UniFi system:

1. Log In to the UniFi Controller

Open the UniFi Controller:

• Access the UniFi Network Controller via your browser or the UniFi mobile app.
• Log in with your administrator credentials.

2. Create a New Wireless Network for Guests

Navigate to Wireless Networks:

• In the UniFi Controller, go to Settings (gear icon).
• Select Wireless Networks from the sidebar.

Add a New Wireless Network:

• Click on Add New Wireless Network or Create New Wireless Network.

Configure the Wireless Network:

• Name: Enter a name (SSID) for the guest network (e.g., “Guest_WiFi”).
• Security Protocol: Select the security protocol (e.g., WPA2-PSK). You can choose to use WPA3 if supported and preferred.
• Password: Enter a strong password if you want to secure the guest network. If you want an open network, you can leave this blank.

Network Configuration:

• Network: Create a new network or select an existing network for the guest Wi-Fi. Typically, you’ll create a separate network to isolate guest traffic.
• Network Purpose: Select Guest if available to ensure proper isolation from your main network.
• VLAN (Optional): If you use VLANs, assign a VLAN ID to this network to keep guest traffic separate from your main network traffic. Ensure your switch and router are configured to handle this VLAN if used.

Apply Settings:

• Save the configuration and apply the changes.

3. Configure Guest Network Policies

Navigate to Guest Control:

• Go to Settings > Guest Control.

Configure Guest Access:

• Enable Guest Portal: Toggle to enable guest portal access.
• Authentication: Choose the authentication method (e.g., Open Access, Simple Password, or Voucher). For enhanced security, you can use a captive portal where users must log in or accept terms of use.

Customize Portal:

• If using a captive portal, configure the Guest Portal Settings, including branding, custom messages, and terms of service.
• Redirect URL: Optionally, set up a redirect URL where users are sent after authentication.

Bandwidth and Access Control:

• Bandwidth Limiting: Configure any bandwidth restrictions to manage guest network performance.
• Access Control: Set up any additional rules or restrictions for guest access.

Apply Guest Policies:

• Save and apply the guest network policies.

4. Verify and Test the Guest Network

Test Connectivity:

• Connect a device to the new guest Wi-Fi network and verify it gets a proper IP address.
• Ensure that the device can access the internet and confirm that it’s isolated from your internal network if configured.

Check Captive Portal (if used):

• Test the captive portal by attempting to connect to the guest network and going through the login or acceptance process.

5. Monitor and Manage the Guest Network

Monitor Traffic:

• Use the UniFi Controller to monitor guest network usage, performance, and connected clients.