multiSSID

Multi-SSID is a wireless networking feature that allows a single access point or router to broadcast multiple SSIDs, creating several distinct wireless networks on the same physical device. Each SSID functions as a separate logical network, typically mapped to its own network settings, security policies, and address space.

Common use cases include guest networks, employee or home networks, IoT segmentation, and parental controls. By separating traffic, administrators can apply different access rights, firewall rules, and quality of service without needing additional hardware. In practice, each SSID is often linked to a virtual access point (VAP) and may be mapped to a separate VLAN, DHCP scope, and routing policy.

Implementation usually involves configuring multiple SSIDs, assigning each to a VLAN or network segment, and setting security and access controls. Network devices provide options to set the SSID name, security type (such as WPA2 or WPA3, with PSK or enterprise authentication), guest portal settings, client isolation, and inter-network access restrictions. Some setups also support captive portals for guest networks and per-SSID NAT or routing.

Limitations and considerations include hardware support, as consumer-grade devices typically offer only a few SSIDs, while enterprise access points may support many. Running multiple SSIDs can incur performance and management overhead, and roaming between networks may be non-ideal. Proper VLAN configuration and isolation are essential to prevent cross-network access, and security settings should be tailored to each network’s use case.