Is it a good idea to put 2 Routers side by side?

[webdriver]

I have multiple routers so I decide to create 2 separate Wifi systems for use by family members and by guest only. Yes I know I can create "Guest network" but I want the guest (tenant) have their own Wifi.
The question is: I have the small closet area that stores ISP modem gateway, if I put 2 routers (main) there side by side, do they interference each other?

 

[OzarkEdge]

The question is: I have the small closet area that stores ISP modem gateway, if I put 2 routers (main) there side by side, do they interference each other?

Avoid heat and co-locating radio transmitters. You can try anything but I would not plan on it. Sometimes you can find related advice in the router manual.

OE

 

[Analog-1]

Never good.

 

[CaptainSTX]

I have multiple routers so I decide to create 2 separate Wifi systems for use by family members and by guest only. Yes I know I can create "Guest network" but I want the guest (tenant) have their own Wifi.
The question is: I have the small closet area that stores ISP modem gateway, if I put 2 routers (main) there side by side, do they interference each other?

The heat could be an issue depending on if the closet has any ventilation or airflow. If some airflow, then fans could help. If the radios use different non overlapping channels and you can separate the routers by a foot or more interference should not be a major issue. I have run two routers in the past like you are proposing one for normal traffic and another for IoT and no issues. Currently running a second small travel router to connect one stubborn IoT device that will not connect to my AX88 Pro.

 

[Tech9]

Two routers working side by side on different channels - not an issue.
Tenants' online activities becoming ISP account owner's responsibility - issue.

 

[bibikalka]

I have AC86U and an ATT fiber AX router next to each other, probably 15 cm apart. Have been running like that with non-overlapping channels for 2 years now, no issues that I can speak of.

 

[degrub]

Have the tenant get their own ISP installation if they want service. You don't want the liability for their internet activity as it will be traced to your ISP endpoint or router.

 

[Tech9]

In addition - most ISPs don't allow multiple WAN IP addresses and one of the routers has to be in double NAT. May be an issue for applications relying on UPnP. Networks have to be isolated with firewall rules, otherwise the second router will have access to the first.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Have the tenant get their own ISP installation if they want service. You don't want the liability for their internet activity as it will be traced to your ISP endpoint or router.

Even if your tenant has their own service given their close proximity to your Wi-Fi network they probably could crack the passcode over time and log onto your network and use it for their nefarious purposes. While it is a concern some how all the establishments with Wi-Fi networks seem to get by without being raided.

If you have a separate AP or double NATed router for the tenant's use, then most routers give you the option to restrict administrative access to a certain IP on the LAN. To make it extra difficult select an IP that isn't normally used by any devices connecting to the LAN so when you need to administer the router manually assign that IP to a device and then connect to the router.