4

SSID & Security Configuration

Configure wireless network settings and security policies

Documentation/Wizard Guide/Step 4: SSID & Security Configuration
Previous: Network SelectionStep 4 of 6Next: Portal Setup

Step Overview

Step 4 is where you configure the wireless SSID (network name) that guests will connect to, set up IPSK (Identity Pre-Shared Key) security, and configure group policies for network access control.

SSID Selection

Understanding SSIDs

An SSID is the network name that appears in WiFi settings. Each Meraki network can have up to 15 SSIDs.

The wizard cannot create or modify an SSID — you must create it in Meraki first (see the IPSK setup guide). The dropdown will only show SSIDs that are already configured with Identity PSK without RADIUS on the selected network. SSIDs using any other security mode are hidden automatically.

Note: If no SSIDs appear, return to your Meraki Dashboard, create an SSID with Identity PSK without RADIUS security, and then refresh this step.

IPSK (Identity Pre-Shared Key) Setup

What is IPSK?

IPSK allows each guest to have a unique WiFi password while connecting to the same SSID. This provides better security and tracking compared to shared passwords.

IPSK Configuration Options

  • •Auto Provisioning: Automatically create IPSK keys for guests
  • •Credential Expiration: Choose a basic expiry window from the options in the wizard. The full range of expiry and credential settings can be configured later in the portal's configuration pages

Group Policies

Network Access Control

Group policies control what network resources guests can access and what bandwidth limits apply.

  • •Select from existing group policies in your network
  • •Policies define internet access, bandwidth limits, and blocked sites
  • •Choose policies appropriate for guest access (typically restricted)
  • •A group policy can also assign guests to a dedicated guest VLAN, keeping guest traffic on a separate network segment from your internal devices

Best Practices

Security Recommendations

  • • Set a credential expiry appropriate for your use case — expiry details can be refined at any time from the portal configuration pages
  • • Use restrictive group policies for guest access

Common Issues

Group Policies Not Loading

If group policies don't load:

  • • Ensure you have network configuration permissions
  • • Check that group policies exist in the Meraki Dashboard
  • • Verify the network has been properly configured

What Happens Next

After configuring your SSID and security settings, you'll move to Step 5 to customize the branding and appearance of your guest portal, including colors, logos, and terms of service.

Previous: Network SelectionNext: Portal Setup