You should always encrypt your network traffic. These days, choose WPA2 for the best security. Most people can stick with WPA2 for now, and then flip over to WP3 once all devices in the household can also make the leap. For older devices that cap out at WPA, consider upgrading your router at last.
As mentioned above, no encryption means that people can spy on your internet traffic, giving them clues to your activities including banking. That could lead to troublesome problems down the road. Name your network wisely. Because older routers default to ultra-simple or easily cracked passwords, changing the SSID to a non-identifying word or phrase helps thwart hackers looking for low-hanging fruit.
As you move forward in time, many routers use a combination of the manufacturer name and numeric string often the model number for the SSID—making it even easier to look up the default admin password.
Unless you have a modern enough router that issues random passwords as part of the factory settings, you could be even more vulnerable. So just change the SSID. No need to make yourself more identifiable.
Note: Years ago, a common recommendation used to be to not broadcast your SSID: that is, keep it hidden from the list of available Wi-Fi networks in your vicinity. These tools and articles will help you make important communications decisions to help your business scale and stay connected. Learn how to make the right decisions for designing and maintaining your network so it can help your business thrive. Skip to content Skip to search Skip to footer.
Watch video Contact Cisco. Get a call from Sales. How do routers help your business? Get started with a free trial of Cisco Meraki cloud networking. You may also like: What is a switch vs. Types of routers Core router Core routers are generally used by service providers i. Edge router An edge router, also called a gateway router or just "gateway" for short, is a network's outermost point of connection with external networks, including the Internet. Distribution router A distribution router, or interior router, receives data from the edge router or gateway via a wired connection and sends it on to end users, typically via Wi-Fi, though the router usually also includes physical Ethernet connections for connecting users or additional routers.
Wireless router Wireless routers , or residential gateways, combine the functions of edge routers and distribution routers. Virtual router Virtual routers are pieces of software that allow some router functions to be virtualized in the cloud and delivered as a service. How to choose small business routers Connectivity Pay close attention to the numbers and types of ports such as phone, Ethernet, cable, and USB to make sure you can connect the necessary devices.
Bandwidth Sufficient bandwidth is important for user experience. Wireless capability Wi-Fi is a given, but there are different standards. Simplified setup and management Most routers provide a browser-based interface that connects directly to your router to perform setup and admin. Flexibility Consider routers that have at least one power over ethernet PoE port. Automatic updates Routers contain software that requires updates to maintain performance and security. User changeable configurations This feature allows you to manage network traffic, guest networks, parental controls, and security settings.
Easy to follow. No jargon. Pictures helped. Didn't match my screen. Incorrect instructions. Too technical. Not enough information. WiFi router is responsible for providing wireless access to the network. It accomplishes this by converting data from a modem connected to the Internet into radio signals. Without a router, you have no WiFi network. Individuals who are simply users of the WiFi network should never have to log into the router.
In fact, the network administrator would be advised to make sure that the router is not accessible to the average user. The only information most users need related to the WiFi network is the password that is needed to gain access. On the other hand, if you are responsible for setting up and maintaining the WiFi network you have a number of reasons to want to log into your router. In the case of the millions of home WiFi networks currently in use, this often means that the responsible individual is not a professional network administrator.
If you are in that situation, you might not realize the importance of logging into your router. Here are some of the reasons that you might want to access this essential device. There are several security settings related to your WiFi network which are administered through the router.
Failure to address the security of your network leaves your network and users vulnerable to the havoc that can be caused by unauthorized access or malware infection. Three different settings combine to provide a secure wireless network and they all can be changed from the router. Router login — This is the password that is required to access the router. All routers have a default password which you should change as soon as possible to avoid unauthorized access. WiFi password — Users are required to enter this password in order to access the network.
It may have been set up when the network was installed, but over time there are a variety of reasons that you might want to change it to maintain security and control over your resources. Security mode — This is where you decide what level of security you will use to protect your network. You should always choose to employ WPA2 level at a minimum to maintain a secure network.
There are a number of network settings that you may want to change.
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