Top Mistakes in Setting up a WiFi Network

If you don’t set up your wireless network correctly, your business and your family could be at face difficulties. WiFi networks are important, and they have the potential to make or break your bottom line. 

But there are many mistakes that people make when setting up their WiFi networks. You might have done these yourself (and still do them). 

Let’s fix these mistakes now, so your wireless or new nbn connection can stay safe and secure. 

Ditching the Router Manual

These days, we have so many plug-and-play devices. Some of us may have the habit of keeping the manuals close by just in case something goes wrong. Lucky for us, we can find those manuals online. So, we may choose to throw the paper manuals away or leave them in a place (chances are you may forget where you placed them). 

The manual for your router might just be the solution you need to fix the problem. If you have a paper copy, keep it in a place where you can easily find it. If you want to go completely paperless, scan or take photos of the manual so that you can save it on your computer, flash drive, or cellphone

Placing the Router Next to a Thick Wall

Thick walls are wireless signals’ enemy. They can block and limit the wireless signal, which is just like a radio wave. Placing a wireless router near a thick brick wall or any with pipes or metallic parts will result in poor WiFi range. If you don’t move the router to an uncrowded area, you won’t be happy with the speed and range of your WiFi. 

You should place your router in an open area free of any large objects that could block the signal. It is even better if the router stands on a stand (wooden/plastic) that elevates it. If you have to place the router in another room close to a thick wall, try not to close the door.

Using an Easy-to-Mimic Network Name

You should set up your router in a way that there are no obstacles and that it is the tallest possible object in the room. If you are in a different room, try not to close the door to that room. Creating a unique network name for your WiFi is beneficial for customers who have never used your WiFi before or if they just got a new WiFi device.

Using the default password

One of the most basic things you can do to keep your router safe is to change the default password. The router’s easy-to-guess or crack password is the downfall of many router owners. Given that, it is crucial that you set a new password after configuring your router. It is also recommended to note your new password down. For the best security, make it complex, and don’t forget it. 

Disabling WiFi Encryption

One of the most lethal mistakes you can make is not setting your password on your router. If your router has no password, it is equivalent to leaving your home unprotected. A villain could easily control your router and see your private information and then get access to all your old or new NBN connections. 

Use Wrong WiFi Encryption Method

The most popular routers are equipped with a few different encryption methods like WPA2, WPA, and WEP. But no matter what type of encryption you choose, WEP is not secure and is outdated. The default option for most manufacturers is to select WEP. In order to make your router more secure, please change it to a different encryption method in the settings menu (except “None” of course).

Conclusion

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to pervade our lives, more and more of our lives are going digital. WiFi networks are the backbone of this change: they allow us to connect to the digital world while at home or out and about. To keep your WiFi network running smoothly, you may need to set it up once a year or so. Further, you know how to make your WiFi network safe. If you follow these rules, you’ll be ready to go.