In today’s modern world where almost everything is a click away, setting up an internet connection in your house is important. Although setting up a home network isn’t fairly difficult but it isn’t as easy as most home users make it out to be. Plugging in a router and turning it on aren’t the only steps that need to be taken in order to achieve a successfully connected network. Sometimes just because the network is working, doesn’t mean it can’t get any better especially when it comes to speed and performance. Manufacturers have been trying to make it easier for non-technical users by labeling ports, colored LED indicators and preset settings. But there are a number of things you can do to optimize your WiFi network in order to make sure you’re getting the best out of your router.
Firstly, start by focusing on the hardware. If you have an old router, it may be time to get a new one since outdated routers can’t handle newer devices. 802.11g was a standard router on the market for a long time but has been since replaced by the newer generation of 802.11n which are not only faster but more compatible with newer devices. Newer routers also have faster processors so in case you’re facing lag and disrupted connections, it may be time to buy a new one.
Make sure you keep security in mind when setting up a router. Most of them come with a preset SSID and password but it’s strongly advised to change these when you set up a new network. Make sure the SSID is simple and does not contain any personal information. Same with the security key since it needs to be simple and hard to crack at the same time in order to easily connect your devices. Make sure the router’s encryption is set to WPA2 or WPA2-PSK. Most routers also come with a firewall that controls what type of data flows in and out of your router. This way you can also ban access to certain sites or add parental control options.
Keeping the router updated to the latest firmware is also a necessity since older firmware has bugs and vulnerabilities that can put your router at risk. New updates not only eliminate these vulnerabilities, but they also improve performance, security, and may provide newer features. Always periodically check for updates in your router’s configuration page or the manufacturer’s website.
Finally, most routers are dual-band meaning they support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The former band however is slower and more crowded since not only are a lot of routers working on this frequency, but it also faces interference from other devices such as phones, microwaves etc. Even though 5GHz has shorter range, it’s faster and has less interruptions. When it comes to positioning your router, make sure it’s in a central place that isn’t being blocked by walls etc. so that signals may reach your devices efficiently.
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