how to set up different Wi-Fi networks with ubiquiti

Creating multiple Wi-Fi networks in a UniFi setup isn't just for large offices or tech enthusiasts, it’s useful for nearly anyone looking to better manage and secure their network.

Whether you want a separate network for your smart home devices, a guest network for visitors, or isolated access for work devices, UniFi makes it possible without adding much complexity.

This post walks you through everything you need to know to set up different Wi-Fi networks using UniFi gear. It covers not just the how, but also the why, complete with real-world examples and tips to keep things running smoothly.

Let's dive in !!

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why create multiple Wi-Fi networks?

Before we get into setup, it’s good to know why you might want multiple Wi-Fi networks in the first place. Here are a few reasons:

• Security: Limit what devices can talk to each other. Your smart bulbs don’t need access to your laptop.
• Guest access: Give visitors internet access without letting them see your private files or printers.
• Performance: Traffic segmentation can reduce congestion and improve speeds for critical devices.
• Compliance: In business environments, regulations may require separate networks for devices handling sensitive information.

what you need to get started

To begin, you’ll need:

• A UniFi Console like the Dream Machine, Dream Router, or a Cloud Key
• At least one UniFi Access Point
• Access to the UniFi Network Application
• The ability to log into the controller (locally or via remote access)

If you're starting fresh, follow the official guide here: How to Set Up UniFi.

how to log into your controller

You can do this one of two ways:

• Locally: Connect your device to the same network and open UniFi/ in your browser.
• Remotely: Head to unifi.ui.com and sign in using your UI account.

New setups that haven’t been claimed yet will use admin as the default username.

step-by-step: creating different Wi-Fi networks

1. create your Wi-Fi SSIDs

• Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
• Click Create New Wi-Fi
• Set the SSID (network name) and password
• Enable or disable broadcast depending on if you want it visible

You can repeat this process for each network you want—like “Main Network”, “Guest Network”, and “IoT Network”.

2. assign SSIDs to VLANs

This step is optional but gives you real network separation:

• Go to Settings > Networks
• Click Create New Network
• Set a VLAN ID (e.g., VLAN 20 for IoT)
• Choose the purpose (Corporate for internal devices, Guest for visitors)
• Save the network

Now link this VLAN network to your Wi-Fi network by editing the SSID and assigning it under Network.

3. configure Private Pre-Shared Keys (PPSK)

Want a different password for each user or device on the same SSID? Use PPSK:

• Open the Wi-Fi SSID settings
• Scroll to Advanced
• Toggle Private Pre-Shared Key
• Add entries for users/devices, each with a custom password

This is great in schools, co-working spaces, or small businesses.

More on this here: UniFi PPSK Setup Guide.

4. set Wi-Fi schedules

Maybe your guest Wi-Fi should turn off at night. No problem:

• Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
• Edit your guest SSID
• Scroll to Wi-Fi Schedule
• Choose days and time ranges when the network is enabled

This helps with security and bandwidth control.

5. set up guest control (optional captive portal)

For a proper guest experience with terms of service and login screens:

• Enable Guest Network on your SSID
• Go to Settings > Guest Control
• Choose between password-based or captive portal
• You can even link to payment gateways or issue vouchers

This works great in cafes, hotels, or events.

6. apply firewall rules between networks

Once you’ve set up different networks or VLANs, you may want to stop them from talking to each other.

• Go to Settings > Firewall & Security

• Create new rules:
  • Block VLAN 20 (IoT) from accessing VLAN 10 (main)
  • Allow internet access for VLAN 20 but nothing more

This keeps devices isolated, like preventing a compromised smart plug from snooping on your laptop.

testing and validation

Once everything is configured, test each network:

• Use different devices to connect to each SSID
• Verify internet access
• Check isolation by trying to ping other devices
• Review the traffic in UniFi’s client stats to confirm they are tagged correctly

use case examples

smart home setup

• Main Wi-Fi: Phones, laptops, TVs
• IoT Network: Smart plugs, bulbs, cameras (VLAN 20, isolated)
• Guest Wi-Fi: With captive portal, limited speed (VLAN 30)

small business

• Staff Network: Office laptops, printers (VLAN 10)
• POS Network: Payment terminals (VLAN 50, no internet)
• Guest Wi-Fi: For waiting room (VLAN 40, captive portal)

educational setup

• Faculty Network: Admin access (VLAN 10)
• Student Network: Controlled internet only (VLAN 20)
• Guest Wi-Fi: Limited bandwidth and schedule (VLAN 30)
• Lab Devices: Access to internal resources but not internet (VLAN 60)

Use PPSK to hand out passwords per student or lab group, making revocation easy.

what about standalone access points?

Yes, you can use UniFi APs in standalone mode via the mobile app, but:

• No VLAN support
• No PPSK
• No remote access
• No firewall rules
• No multi-network management

It works for one simple SSID but quickly becomes a pain for anything else. Avoid it unless you're doing the most basic setup.

advanced tips

DHCP options

Make sure each VLAN is getting DHCP from a source (either UniFi or another router). If devices don’t get IPs, check your DHCP relay and firewall.

DNS routing

Some folks use custom DNS rules to redirect IoT devices away from certain domains or limit telemetry. Combine this with VLAN isolation for even more control.

Wi-Fi experience score

Use the UniFi dashboard’s client stats to monitor signal strength, connectivity, and performance per SSID or VLAN.

log and monitor usage

Want to see who’s hogging bandwidth on the guest network? Use client insights to see traffic per device and apply bandwidth limits if needed.

Final thoughts

Setting up multiple Wi-Fi networks with UniFi gear is a no-brainer once you understand the tools available. You can isolate devices, boost security, manage traffic, and offer a better experience for everyone on your network.

And if the setup process sounds too technical or you’d rather not manage it all yourself, don’t worry. That’s where we step in. At Unihosted, we manage UniFi controllers in the cloud for users like you. We take care of updates, backups, and monitoring, so you can just enjoy a reliable network that works. No stress, no upkeep.