You just bought a new WiFi router but are unable to access the internet. To make sure everything is OK, you check all the wires and lights on the device, everything seems fine. Are you wondering what went wrong? Maybe it is not the cables or the lights, but how you set up the WiFi network router.
Tech experts have come up with a list of mistakes you should never commit when setting up a new WiFi router.
WiFi Network Router Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Given below are 6 mistakes you should never commit during the WiFi network router setup:
1. Ignoring the User Manual
The availability of plug-and-play networking devices has made users ignore or even discard the user manual that comes with the WiFi router. Although not relying on a user manual might not seem that big of a deal but routers are an exception. Your new WiFi network router does require some configuration settings to function properly.
In this scenario, the user manual that comes along will help you understand the various facets of router setup. For example, you will know how to access router admin panel, configure router firewall settings, and change security parameters for safe internet browsing. However, if you are not able to understand what to do, connect with our tech experts right away.
2. Placing Router near Walls
Every networking device is bound by certain physical limitations. One of these is dense physical objects that block radio waves. Thus, placing your WiFi router next to a brick wall is not a good idea.
Walls contain piping, backsplashes, and metallic structure. Keeping the router next to a wall reduces the WiFi signal range and performance. Tech experts recommend that you keep the router on a plastic or wooden stand in an open area with no obstructions.
3. Using Incorrect Login Credentials
Every WiFi router these days comes with the default username and password for you to access the internet. You have to be careful when you are setting up the WiFi router for the first tim. Make sure you do not have the Caps Lock key ON when entering the credentials. Both username and password are case-sensitive.
For example, if you have a Netgear WiFi router, then follow this tip when you try to setup the router through the Nighthawk app.
4. Not Turning On WiFi Encryption
In this age of rising cybercrime, not securing your WiFi network router or the internet connection is a disaster waiting to happen. Without sufficient WiFi encryption, your network is open to unauthorized access to hackers and data thieves. Now, if you have purchased a Netgear WiFi router then you can activate the right WiFi protocol by using the Nighthawk app.
Tech experts have a simple tip which you can follow to avoid this situation.
Pro Tip
Make sure you turn on the WiFi encryption. It will help you keep the router safe from unauthorized access.
5. Ignoring Firmware Updates
The router firmware is the software that lets you access the internet without any hassle. Firmware updates also keep the router safe from hackers and cyberattacks. Keep in mind, there is no shortage of cyberattacks that can impact the working and safety of your WiFi router and the internet.
Have you been ignoring the weekly or monthly firmware WiFi network router updates? It is not a wise idea. Securing the router and internet connection should be a priority if you want to access the internet without any hiccups. For example, the Nighthawk app helps you keep the Netgear WiFi router updated at all times.
6. Choosing Wrong WiFi Encryption
Activating WiFi encryption is not as simple as flipping a switch. The majority of WiFi routers come with different WiFi encryption options. By default, these utilize the WEP, an old and unsafe WiFi standard.
Make sure you choose the latest WiFi encryption for the router. Lock it down using a strong password made from a combination of special characters, letters, and numbers. Doing so decreases the likelihood of Brute Force attacks penetrating the WiFi router.
Conclusion
WiFi network routers make it easier for you to access the internet without any hiccups. But, for this to happen, you should avoid the mistakes described here. This will help you not only access the internet but also keep the device safe from unauthorized access.
