Guest account on router?

We will be having some teenagers staying over for the holidays. Since they connect their computers to our network, I have in the past installed a second router just for them, to prevent the possible spread of malware from their computers to ours.

I see that some routers have the ability to create guest networks. Does a guest network provide the same degree of protection from worms and other malware that a 2nd router would provide?

Thanks

 

As long as it separates the 2 networks then yes

 

Most routers I have seen that provide a guest network also have an option, something like
"Enable routing between zones"
so that if you desire, the guest network can access your normal network. Obviously you just want to make sure such an option is turned OFF.

Sul.

 

And here's an example from a simple Netgear router



I think recent Linksys routers also have the guest feature.

 

Thanks to all for the responses. This has been very helpful.

I'll have to look into a newer router since my present one does not support guest networks.