Set up a guest network
A guest network is a second Wi-Fi name on the same router. Visitors use it and reach the internet. They do not get a route to your private laptops and disks, if the isolation option stays on.
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1
Log in to the admin page
Open the gateway, often 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.50.1 on newer ASUS models.
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2
Enable the guest SSID
Find Guest Network or Guest Wi-Fi. Turn it on for 2.4 GHz at minimum. Add 5 GHz if phones in the house support it. Give it a name that is obviously not your private network.
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3
Set a separate password and isolation
Use a different key from the main Wi-Fi. Turn on AP isolation, client isolation, or “access intranet: off.” Save.
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4
Join from a phone and test
The phone should open a public website. It should not open your printer page or another computer’s file share. If it can, isolation is off.
What a guest network does not fix
It does not hide the router admin page by itself on every brand. Someone who knows 192.168.1.1 might still reach the login form. Keep a strong admin password. The guest key can be simpler because it only grants internet, but do not leave it blank.
Mesh kits from Xiaomi, Deco, and Nova sometimes put the guest switch in the app rather than the browser. The idea is the same: a second name, a second key, intranet off.
Frequently asked questions
Will guests see my Wi-Fi password?
No. They only see the guest name and the guest key you gave them.
Does a guest network slow the main network?
It shares the same radio. A guest streaming video uses airtime. It does not change your main password or your admin login.
Can I limit guest time?
Some ASUS, TP-Link, and Netgear firmware lets you schedule the guest SSID or expire the key. If the page has no timer, turn the SSID off when visitors leave.