Understanding Your Workplace Wireless Networks

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In This Article

When you look at the list of available Wi-Fi networks at your workplace, you'll typically see several options. Each one is configured for a specific purpose, and connecting to the wrong network can either limit your access to the tools you need or, in some cases, create security concerns. This article explains what each network is for and which one you should connect to.

CompanyName_Corp — The Corporate Network

The CompanyName_Corp network is reserved for company-managed and monitored devices. This includes workstations, laptops, and other equipment that has been issued, configured, and is actively maintained by IT.

Devices connected to this network typically have:

  • Full access to internal infrastructure (servers, file shares, line-of-business applications)
  • Access to network printers and scanners
  • Connectivity to other managed devices on the local network
  • Centralized security policies, monitoring, and patching

Who should connect: Only company-managed devices. If your device wasn't set up by IT, it likely won't be able to join this network — and that's by design.

CompanyName_Guest — Internet Access for Visitors

The CompanyName_Guest network exists for one reason: to provide internet access to visitors, guests, and vendors who are on-site.

This network is isolated from internal resources. That means anyone connected to it can browse the web, check email, and reach external cloud services, but they cannot reach:

  • Internal file shares
  • Network printers
  • Servers or managed workstations
  • Any other resource on the corporate network

Who should connect: Visitors, guests, and vendors who only need internet access.

Important: Employees should not use the guest network for day-to-day work. If you need to access internal resources like file shares or printers, the guest network will not allow it. Use the appropriate network for your device type instead.

CompanyName — Personal Device Network (BYOD)

The CompanyName network is intended for personally owned devices that employees bring to work. This includes:

  • Personal cell phones
  • Personal laptops or tablets
  • Smartwatches and other personal wearables
  • Other privately owned Wi-Fi capable devices

Like the guest network, this network does not provide access to internal resources such as printers, file shares, or servers. Its purpose is to give employees a convenient, segregated way to get their personal devices online without mixing personal traffic with the corporate environment.

Who should connect: Employees connecting their own personal devices.

Note: If you need to print, access shared drives, or reach internal applications, you must do so from a company-managed device on the corporate network. Personal devices cannot bridge that gap by design.

Other Networks (IoT, OT, and Specialized SSIDs)

You may notice additional wireless networks broadcasting in your workplace. These are purpose-built for specific equipment and use cases, such as:

  • IoT networks — for smart sensors, smart displays, building automation, etc.
  • OT (Operational Technology) networks — for industrial control systems, manufacturing equipment, or specialized hardware
  • Voice or video networks — for VoIP phones or video conferencing equipment
  • Other dedicated SSIDs — configured for specific business functions
These networks are not for general use. The credentials should not be shared, and personal or general-purpose devices should not be connected to them. Connecting an unapproved device to one of these networks can disrupt critical equipment and may trigger a security alert.

Quick Reference

Network Intended For Internal Resource Access
CompanyName_Corp Company-managed devices Yes — full access
CompanyName_Guest Visitors, guests, vendors No — internet only
CompanyName Personal employee devices No — internet only
IoT / OT / Other Specific equipment only Restricted to that purpose

Which Network Should I Use?

Ask yourself two questions:

  1. Is this a company-issued device? If yes, use CompanyName_Corp.
  2. Is this my personal device? If yes, use CompanyName (or CompanyName_Guest if you're a visitor or vendor).

If you're unsure which network applies to your situation, or if you're having trouble connecting, please contact the IT support team before attempting to join a network you don't recognize.

Need Help?

If you have questions about which network to use, are unable to connect a device that should have access, or need to onboard a new piece of equipment to the appropriate network, please open a support ticket and we'll be happy to assist.

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