Unifi for Newbies - Guest Networks

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide you through setting up a guest network using Unifi. A guest network allows visitors to access the internet without compromising your main network's security. By following these steps, you'll learn how to plan, configure, and secure a guest network effectively.

Step 1: Plan Your Guest Network

Before diving into the configuration, it’s essential to plan out your guest network. Consider the following:

• Purpose: Determine why you need a guest network. Is it for visitors, events, or temporary access?
• SSID Name: Choose a friendly and recognizable name for your guest network.
• Network Isolation: Decide whether you want guests to access local resources or only the internet.
• Security Measures: Plan for user authentication methods and time limits for access.

Step 2: Configure Guest Networks

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to set up the guest network in the Unifi Controller.

1. Log into the Unifi Controller:

   • Open your web browser and navigate to your Unifi Controller IP address.
   • Enter your credentials to log in.

2. Navigate to Wireless Networks:

   • In the Unifi dashboard, go to the "Settings" section.
   • Click on "Wireless Networks."

3. Create a New Wireless Network:

   • Click the "Add New Wireless Network" button.
   • Fill in the following details:
     • Name: Enter your chosen SSID for the guest network.
     • Security: Select a security protocol (WPA2 is recommended) and set a password.
     • Guest Network: Enable this option to distinguish it as a guest network.

4. Advanced Settings:

   • Enable “VLAN” if you have VLANs set up for further isolation.
   • Adjust bandwidth limits if desired to control guest usage.

Step 3: Set Up the Guest Portal

To enhance the guest experience, you can set up a guest portal for user authentication.

1. Access Guest Control:

   • In the Unifi Controller, navigate to "Guest Control" under Settings.

2. Enable Guest Portal:

   • Toggle the option to enable the guest portal.
   • Choose the type of authentication method (e.g., password, voucher, or social media login).

3. Customization:

   • Customize the splash page with your branding, company logo, and terms of service.

4. Save Changes:

   • After configuring the portal, make sure to save your changes.

Step 4: Implement Firewall Rules

To ensure your guest network is secure, set up firewall rules.

1. Navigate to Firewall Settings:

   • Go to “Settings” and then “Firewall.”

2. Create Rules for Guest Network:

   • Add rules to restrict access:
     • Block access to your main network.
     • Allow only internet access for guest users.

3. Testing:

   • Test the configuration by connecting a device to the guest network to verify isolation and access.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully set up a guest network using Unifi. You've learned how to plan, configure, and secure the network effectively. For further enhancements, consider exploring additional Unifi features such as guest analytics or user management. Enjoy providing a safe and accessible network for your visitors!