The router is undoubtedly a fundamental part to connect to the Internet. It is an essential device and that we all have in our home if we have contracted a connection. There are many models, as we know. Normally the operator provides us with a free one. Now, another option we have is to acquire a superior router. We may need more wireless coverage, more speed, or capacity. Now, we are going to explain what steps must take to configure a router.
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Steps to Configure a New Router
When we buy a new router, we must bear in mind that we must take a series of initial steps. In this way, we can start browsing the Internet and connect the different devices. Particular attention must be paid to safety, as it is a fundamental factor and one that should not be overlook.
Correctly Connect Cables and Devices
The first thing we have to do logically connects all the router cables correctly. We must plug it into the power, connect the network cable, telephone, as well as the different cables for the computers that we have connected.
This is basic, and it will be the first thing we will do to start getting our new router up and running. Before entering it, we will wait a few minutes for it to be fully powered up and operational.
Access the Router’s Control Panel
The next pace will be to access the router’s control panel. From here, we can modify the different values that we are going to change later and enter the configuration, something basic for the proper functioning of the device and always preserves security.
To enter the router will depend on the model we have, but the normal thing is to access through 192.168.1.1. The username and password are usually generic of the type admin, admin, or 123, 123. We will have to look in the box of the device or search the Internet to know exactly what the credentials are to access.
Change all Factory Settings
Once we are inside the router, what we have to do is change all the factory settings. Here we can include the name of the Wi-Fi network, for example. Usually, the name of the router or some indication will appear. The interesting thing is to put something generic that does not connect us and, in this way, preserve privacy.
We are also going to change the access code to the router, which we used previously to enter. It is important never to leave the credentials that come from the factory. Otherwise, we would jeopardize security.
Put a Strong Password
Later we will focus on Wi-Fi and its security. You have to change the default password and put a powerful one. This is a vital point, as is choosing encryption correctly. Obsolete encryptions such as WEP must be avoided.
Our advice is to put a random password, which contains letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and other special symbols. It is important that it is unique and of considerable length.
Update the Firmware
On the other hand, another step to follow is to update the firmware of the router. It is possible that the device that we have purchased is already correctly updated, but it may have an outdated version that could be insecure.
On the one hand, by updating the firmware, we will improve performance. Normally with each update, some improvements can come in handy for the best results. But it will also be essential to improve security. Sometimes vulnerabilities arise that are exploited by hackers, and we can correct them thanks to updates and patches.
Configure Network Aspects That Interest Us
The next thing is going to be a bit of customizing the router. We can change different aspects of the network, such as the channel that Wi-Fi uses, its power, etc. It is interesting to consider the option of creating a guest network, for example. In this way, we can improve the security of our device.
Change DNS
Another essential aspect that we can take into account is the fact of changing the DNS. Normally our system will use DNS, which is usually the operator. However, sometimes it is convenient to change them to improve the speed and quality of the signal. We can do that from the operating system.
In Conclusion, the basic steps to configure a router correctly from the beginning will be to correctly connect the wiring, access the control panel, change the factory settings, and establish a powerful Wi-Fi password. From there, we can change other aspects and take into account different options to improve the user experience, as well as what we have mentioned about changing DNS at the operating system level to obtain better speed or stability of the Internet connection.