Keep it Simple: UniFi Guide | How to create Guest Network (Network Controller v8)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll walk through the process of creating a Guest WiFi Network on the UniFi platform using UniFi OS v3 and Network Controller v8. This guide is ideal for network administrators looking to provide guest access without compromising the security of their main network.

Step 1: Access the UniFi Network Controller

• Open your web browser and navigate to the UniFi Network Controller.
• Log in with your administrator credentials.
• Ensure you have the latest version of UniFi OS and Network Controller installed.

Step 2: Create a New SSID for the Guest Network

• Navigate to the "Settings" section in the left sidebar.
• Select "WiFi" from the menu.
• Click on "Add WiFi Network."
• Fill in the following details:
  • Name: Choose a name for the guest network (SSID).
  • Network Type: Set to "Guest."
  • Security Protocol: Select the desired security (e.g., WPA2).
  • Password: Enter a password for guest access.

Practical Tip: Use a simple and memorable SSID name for easy identification by guests.

Step 3: Configure Advanced Settings

• Under "Advanced Options," you can configure:
  • Guest Policies: Enable guest policies to restrict access to your main network.
  • Access Control: Decide if guests can access local network resources.
  • Bandwidth Limit: Set a limit to prevent guests from consuming too much bandwidth.

Step 4: Create a VLAN for the Guest Network (Optional)

• Go to "Settings" and select "Networks."
• Click "Add Network" to create a new VLAN for guest traffic.
• Fill in the details:
  • Name: Name your VLAN (e.g., Guest VLAN).
  • Purpose: Choose "Guest."
  • VLAN ID: Assign a VLAN ID (e.g., 10).

Common Pitfall: Ensure that your router and switches support VLAN tagging to avoid connectivity issues.

Step 5: Implement Hotspot Manager (Optional)

• If you want to use the Hotspot feature, go to "Settings" and select "Hotspot."
• Enable the Hotspot Manager and configure the settings:
  • Authentication Method: Choose between various methods (e.g., voucher or social media).
  • Landing Page: Customize the landing page for guests.

Practical Tip: Use the Hotspot feature to collect guest information for marketing purposes.

Conclusion

Creating a Guest WiFi Network on the UniFi platform is a straightforward process that enhances your network's security while providing internet access to visitors. Remember to regularly monitor network performance and adjust settings based on your guests' needs. Once you’ve set up your guest network, you can explore more advanced features like the Hotspot Manager for added functionality.