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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.
1. Connect a device, such as a computer or tablet, to the internet through WiFi or using an Ethernet cable connected to your modem.
2. Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 into the web address field.
3. Log in to the modem's settings interface (Modem GUI) using your Admin Username and Admin Password. Note that these are different from your wireless network name (SSID) and WiFi password (security key).
You can find the Admin Username and Password printed on the sticker attached to the side, back or bottom of the modem.
CAUTION! Do not remove or lose your modem sticker, which includes your default admin username and password. These preset credentials cannot be retrieved, and your modem could become unusable without them.
The modem sticker shows you TWO important sets of login credentials. How do you use each one?
SSID and key/wireless password: Used to access and connect to your WiFi network
- SSID is the name that will show up on your devices in the list of wireless networks (may have two for dual-band modem/routers)
- Key/Wireless Password is the password you will enter on your devices to connect securely to your network
- These default settings can also be customized in the modem settings or through the app
Admin username and admin password: Used to log in to your modem settings portal
- Access secure settings such as firmware updates, WiFi security, schedules, and more
- When connected to your home network, go to http://192.168.0.1 to access the portal (also called the GUI)
- These default settings can also be customized in the modem settings
4. Select the Wireless Setup icon in the main menu.
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.
6. Select "SSID Setup" from the menu on the left sidebar.
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.)
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.
9. If you want, you can customize the network name to make it easier to remember.
10. Select "Apply" to save your changes. The second network has now been created and enabled.
11. Next you will need to change some of the security settings. Choose "Wireless Security" in the left sidebar.
12. Select the name of the new SSID that you just created.
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.
14. From here you can choose the default security key/passphrase, or set your own customized key.
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.
Learn more about home WiFi security
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