Patcay.com – The WiFi device manufacturer provides routers and signal boosters with various default settings so that you don’t have to go through the trouble of configuring them to fit your home network.
However, this can have some less desirable consequences. For example, default passwords can pose a security risk to your network, and improper placement of the router and signal boosters can impede data flow.
Not Changing the WiFi Password
Basically, when you purchase a router, you don’t need to think about the password because the manufacturer has configured it with a unique password.
However, it’s advisable to change the default WiFi password on your router. This is done to prevent unauthorized devices from accessing your WiFi network.
For friends and visitors, it’s better to enable a guest WiFi network so they can access the internet without access to your home network. Make sure to secure this guest WiFi network with a different password.
Not Changing the Router Menu Access Password
In addition to changing the WiFi password, you should also protect access to the router’s menu. Basic network security settings can be manipulated by third parties if you don’t protect this access.
Even though the manufacturer may have provided a password for all routers, it can be easily accessed by unauthorized individuals.
Keeping the WPS Function on the Router Enabled
WPS is an easy way to connect WiFi devices to the router. However, this not only applies to your devices. Anyone with physical access to the router can use WPS to enter your home network.
To address this issue, enable WPS when setting up the router so that WPS-capable WiFi devices can connect easily. After that, disable WPS in the router settings. You can re-enable it if you need to integrate new WiFi devices. This will enhance your network security, especially if you don’t frequently connect new devices to your home network.
Open WiFi for Friends and Visitors
Providing WiFi access to visitors is common, but if they know the password, you need to be cautious. In some cases, visitors might unknowingly introduce malware into your network.
The safest way to provide internet access to visitors is by offering a guest WiFi network, which is available on most WiFi routers. Guest WiFi can access the internet but remains secure as it has a different IP address from your home WiFi network. You can enable guest WiFi through the router settings. If you want to limit the use of this WiFi to people outside your home, make sure to encrypt it with the WPA2 standard and a different password from your home WiFi network. Some routers also offer additional settings for guest WiFi, such as access time restrictions or automatic disconnection if no devices are connected.
Placing the WiFi Router in a Hidden Location
Sometimes this is overlooked, but placing the WiFi router in a hidden location like a closet or on a bookshelf can significantly reduce the router’s transmission performance.
To address this issue, make sure to place the router in an open, unobstructed, and as high a location as possible so that its signal can spread in all directions without interference.
Treating All WiFi Devices Equally
Routers typically distribute the available bandwidth equally to all connected devices. This can be a problem when all devices on the WiFi network are simultaneously sending data to the internet.
When you’re just browsing the internet, it may not be very noticeable. However, if you’re using the network for video conferencing, you might experience delays or even a disrupted connection.
To address this issue, you can use Quality of Service (QoS) functionality to prioritize important activities. You can also prioritize specific devices or applications, such as video conferencing, VoIP calls, or streaming.