How to create a second WiFi network

Sometimes a WiFi device won't connect to the WiFi network and you can't find the reason. If you've tried everything else, you can fix the problem by setting up a secondary WiFi network (SSID) with different security settings to connect to the device.    

NOTE:  Depending on your model, your modem's user interface may appear slightly different from the images below.

5. If given the choice, select "2.4 GHz" or "5 GHz" in the left sidebar. Some models do not offer this option. Read more about the how to choose between 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency, and learn which modems have this capability.

Change wifi-channel 5ghz Step 5

6.  Select "SSID Setup" from the menu on the left sidebar.

SSID setup - step 6

7.  Your primary network should appear at the top of the SSID dropdown list. Choose "SSID2" to set up a second network. (You can repeat this process with SSID3 and SSID4, if needed.)

SSID setup - step 7

8. Select "Enable SSID" to activate the network. For some models you may see an option to "Broadcast" the network, which allows the network to be seen by users within range.

SSID setup - step 8

9.  If you want, you can customize the network name to make it easier to remember.

SSID setup - step 9

10. Select "Apply" to save your changes. The second network has now been created and enabled.

SSID setup - step 10

11.  Next you will need to change some of the security settings. Choose "Wireless Security" in the left sidebar.

SSID setup - step 11

12.  Select the name of the new SSID that you just created.

SSID setup - step 12

13.  Select the desired security type. Sometimes choosing WEP (when available) will allow older devices to connect successfully, but generally you will want to choose WPA2 for the strongest security.

SSID setup - step 13

14.  From here you can choose the default security key/passphrase, or set your own customized key.

SSID setup - step 14

15.  Select "Apply" to save your changes again. Now your new network should be live and you can connect your device(s) to it by entering the network name and security key created above into the device's WiFi settings.

SSID setup - step 15

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