General comments before we discuss Wi-Fi
Good practice includes reading the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Some routers have external antennas which can be manipulated to improve signal strength. New routers have more than one band and sometimes up to three (2.4ghz, 5ghz, and 6ghz) Lower frequency helps connecting to devices further away such as garage doors, sprinkler controllers, and cameras. Range extender devices can help spread the signal too and are purchased separately from your router.
Modems are a device that connect to your providers internet connection (coax cable or fiber optic cable). To test your signal, you can connect a computer to the modem via an ethernet cable without using a router.
To make the signal usable for other devices, a router connects to the modem and creates a radio signal for digital devices to share. Some manufactures have modem/router built as one device. Your internet service provider ISP such as Comcast/Xfinity, Charter, Spectrum, and AT&T to name a few may have routers you can lease. Typically these are kept up to date with firmware installations. They also have apps to enable you to learn what is connected and receive information on outages or troubleshooting. ISPs also are helpful with setup coaching.
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Don’t succumb to laziness with your router, which provides your wireless capability to all your digital devices. Unfortunately, too many people never change the username/password on their router. If you still have “admin” and nothing/blank as the password you are seemingly inviting snooping or worse. Things will seem to work until… they don’t or your find that things are slowing and you have connected devices that you can’t identify. Even neighbors could use your bandwidth to stream programs to their devices or look around your system.
Your router uses a password to allow approved devices rot connect to it via WiFi. There is also an admin password which allows you to manage settings. If you never changed the username/password since you set up the router now it the time. Go to the manufactures website and look for a manual for your router. Alternatively, it’s likely that you can find a video on YouTube with the instructions your need for the most common routers (TP link, Netgear, Asus, Linksys and so on).
Sometimes, you counter will need a firmware update (this controls the hardware functions) to keep you safe on-line. Even if you don’t update, your router will likely continue working but you would loose security update and performance enhancing features. If your router is old and hasn’t had updates recently, it may be time for a new one. Prices for new routers are reasonable and have the latest features.
It’s not advisable to disable password protection and leaves your system with security risks. While you are at it, use a strong password and store it in a password manager.
WPS or Wifi Protected Setup is a feature that some older counter have to permit you to connect a device without entering a password. This is risky. If WPS is turned on, anyone could potentially connect to your wifi if they are in range. Most manufacturers disable this but some may offer it in the admin function. If you do need to use it, be SURE to turn it off again after connecting a device.
Placement of routers is important. Best to be several feet off the floor and in a central part of your home. Good placement helps with speeds and signal strength. Avoid placing it inside a cabinet if possible and near other electronics such as bluetooth speakers, wifi cameras, and microwaves.
Here is a generic set of instructions to see what the basic setup looks like.
Steps to Set Up a New Router at Home
1. Check Your Internet Connection
- Connect a computer directly to your modem using an Ethernet cable.
- Ensure that the computer detects an active internet connection by visiting your IPS’s website or another popular website that you are familiar with.
2. Gather Necessary Equipment
- Have an Ethernet cable ready to connect the router to the modem.
- Keep the router’s documentation handy for default login information.
3. Connect the Router
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the modem and the other end into the WAN (Internet) port on the router.
- Power on the router and wait for it to boot up.
4. Access the Router’s Configuration Interface
- Open a web browser on a device connected to the router.
- Enter the router’s IP address in the address bar (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) to access the setup page.
5. Configure Network Settings
- Follow the setup wizard to select your time zone and internet connection type (Dynamic IP, PPPoE, etc.).
- Set your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password for security.
6. Test the Connection
- Connect a device to the new Wi-Fi network using the SSID and password you created.
- Verify that you have internet access by browsing a website.
7. Optimize Your Network
- Consider setting up a guest network for visitors.
- Regularly check for firmware updates to keep your router secure and efficient.
By following these steps, you can successfully set up your new router and enjoy a reliable internet connection at home.
Mesh routers are a topic for another day.
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Some references for more information –
https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-set-up-a-router