Hi everyone can you answer this? I have a home network set up using both hardwire and wifi. This network is protected and cannot be seen by those without the key.
The question is can I set up a second network using the same kit, which could be open as a hotspot for guests without compromising the security of the first and which is running at the same time?
I thought I could just set security but XP home is next to useless on this front files are either shared or not. I don't want to upgrade to XP pro.
Am I asking too much?

The quick answer is to use 3 routers--a wired router that connects you to the internet, and two wireless routers--one protected and the other open. Each wireless router will connect to the wired router. The unprotected network cannot "hop" over to the protected network, but can still access the internet.

Here is a link with a lot of good info and drawings. (http://www.grc.com/nat/nat.htm)

Hope this helps,
WallyH

Can you list the Make and model of your router? Especially if you have a linksys WRT54G There are different (ie better) firmware options you can download to allow multiple SSIDs or setup a hotspot with homepage/ browser hijack options.

Thanks for that Wally but would I not get away with using the current protected hard wired router for private wifi and one other router connected to that for the Hot spot?
Hi 37337 my router is a Netgear DG834PN hope that helps

Thanks for that Wally but would I not get away with using the current protected hard wired router for private wifi and one other router connected to that for the Hot spot?
Hi 37337 my router is a Netgear DG834PN hope that helps

Since I can't seem to find any additional firmware for that router, may I suggest the following:

Get a WRT54G router. You can get one on Amazon for about $55. Read about the things you can do with the WRT54G and redesigned firmware from 3rd party vendors here: The Open Source WRT54G Story (http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3562391)

Thanks for that Wally but would I not get away with using the current protected hard wired router for private wifi and one other router connected to that for the Hot spot?
Hi 37337 my router is a Netgear DG834PN hope that helps
I'm certainly not the network expert, but my understanding is that if you daisy-chain the routers then all the insecure traffic will go across your protected network (on its way to the internet). It would be possible for malicious traffic to do bad things to your protected network, but I can't really quantify the level of risk of that. In the absence of bad guys, I think the answer is yes you can hook the two routers up the way you say.

Best of luck,
WallyH