In this final lesson of the section, I’ll explain how to set up guest access for visitors. When clients or guests visit your organization, it’s essential to provide them with internet access while keeping them isolated from the company’s main network and resources. This tutorial will cover guest access essentials, including setting up separate networks and using tools like VLANs and SSIDs for network segmentation.

Why Provide Guest Access?

Guest access is crucial for organizations because it allows visitors to connect to the internet without compromising the security of the main corporate network. By setting up guest access, you ensure that visitors are connected to a dedicated network that is isolated from sensitive resources like servers, printers, and other networked assets. This separation minimizes potential security risks and maintains the integrity of the company’s primary network.

Methods for Configuring Guest Access

There are two primary ways to set up guest access on a wireless network:

1. Separate SSID for Guest Access
2. Shared SSID with User Provisioning

Let’s break down each approach to understand its benefits and configuration.

 

1. Using a Separate SSID for Guest Access

One of the simplest ways to create guest access is to set up a separate SSID (Service Set Identifier) for guests. This method involves creating two SSIDs on your access point: one for employees and one for guests. Each SSID can have its own password and access rules.

For example:

• Company SSID: The primary network used by employees, providing access to internal resources like file servers, printers, and other corporate assets.
• Guest SSID: A separate network for visitors, providing internet access only, isolated from the company network.

How to Configure a Separate SSID for Guests

1. Create Two SSIDs: Set up an access point that supports multiple SSIDs. Create one SSID for the company and another for guest access. Each SSID should have a unique name, such as “Company” for employees and “Guest” for visitors.
2. Password Protection: Both SSIDs can be protected with passwords, which you can share with guests upon arrival. For added convenience, you might print the guest password on a sign in the meeting room or reception area.
3. Optional Captive Portal: For an extra layer of access control, you can implement a captive portal. A captive portal redirects users to a landing page after they connect to the guest network. From this page, visitors can be required to enter credentials or simply agree to terms of service before gaining internet access. Some portals offer time-limited access, such as one hour, which automatically disconnects users after the set time.

By using a captive portal, you can control guest access better while maintaining user convenience.

4. Network Isolation: To prevent guests from accessing the company network, set up policies to ensure that guest devices can only connect to the internet. Use network isolation tools, such as VLANs and firewalls, to separate guest and employee networks.
   • VLANs: Virtual LANs (VLANs) create a logical separation between the company and guest networks. By assigning each SSID to a different VLAN, you ensure that devices on the guest VLAN cannot access resources on the company VLAN.
   • Firewalls: You can also configure firewall rules to restrict network traffic between VLANs. For example, allow internet access for the guest VLAN but block connections to the company VLAN.

Example of a Separate SSID Setup

On my router, I have two SSIDs configured:

• Work: For business and trusted devices.
• Guest: For visitors or guests.

Though I didn’t set up VLANs in this example due to the small size of my office, in a larger setup, I would recommend configuring VLANs to ensure proper network isolation. Separating guest traffic from company traffic minimizes security risks and preserves network performance.

2. Using a Shared SSID with User Provisioning and Onboarding

In some cases, organizations may choose to use the same SSID for both employees and guests but apply different permissions through user provisioning. This method is less common but is feasible when using user provisioning and onboarding systems.

How Shared SSID with User Provisioning Works

Using the same SSID for both guests and employees means that all users connect to the same wireless network. However, the system differentiates between user types (e.g., employees vs. guests) based on credentials or device attributes.

When a guest connects, they go through a provisioning process where they are assigned limited access, such as internet-only permissions. In contrast, employees receive full access to the corporate network.

While using a shared SSID can be effective, it is generally more complex to manage, requiring an advanced network setup with strict policies. Most organizations find it simpler to configure separate SSIDs for guests and employees, as it offers a clearer separation of access.

Benefits of VLANs and Firewalls for Guest Access

Using VLANs and firewalls is an effective strategy to secure guest access, whether you use separate or shared SSIDs.

1. VLAN Segmentation: VLANs separate network traffic logically, ensuring that guest devices stay on their dedicated VLAN, isolated from the main network.
2. Firewall Rules: Configure firewall rules to restrict traffic between VLANs. For instance, you can permit only internet access on the guest VLAN while blocking connections to the corporate VLAN.

In most cases, VLAN segmentation combined with firewall rules provides the best balance of security and flexibility, ensuring that guests have internet access without access to sensitive resources.

Practical Tips for Configuring Guest Access

Setting up guest access involves more than just creating an extra SSID. Here are some practical tips for securing guest access effectively:

1. Limit Bandwidth on Guest Network: Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to limit bandwidth on the guest network, ensuring that guest traffic doesn’t impact the performance of the primary network.
2. Regularly Change Guest Passwords: For added security, change the guest network password periodically. This prevents long-term access and ensures that only current visitors have access.
3. Monitor Guest Network Traffic: Use network monitoring tools to keep an eye on guest network traffic. This helps detect unusual or suspicious activity and ensures that guests are using the network responsibly.
4. Create an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): A captive portal can include an AUP that guests must agree to before accessing the internet. This outlines rules for using the network responsibly, helping to prevent misuse.
5. Ensure Compliance with Security Standards: If your organization has specific security standards or compliance requirements, make sure your guest network meets them. This may include data encryption, monitoring, and access logging.

Conclusion

Providing guest access is essential for businesses that receive visitors. By creating a separate SSID or using VLAN segmentation, you can offer internet connectivity while isolating guests from sensitive resources. Implementing guest access policies, such as bandwidth limitations, periodic password changes, and network monitoring, enhances security and ensures that guest access does not disrupt the company’s primary network.

With the right tools and policies, you can offer a convenient and secure experience for guests while maintaining the integrity of your corporate network. This concludes our discussion on guest access. I hope this information has clarified the setup process, and I look forward to moving on to the next section.