A wireless router is an essential device in most of today’s homes, but very few pay it the attention required for optimal operation. What this little piece of equipment does is send the internet modem signal to any PC, mobile, tablet or device you connect.
The installation and configuration process of the Wi-Fi transmitter is usually done by the company that provides the connection or by a specialized technician., once the work is finished we connect and forget to check the equipment, which could be causing the slow connection problems. Luckily, it is very easy to access the administrative area of a router and anyone can access it to make some adjustments to improve its performance.
Fortunately, in this article we are going to show you how to make some changes and what are the best ways to configure it yourself in a few steps and without advanced computer knowledge. Continue reading so that you can get the most out of this device and maximize its performance to enjoy a faster internet.
How do we enter the web or router configuration panel?
If you have decided to improve the speed of your connection and want to change the settings of your router, you most likely do not know where to start. Don’t worry, we are going to explain each step in detail so that you can do it at home, so You will not have to pay technical services and you will save money.
Each device is different in many factors. The manufacturing companies or brands offer a configuration access service that varies according to their convenience. But most share the same access method for and even the same default data to access the account (If you think about it, this is a risk for you because any stranger who knows it and has access to your WiFi could easily break into the administrator interface to configure the operation of the apparatus). This access method, we will explain it to you below.
Via IP address 192.168.1.1
Most operators use the numbers 192.168.1.1 as IP address to access the administration panel and be able to modify every detail regarding the use and operation.
- To use these numbers you must open a tab in the browser. It is recommended to do it on a computer for convenience and ease. The device you use must be connected to the WiFi network to be configured. Once you open the internet tab, copy the code and press enter.
- It will load an access website, in which you will get a box with a message that will ask you to enter the data to access the router configuration. The requested data are the username and passwordbut if you don’t have them or don’t know them, don’t be alarmed, as we told you before, many of the providers use the same data for default access, so try trying:
- admin/admin
- admin/1234
- 1234/admin
- 1234/234
- Or try leaving any of the fields blank
- In case none of this works, Check the back of the physical equipment and there you can find out what your credentials are.
- When you have entered the settings interface, it will look something like the following image. All providers have a different design, with the elements distributed in a different way, but basically all of them have a menu on one of their sides to choose different options. From there we can start making modifications to the network to increase security or improve performance. We guide you in all those modifications that you must make in the following points.
How can we improve the security of the router?
The manufacturing companies include security measures in the equipment, but with the increasing cybercrime and the increase in methods to steal data and information from people, these measures fall shortso it is necessary to optimize security by changing some settings.
for this we can perform various actions within the router configuration to which we have learned to access, such as the following.
Change the default password
If you have forgotten your password and need to access the panel, the fact that these login details are all over the internet is probably useful. But just as you have access to them, some malicious person can also possess them and it will only be enough for them to connect to the network for a moment to enter as administrator and adjust various aspects of the network as they see fit. So, if you continue with the factory password you must change it to avoid being exposed.
Once inside the administrator interface you must look for an option in the menu that says “Manage“. Chances are that your router, like most, comes in English and you will find the option how “Management”, you must select it. When you open it there will be certain possibilities among which you have to search “Access Control” either “access settings” or something similar.
It will be easy to detect because it will have the username on one side or below and the boxes for the current password and the new password. You just have to enter the requested data and that’s it, you’ll be a little more protected from hackers.
Change network name
By changing the default password, you prevent those who connect to the WiFi network from being able to access the configuration system. To increase protection, you can change the current name of the network. The names with which Wi-Fi networks are usually identified for the first time, They have information from the company that provides the servicewhich can give clues to whoever is looking for your information on how to access your administration panel and take your data from there.
To change the name of the network, being in the router panel you must go to the “Wireless” either “connections“and once there look for the initials”SSID”when you find them you must select them and place the name you want, remember to put a totally random name so as not to lead to clues.
Things to keep in mind to configure and modify the Wi-Fi of the router
The administrator panel of a router is a complete system that displays various modification and adjustment options for the user. The range of possibilities that we have to alter the predefined operation of the network is very wide. There are alternatives that allow increased security, optimized speed and some others that serve to improve the experience when playing video games and make it much easier.
Some things that we can take into account and adjust within this panel are:
frequency types
There are regulations on the use of networks at an international level. These regulations specify the frequency ranges at which a device can emit its signals. The frequencies on which all internet devices operate are 2.4GHz, 3.6GHz, and 5GHz.
Each team according to its technology operates one or the other. Similarly, network routers depending on the version have the ability to accept the frequency 5GHzIf so, we can choose the frequency we want to use on the panel. Of course, before choosing we must verify that all devices support it. Choosing the highest frequency ensures a more stable, fast connection with greater coverage.
Limit access to certain computers or MAC Filtering
The WiFi transmitter is the intermediary between the modem and the devices that connect to the network. In MAC computers you can establish a filter so that only those devices that are recognized by it can connect to the signal. In this way you make sure that the only ones who can enjoy your Internet are those who have your permission.
For enable MAC filtering that all current routers have, just look in the configuration panel for the section marked “Wireless” either “connections” and in it some option like “Mac Filter/Mac Filtering” either “Access Limit/Access Limit“. Within it, you can activate the use of this tool and at once mark the known devices based on their IP addresses (To know the ip of your mobile and allow it access, take it and go to Settings).
What is the DHCP server and how to optimally configure it?
Every time a device connects to a WiFi network, it provides it with the necessary elements to browse the Internet, including an IP address. All routers come by default with a DHCP server that assigns addresses according to specific ranges to each network, that is, that the IP address of the device will change with each connection.
If we go to the section “Advanced configuration“In the settings panel, we can activate an option to open the ports of the router and assign a fixed IP address to each device. So every time you connect it will have the same address.
And what is a UPnP server for?
The UPnP serverit is included in some routers by default, in others it must be installed or activated. The functionality of this is to serve as a communication facilitator. It redirects traffic, opening or closing connections as required, to perform tasks on the Network.
In most router configuration panels, UPnP is in the section and it is enough to select a box to activate it and stop worrying about problems with network ports.
DMZ or Demilitarized Zone
The demilitarized zone or DMZ is an option that only some routers have the privilege of having. This configuration became popular among gamers, since what it does is open all the network ports of an IP, leaving the connection without any kind of restrictions or blocks.
It is not recommended to activate it for computers or mobiles because it could put your computer at risk by leaving it exposed to Internet threats, viruses, or malware.
The importance of updating the Firmware
The firmware is what enables much of the internet functionality, it is a kind of operating system for the router. Like the browsers and other elements, we are constantly fixing problems in each version, as well as adding features, optimizing the connection or fixing bugs.
In the router administrator interface you will find a specific section for Firmware where you will be able to see if there are updates available and although not all companies allow you to download the update from the settings.
Set up parental control
After from the configuration you can activate a parental control, ideal for parents who want to keep their children under control. Depending on the brand, each device comes with different control options, but in general you can block access to various websites and restrict the pages that use a certain vocabulary.
Although it is designed to prevent children from entering inappropriate websites, it also You can use it to prevent certain portals from opening that may be full of malware that affect your team.
Check router events and their status
The router stores each movement that is made when a connection is established, entering this detailed record is possible in the configuration panel, where you can consult unauthorized access attempts,…
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