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Title: Guest Network Frequently Asked Questions

Article ID: 23671

1.  What is a Guest network?

The Guest network is a feature of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi and Linksys Wi-Fi Routers that creates a separate network for guests.  This secured network provides Internet access to wireless devices for your guests.  The Guest network SSID is the same as the main 2.4 GHz Wireless Network Name (SSID) however, followed by a -guest suffix.  For example, the main 2.4 GHz network SSID is OnyxPanda, the guest network will be OnyxPanda-guest.  It is a totally different network with a different password from the main network which means devices connected to the guest network will not be able to share files and printers connected to the main network.

NOTE:  Make sure to connect to the main network if you want to share and print files on your computer.

2.  Is the Guest network available to all Linksys routers?

No.  It is available only to the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi and Linksys Wi-Fi Routers, and the Linksys X-Series gateways.  The Guest network is enabled by default and can be configured using the Cisco Connect software or through your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account.

NOTE:  Guest access can also be configured on the web-based setup page of the following routers/gateways:

•   E1200
•   E1500
•   E2500
•   E3200
•   E4200
•   E1550
•   X2000
•   X3000
•   EA2700 (using the Classic firmware)
•   EA3500 (using the Classic firmware)
•   EA4500 (using the Classic firmware)

To know how to set up the Guest access feature using your router's web-based setup page, click here.

3.  How do I set up the Guest network?

To set up the Guest network or Guest access, click on the links below:

Setting up Guest access using Cisco Connect
Configuring Guest Access on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router using the local access interface

4.  Can I disable the Guest network?

Yes.  To do this, follow the steps depending on the router you are using:

•   For routers using Cisco Connect software:
    Open the Cisco Connect software, click Guest access, select no under Allow guest access and then click Finish.  For detailed instructions, click here.
•   For instructions on disabling the Guest network using the web-based setup page, click here.
•   To disable Guest Access through Linksys Smart Wi-Fi:
    Log in to your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account, click the Guest Access Tool then set the toggle button to OFF under Allow guest access.

5.  Why can't I see the Guest network of my Linksys router even if I have already set it up?

To ensure that the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi or Linksys Wi-Fi Router is set up properly and that all its features are working properly, use the Cisco Connect software or Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Setup Wizard when setting up the device for the first time.  Some features may not be functional when the device is set up manually.  For instructions on how to set up your Linksys router, click on the links below:

Setting up your Linksys Wi-Fi Router for the first time using Cisco Connect
Setting up the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router, EA6500 using the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router Setup Wizard

6.  Can I set up a different wireless security mode for the Guest network?

No.  The security mode of the Guest network cannot be changed or disabled and will always require guests to enter a password through a web browser.  The prompt will appear after the device is connected to the network and opens a web browser to connect to the Internet.  This is to prevent unauthorized Internet access.

7.  Can I see the list of DHCP clients currently connected to the Guest network?

Yes.  They will be displayed on the DHCP client table along with the ones connected to your main network.  You can check this by going to the router’s web-based setup page.  Go to Status > Local Network then click on DHCP Client Table.  For detailed instructions, click here.

NOTE:  For Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers, you can also check devices connected to the Guest network through your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account.  To do this, log in to your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account, click the Device List Tool then click the Guest network tab.

8.  Can I change the name of the Guest network?

No.  The Guest network will always follow the main 2.4 GHz Wireless Network Name (SSID) followed by a -guest suffix.

9.  What is the maximum number of computers and devices allowed to connect to the Guest network?

The default number is five (5).  However, a maximum of 10 computers and devices are allowed at a time.  To change this, open Cisco Connect and go to Guest access.  Under Total guests allowed, change the value to any number between one (1) and 10.

10.  Why can't I connect to the Internet even if my computer is already connected to the Guest network?

You may have not provided the Guest access password in your web browser.  This is required to access the Internet through the Guest network.  Without entering the password, your computer or device is only connected to the Guest network without access to the Internet.

NOTE:  The password has to be entered on a web browser every time a computer connects to the Guest network.

11.  My device does not have a built-in web browser.  How do I connect to the Internet when I am on the Guest network?

Since a web browser is required for the Guest network, your device would have to connect to the main wireless network to access the Internet.

NOTE:  Devices that do not have their own web browsers may include gaming consoles (Nintendo DS™ and DS Lite™), Wi-Fi capable Internet TVs, Wi-Fi capable external media players and HDD (WDTV and Blu-ray players).

12.  How do I check the Guest network password?

Open Cisco Connect then click Guest access.  The password is displayed under the Password header.  For detailed instructions on how to get the guest password, click here.  If you are using a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router, log in to your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account then click the Guest Access Tool.

NOTE:  There are many passwords that can be seen in Cisco Connect.  They are the Router password, Guest network password, and Parental Controls password.  The main network’s password is different from the Guest network password.  If you want to check the Guest network password, make sure to check it on Guest access.

13.  What other security settings are applicable to the Guest network?

Parental controls / Access restrictions and MAC address filtering will still work on devices that connect to the Guest network.  On the other hand, the Guest network cannot be hidden even if the main network’s name or SSID broadcast has been disabled.

14.  Can I extend the wireless signal of my Guest network using a repeater?

Yes.  You can also extend your wireless signal with a router by using a LAN to WAN setup.  For instructions, click here.

15.  Can I change the Guest network password?

Yes.  To change the password, follow the steps below:

Step 1:
Open Cisco Connect then click Guest access.

Step 2:
Click Change under the Password header.

Step 3:
Once you have entered your desired password, click Change to save your new settings.

NOTE:  If you are using a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router, log in to your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account then click the Guest Access Tool.  Double-click the Edit link beside Guest network name and password then type a new password.  Click Ok.

16.  Can I set Access Restrictions specifically for the Guest network?

No.  Restrictions set on your main network like Internet restrictions policy and Parental Controls also apply to the Guest network.  You cannot set a separate protocol for the Guest access feature.  To learn how to set up Parental Controls, click here.

17. Can I access the Guest network of my Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router that is set to Bridge mode?

No. Once your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router is set to Bridge mode, only three (3) tools can be seen in the router’s interface.  These tools are Connectivity, Troubleshooting, and Wireless.

18. When cascading routers, do I have Guest access on the second router that is set in Bridge mode?

For LAN to LAN connections, wireless devices will not connect to the Guest network.  However, for LAN to WAN connections, wireless devices can connect to the Guest network.  For more information about cascading routers, click here.

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