Do you often hesitate to give other people access to your network? You should do so because if someone untrusted has your primary network access, it can compromise your network security, slow down your internet speed, and even compromise your connected devices.
Sometimes, other guests and friends ask you to give your Wi-Fi password. Then, in that situation, you can take advantage of the guest Wi-Fi network feature, which is a separate network on your router, specifically for visitors. It lets them connect to the internet without accessing your primary network.
In this way, you share your Wi-Fi network without hesitation, but it depends on the router’s model; some might not offer this feature, but most do.
Why Do You Need to Create a Guest Wi-Fi Network?
There are many reasons you should know why and when you need this feature; read the information provided below:
1. Better Security and Protection
When guests connect to your primary network, they could accidentally (or intentionally) access shared files, smart home devices, and sensitive information. The Guest network feature will help you keep your primary network safe. Visitors can’t see or access devices on your main network.
2. Convenience for Visitors
Guests can browse, stream, and use the internet. You can relax; they can’t affect your personal network settings. Plus, they won’t accidentally mess up with your connected devices.
3. Protect Your Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices such as Alexa and Google Home, as well as speakers, cameras, and smart lights, rely on your main network.
Guest Wi-Fi ensures visitors can’t interfere with these systems or accidentally control them, and it helps your network stay safe from hacking.
4. Hassle-Free Sharing
You can set up a simpler password for the guest network and update it whenever you need without affecting your primary network password. You no longer need to worry about exposing your private network to visitors.
5. Bandwidth Control
Most router has features such as bandwidth limits, time control, and even a number of users limit, which is very helpful for guest Wi-Fi networks; you can limit the speed for guests, so if they stream or download, they only use limited speed so you can use your main network with high speed for professional and personal use.
How to Activate Xfinity Wi-Fi Home Hotspot?
If you’re an Xfinity user, you have access to a feature called Xfinity Wi-Fi Home Hotspot.
This feature enables your router to broadcast a separate network, usually named “xfinitywifi” or “Xfinity Mobile,” without interfering with your primary network.
Here’s how you can enable it:
- Connect your Xfinity gateway network to your computer or mobile phone.
- Log in to your Xfinity account via the web or app.
- Open a web browser and go to customer.xfinity.com/#/settings/security/hotspot. It will redirect to the setup page.
- Log in to your Xfinity account using your Xfinity ID and password.
- Toggle the feature “On” and confirm the selection to enable a separate guest network.
- Share the “xfinitywifi” Xfinity Mobile or XFINITY details with your guests.
Note: This feature is free for Xfinity customers and can be turned on or off anytime. Some devices don’t support this feature. If you don’t see any option to turn on or off on the hotspot page, it means your device isn’t supported.