topic Re: Need guest network access in My Router

Need guest network access

grandad — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 12:29:01 GMT

Morning all.

Currently have Fibre to the cabinet and using the supplied plusnet router.

Not happy to connect household devices which don't have security software to my main wifi so would like to have guest network. Had this previously with old router but lost it when I started using the Hub One.

There was a time when I was sufficiently capable of sorting this myself - but over the last few years I feel that I have been a bit left behind when it comes to broadband/ISPs/routers, etc.

Any help much appreciated.

I am happy - within reason to buy a new modem router - if needed, but I have no idea if there is any kit I could add to current equipment to provide totally secure guest network.

Re: Need guest network access

mort7890 — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 12:48:14 GMT

Hi @grandad May be corrected but I think hub one does not support your request, may I suggest you connect a second router as an access point and use that for the guests

Re: Need guest network access

bmc — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 12:57:00 GMT

@grandad

Was your previous service FTTC - if so, you could possibly use your old router. The settings required can be found at

https://www.plus.net/help/broadband/broadband-connection-settings/

Brian

Re: Need guest network access

grandad — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 13:38:35 GMT

Thanks for the reply. Correct - the hub one does not offer guest network. I am reluctant to use my old router as I never really got on with it.

Re: Need guest network access

grandad — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 13:41:37 GMT

Thanks for the suggestion but as per my above reply I really don’t want to use my old router as I didn’t get on with it (web interface, software, settings etc).

Re: Need guest network access

mort7890 — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 14:56:13 GMT

Hi @grandad Alternatively find a family/neighbour or friend who is/has got an old router and use that as an access point, otherwise no guests.

Re: Need guest network access

Baldrick1 — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 10:13:53 GMT

Adding an Access Point with a different SSID will not isolate you from the primary network.

@grandad

Many third party devices come with a guest network. What you need is an ADSL/VDSL combined modem/router with a guest network to replace your hub one. Start with looking at tp-link, Asus and Netgear.

If you find a unit that fits your budget you can always refer back here for an opinion on its suitability.

Re: Need guest network access

grandad — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 11:07:32 GMT

Thank you for your helpful reply.

I had a nagging feeling that adding another router wouldn't isolate guests from the main netwrok which is exactly what I'm trying to achieve.

I've previously owned Netgear and TP Link routers although I have to say that I found it easier to set up the Firewall rules on the Netgear.

I've also heard some comments about certain of the BT hubs having a guest network but am having trouble trying to clarify this.

I do need to be careful though in what I buy. I'm used to having the modem combined with the router but so many of today's offerings seem to be router only. is this correct?

Thanks again.

Re: Need guest network access

Baldrick1 — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:40:16 GMT

@grandad

The Business versions of BT hubs have a ‘Guest’ facility BUT this is for use in pubs, shops etc. It is totally open with no password required so that anyone can get access, not just your guests. I use a Business Smarthub 6 and this feature is turned OFF.

Yes you need to read specifications and get a combined modem/router. With the growth of cable systems and FTTP there are many routers out there as this newer digital technology does not use broadband to get the digital data to your property so do not require a broadband modem.

Re: Need guest network access

grandad — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:35:57 GMT

@Baldrick1

Thank you again.

Re FTTP and FTTC. there is where I think I have much to learn/catch up on.

In simple terms, is it correct to say that FTTC needs a broadband modem and FTTP does not?

Re: Need guest network access

Baldrick1 — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 19:11:54 GMT

@grandad

That is correct. With FTTP the fibre is terminated at the property with an ONT to which a router is cabled.

Re: Need guest network access

bmc — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 19:20:26 GMT

@grandad

The following link will show the OR ONT (Optical Network Terminator) which is installed. A router is still required but is connected via an Ethernet cable which gives room for manoeuvre. The second link has explanations of ADSL, VDSL and FTTP.

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2019/09/a-look-at-openreachs-compact-fttp-broadband-ont-and-mini-olt.html

https://kitz.co.uk/adsl/fttc.htm

Brian

Re: Need guest network access

grandad — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 21:05:45 GMT

@Baldrick1

Thank you again for taking the time to reply.

I’m beginning to understand things a little more now and hopefully as/when I replace my router I now know what to look for (VDSL modem).

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an ONT which I’m guessing connects to a router via its WAN port?

Re: Need guest network access

grandad — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 21:07:57 GMT

@bmc

Thank you for the reply.

I’ve had a look at the second link.

The first one didn’t work, but no matter - I used it to redirect me to a diagram of a BT ONT

Re: Need guest network access

bmc — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 21:18:21 GMT

@grandad

For some reason the copy and paste of the link went wrong. This should work.

ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2019/09/a-look-at-openreachs-compact-fttp-broadband-ont-and-mini-olt.html

Brian

Edit - the link appears to be too long so I've chopped off the https//www bit.

Re: Need guest network access

grandad — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 21:31:09 GMT

@bmc

Thank you. I’ll have a look.

Incidentally, would you have any opinion on which (brand) routers offer the most straightforward settings for Firewall implementation. I am somewhat embarrassed that in the past I have often become quite confused by all the “allow this” “deny that” commands.

I have very simple/uncomplicated requirements and find that the “turn on the firewall with its default settings” is adequate for my needs. sadly the last (non Plusnet) router I used seemed overly complicated with commands which almost appeared “double negatives”. I even contacted customer support but that didn’t seem to help much!