Image for article titled Why Your Wifi Router Needs a 'Guest Mode'

One of the most personal things you have in your home is your internet connection. The internet traffic from your connected gadgets goes through this device. It doesn't need a paid security subscription or a virtual private network to protect it from outsiders. The guest mode feature is baked-in already, and it creates a separate SSID from your main network, with a different name, password, and traffic.

The guest modes have their own passwords and settings that are easy to modify, destroy, and rebuild. You can find guest mode in the settings when you go to your admin page. This feature is even cheaper than it used to be.

Only you and your family can access the main network with a separate network name and password. Allow the parental controls if your guest mode has one. After your friend's son decided it was a good time to download movies at your house, you don't want to be seen as a pirate. Bad actors using your network to run illegal websites or services are protected by these restrictions.

The internet can be shut off for any reason. You can turn off the guest network at any time if you need to make sure your child doesn't watch all night.

Because the network is restricted, you can use an easy-to-type password to get them in more quickly. You can make the whole thing simpler by making the codes only for the guests. There is a simple sharing button on both phones.

How to Geek.