Network: How To - The Tech Lounge

How to Find IP Address of a Router

Uneeb Asim — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 19:27:06 +0000

The IP address, which is used to identify your computer among other devices on the web, is a component of your network that operates quietly in the background. You won’t need to understand your router’s IP address in most cases, but it is essential to know how to find the IP address of a router.

A default gateway is an Internet protocol address that traffic gets routed to when it is headed for a location outside the present network. The router’s IP address is the primary gateway for most household and local business networks with a single router and multiple connected devices.

By default, all devices on the network transmit traffic to that IP address.

However, you may require your router’s IP address to diagnose a network problem, set up the software, or access the router’s control panel in a browser to secure your router.

Although finding your IP address is very simple, the procedure is dependent on the type of device you’re using. Here is how you can find the IP address of a router.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address, also known as an Internet Protocol address, is a numerical designation that is issued to each internet-connected device. This address is used for information routing and identifies and locates devices and servers on the web. It also provides a basic level of privacy and data security protection.

The IP information includes no personally identifiable information. Still, it does inform other users of the state in which the device is located. This assists in identifying people and tracking what they are doing online, raising severe problems.

Now, let’s move on to how to find the IP address of the router part of this article.

Sticker on your Router/Modem

The first thing you can do to find the router IP address is to locate the sticker on your router or modem.

The router or modem has a sticker on the bottom or back indicating the default gateway (IP address). This sticker should represent the following:

Have you discovered the sticker on your router? Great! Make a note of the information, such as the IP address, username, and password, and use it to allow access to your router’s admin panel.

If you can’t find any stickers or are currently unable to access your router, you have another choice. If you follow the method below, you will almost certainly gain access to the router’s admin interface.

Find your Router’s IP address on Windows

Here are two methods by which you can find your router’s IP address using Windows:

By using CMD
By using the control panel

Method 1: Find IP address using Command Prompt

By using the command prompt, you can take some steps to find the IP address of a router.

Step 1: Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left of your desktop and type CMD in the search bar, then press ENTER.
Step 2: Then type ipconfig in the command line and press ENTER.
Step 3: Now, you can see your router’s IP address in the Default Gateway.

Method 2: Find IP address using Control Panel

If you want to find the IP address of the router by using the control panel, then follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the control panel and then click on View network status and tasks under the Network and Internet.
Step 2: Then, in the right corner, you will see your Wi-Fi connection. To connect to Wi-Fi, simply click on it.
Step 3: After that, a pop-up box will be open, and then click on details.
Step 4: Now, you will see in the Network Connection Details the router’s IP address listed as IPv4 Default Gateway.

Find Your Router’s IP Address on Mac

There are two ways to determine your router’s IP address on a Mac.

To begin, go to System Preferences, select Network, and then view the connection details on the Ethernet or Wi-Fi panel.

Alternatively, you may open the Terminal app and type this command: netstat -nr|grep default. Then, press Enter to view the default IP address.

Follow this step-by-step guide of both methods and know how to find router the IP address on Mac.

Method 1: By using System Preference

Step 1: Open System Preferences. You can get to this by selecting the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your display and then selecting System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Click on Network.
Step 3: In the left panel, click on Wi-Fi. This is applicable if you are joined through Ethernet. Your router IP address, as well as other network information, will be visible when you pick Ethernet from the left-hand corner of the panel.
Step 4: After that, click on Advanced in the bottom right corner of your screen.
Step 5: Now click on the TCP/IP tab in the top panel. After this, you will see the IP address of the router.

Method 2: By Using the Terminal App

Step 1: Launch the Terminal application. You can do it by opening your Applications folder and double-clicking on Utilities.
Step 2: Then, hit Enter after typing this command: netstat -nr|grep default.
Step 3: The IP address of your router will be shown after the line that reads default.

Find the IP address of the Router using an iPhone or iPad

You can also use your iPhone or iPad to find the IP address of the router. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the Settings, then tap on Wi-Fi.
Step 2: On the Wi-Fi page, click on the Wi-Fi network to which you are currently connected.
Step 3: Several switches and details about your Wi-Fi network connection are shown. For a few moments, scroll down this screen.
After scrolling down for a bit, you’ll come across at least one Router entry. The IP address of your router may be found there. You’ll notice a second Router item with the router’s IPv6 address if it’s configured to utilize IPv6 addresses.

The IP address discovered in the Router field may then be used to reconnect to your router.

Find the IP address of the Router using an Android

For an android device, the easiest way to find the router’s IP address by installing an app called Wi-Fi-analyzer.

Install and open the Wi-Fi analyzer.
Select AP list from the View menu.
Find the string Connected to [Network Name].
Tap upon the string if you got it.

You should now see a new window that displays all of the key network connection details, including your router’s IP address.

Conclusion

You can use your router without knowing its IP address, but understanding it provides you more control over the router and allows you to customize it.

After reading this article, you will now be able to find your router’s IP address using Windows, Mac device, Android and iPhone, etc.,

Accessing your router admin interface will enable you to see which devices are connected with your router. You will be more secure with your router by changing its name and password and improving internet speed. And you also try to check the latest modem routers combos, which have the fastest internet speed, Ethernet ports, and flagship features.

The post How to Find IP Address of a Router first appeared on The Tech Lounge.

How to Secure a Router?

Uneeb Asim — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 18:47:10 +0000

A lag-free experience supplementing your gameplay with 60+ FPS in 4K can be achieved with the right router. However, is your router secure?

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, more companies are making their routers easy to navigate and configure. Most people just give their network a quirky name and change the password when setting it up. That is only going to protect you from pesky neighbors using your Wi-Fi, and they are not the only threat you face.

So, the big question is, how to secure your Wi-Fi router? Let’s find out what steps you can take.

How to Open Router Settings?

Your router should have a web-based app to be able to configure its settings similar to those available in mesh Wi-Fi networks. Some routers have web apps accessible via your IP address in the search bar.

On Windows, Win+R and then typing ‘cmd’ should open the command prompt. Run the ‘ipconfig’ command to find out your default IP Address.

For a Mac, open System Preference, then Network and click on Advanced in the bottom corner. The TCP/IP option can help you find your router’s IP address.
On Linux, use the ‘ip addr show’ command to display all network interfaces and associated IP addresses.

Basic Settings

To get started, you need to enter your IP address in the address bar and log in to your router. This is also where most of your network settings will be found.

Log in with the details provided in the user manual, and if you have somehow misplaced it, try some default names and passwords like admin as username and password. You can also lookup the exact model on the internet and see what the company uses by default.

Once you log in, change the name but make sure it is not something that can be directly associated with you such as your last name.

Next, change the password, try to use uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. The more types and number of characters in a password, the harder it will be to execute a brute-force attack on it, try to include at least 8 characters.

Encryption Settings

Routers typically offer different encryption types, such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2.

WEP is the oldest type and is, therefore, the easiest to crack. It is based on radio waves and does not have any variation in encryption keys. If you have older devices such as an old console, then they might not be able to connect to your router.

WPA does not have the issues determined in WEP, but most devices made after 2000 will have this. Encryption keys are shuffled but other than the software a lot of the hardware has remained the same as its predecessor.

WPA2 is the most recent and most secure form currently available. Always select WPA2 if available, as this makes sure your emails and correspondence are 100% secure. It allows the use of a protocol that wasn’t used before. This protocol is the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol or TKIP for short.

The most recent model will also allow AES, the Advanced Encryption Standard, which is used by governments and large organizations for more privacy. You can implement this on top of WPA2 for maximum security, and there will most likely be a check box available for this. Don’t worry if you do not see this option. There are more tips on how to secure your Wi-Fi router.

Firmware

Your firmware needs to be updated, and if you are in luck, your manufacturer will already have a button in place to let you automate updates. Others may require you to log in and click a button to install updates.

Some manufacturers may ask you to update manually. It means you need to get the latest firmware update files or patches from their website. For example, if you have a TP-Link Archer, then here is how to update your firmware for a secure router. Other routers have a similar process.

The DNS you deserve

A better DNS can ensure your connection with your ISP does not allow them to take advantage of it. While a paid DNS might be a better bet but a good free alternative is Google DNS. It does, however, make logs between 24 to 48 hours for diagnostic purposes that are all deleted after 2 weeks except for a random sample. It is meant for experienced users. You can also look at OpenDNS or even use their tutorials to configure Google’s DNS by changing the nameservers.

Services and Scheduling

Disable services such as remote access to the router when you are not connected to it. Try to avoid internet-connected devices from sources that are not trusted, such as smart coffee makers. You may use these if needed, but these can also open you to more exploits and attacks.

Another clever trick is to set up a schedule to turn off your router when it is not in use, for example, when you are at work. It may be difficult if you have a home monitoring system that relies on Wi-Fi. The easiest solution to that is to set up a guest network for your coffee maker and your home monitoring system. That way you can keep an eye on what your pet gets up to without you while keeping your router safe.

MAC Filtering

You can find MAC addresses for your devices and use them to set up a whitelist of devices that can connect to your devices. It will keep your neighbors and hackers off of your router. Every time you get a new device, you just have to add its MAC address. Be careful though, as MAC addresses are easy to spoof. The hacker will need your MAC address to spoof it, so it might be worth a try.

Some Additional Tips

A VPN is a great way to add an extra layer of security for online anonymity. It masks your IP address, while it used to be untraceable, your IP can now be found, even after tunneling via a VPN. Rest assured, this can only be done by hackers with some heavy computing power, and with the research towards Quantum Encryption this is likely to become impossible soon.

Firewall monitoring is an important feature that is found in most routers, but you should still ensure its presence. Couple this with a proven anti-virus/malware scanner, you’ll be a lot more protected by any threats.

The post How to Secure a Router? first appeared on The Tech Lounge.

How to secure your Wi-Fi network?

Uneeb Asim — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 18:40:56 +0000

Wireless Fidelity, better known as Wi-Fi, is installed nearly in every house, office, and building you can think of. It is easy to set up and allows access to the Internet to all the wireless devices in the range.

Wi-Fi monitors all the traffic on your network. It provides Internet access to in-range mobile phones, laptops, PCs, tablets, etc., without making a mess with cables that we once had.

The traditional way of using Ethernet cables makes it a bit tricky for unknown devices to connect with your network. So it is an advantage for Ethernet cables when you are drawing comparisons of Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi because unknown devices nearby can gain access to an unsecured Wi-Fi network and compromise the data of all connected devices.

Not only that, the outside user will increase the total data usage. As a result, the monthly internet bill will increase. And more number of users causes traffic congestion, significantly reducing the Internet speed for everyone.

Taking that into consideration, it becomes essential to keep your Wi-Fi network secure from unknown devices. This post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to secure your Wi-Fi network.

Tips to Secure your Wi-Fi NetworkБ

Before applying these tips, you need to login into your network administration panel. If you do not know how to access your Wi-Fi device, check the user manual that comes with the device. Or you can do it by typing the IP address provided on the back of the user device on any browser. It will ask for a username and password also printed on the back of your device (or in the manual). Put the initials and press Log In option as shown in the picture.

Here is a list of things you need to do that can shore up the defenses of your wireless network:

Change the Networks Default Name (SSID)

When you buy a new Wi-Fi device, it comes with a default network name matching the brand name of the company you got it from. Some of the top brands like Netgear and TP-Link also use their name as router’s SSID.

Changing the name is the first step in securing your network. It gives you extra security as hackers and cybercriminals find it hard to attack your network without knowing the exact type/model of wireless device you have. Every wireless network has its vulnerabilities, so it is better to set have a unique SSID.

You can do it by logging into your device and clicking on the settings options. Select WLAN>WLAN Basic Settings, and this window will pop up. Change the SSID (highlighted) to any personalized name of your choosing.

Change the Networks Default Password

Like the SSID, all Wi-Fi routers come with a default password vulnerable to hackers’ attacks. So the second thing you should do to secure your Wi-Fi network is changing the networks default password.

A typical example of WLAN Basic Settings, as shown in the picture, has an option to change the password (WPA pre-shared key). The password must be strong, as in hard to predict for hackers. For example, a cybersecurity company, LMG Security, recommends all privileged accounts users a minimum password length of 25 characters or greater, and for regular users, a password that has 16 characters or greater.

There is one more thing you could do to enhance the network security. You should change the pre-set Login user name and password of the router. It is often predictable and can be used by anyone to reconfigure your wireless network. People with physical access to the router will also be able to see the credentials and log in to the network.

Enable Network Encryption to Increase your Wi-Fi Security

If you want to protect your Wi-Fi network from unknown devices, you must enable network encryption. There are encryption languages and methods like WEP, WPA (WPA-Personal), and WPA2 that can help you to secure the Wi-Fi network.

When you buy a new router, make sure to turn the encryption on as it is turned off by default. To enable encryption on your Wi-Fi network, select Settings options> WLAN Basic Settings> Click on Security mode (this may vary depending on your router). The most secure option is WPA2 and is best for new devices.

Upgrade your Router’s Firmware

Remember that your Wi-Fi router is perhaps the most integral part of your network, and securing it is very important.

Firmware is essential software that controls most operations of your wireless device. It is responsible for setting up the security standards of the wireless network, checking up the devices which can connect to your network, and has some other functions as well.

So it is essential to install the latest firmware software for your wireless device. Since it is software, it has technical shortcomings which can be sorted out by updating the software to the latest version.

These updates will protect your Wi-Fi network device from potential security breaches. The new models of the routers have an automatic update option in the background, but it is important to keep a manual check as well. And as for the old models, there will be a need to install the firmware software yourself.

Disable Remote Access

Mostly, a connected device has access to the interface of your wireless device. But some devices are specifically designed to allow access to remote systems. You can disable the remote access if you do not need administrator-level access from a remote place. It will protect you from hackers and keep your Wi-Fi network secure.

Most Wi-Fi devices have it active by default. You can turn it off by searching the Remote access option in the Settings of the device.

Turn off the DHCP

It is a better option to turn off the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server in your wireless router to enhance the overall security. Domain controllers do not need the DHCP Server service for their operations, hardening of the server, and for higher security.

Mostly it is not recommended to install the DHCP Server role on domain controllers, but you can install it on the DHCP Server role for member servers.

You can select an IP address for your network by going to the setting options and clicking on the WLAN tab. This window will pop up by clicking on the DHCP option to make the changes.

Make Sure you have a Good Firewall

One last thing that you can do to enhance the security of your Wi-Fi network is the installation of good firewall software. But what is firewall software?

You may have come across firewall software for layering up extra protection for your computers. Wireless devices have a similar built-in firewall as well. It provides extra security to the Wi-Fi network and protects it from cyber-attacks.

Mostly new devices have a firewall turned on but be sure to check it out. You can install firewall software just in case it is missing from your wireless device.

The post How to secure your Wi-Fi network? first appeared on The Tech Lounge.

How to Find Wi-Fi Password on Android?

Miodrag Matović — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 15:09:04 +0000

As time goes by, Wi-Fi is slowly, but certainly becoming the most used way of consuming the internet and, for that reason, it is one of the most important aspects of a smartphone and mobile devices usage.

The matter of fact is that today, wherever you go, you are carrying your mobile device that requires the internet that is essential for its proper functioning. Since mobile data traffic is usually too expensive, the best way to avoid the high bills is Wi-Fi connection.

However, to use it, you are usually required to enter the password that will allow you to connect, which is fine but may become a problem if you have already typed it in and forgot it and need to tell it to someone else. To make things worse, in those types of situations, you usually have no one to ask, or there is no sign where you can read the password.

On such occasions, the only way you can find out your Wi-Fi password is your mobile device, which stores the passwords, and luckily, also allows you to see them. In the case of Android, this operation is no rocket science and can be handled in the following way.

How to Find Wi-Fi Password on Android

If you want to find out a Wi-Fi password on your Android device, this is the path to follow:

To begin with, go to Settings

and enter the Wi-Fi subsection.

Tap on “Tap to share password”, below your Wi-Fi network’s name

and make a screenshot of the barcode that appears on the screen. One of the most common ways to manage that is by holding the Volume Down and Power button pressed simultaneously, or Volume Down and Overview button.
After that, open your Android device scanner app

and enter the Gallery, to find the saved screenshot.

Once you find it, click on it,

and you will have the required password written on the screen. If you see asterisks instead of the real password, just press them and the real password will appear.

The post How to Find Wi-Fi Password on Android? first appeared on The Tech Lounge.

How to find Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10?

Miodrag Matović — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:48:18 +0000

Passwords are today’s necessity. They are required for e-mails, all sorts of apps and accounts, and almost anything else that has something to do with the internet and networking.

This also includes Wi-Fi networks that require a password, in most cases, to let you log in. In other words, they are protecting the networks from trespassers, keeping the network itself and the bandwidth safe.

However, what if you have your home network and you forget the password? Is there anything you can do? Yes, you can always reset the router to fabric settings, and configure it from the beginning, yet that can be time-consuming and problematic, especially if you are not that tech-savvy.

Luckily, some workarounds will help you with this problem and save plenty of time.

How to find Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10

If you have forgotten your Wi-Fi password, you will be glad to know you can get to it, with just a few clicks.

How to find Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10 through the Settings

One of the fastest ways you can get to your Wi-Fi password is through the Settings:

First, you have to type “Settings” in the Search Box

and left-click them when they appear in the results.

After that, enter “Network & Internet”

and select “Status” in the left side menu.

Then, scroll down until you see “Network and Sharing Center” in the main window, and enter it.

Once you do that, left-click your Wi-Fi network name

and enter “Wireless Properties”, in the newly opened window.

Then, go to the “Security” tab, check the square in front of “Show characters” and you will see your network password written on the screen.

How to find Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10 with the Run Command

Another way you can get to this type of information is through the “Run” command:

To begin with, you have to call in the “Run” command itself, by pressing the Windows Key + R key on your keyboard.
Once the “Run” window appears, type “ncpa.cpl”, in the empty field and press “Enter”.

After that, right-click your Wi-Fi network name listed on the screen, select “Status”

and choose “Wireless Properties” from the newly opened window.

Now, go to the “Security” tab, check the square in front of “Show characters” and the password will be written on the screen.

How to find Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10 through the Power Shell

Also, there is the option to get to the password with the help of Windows Power Shell:

If you have opted for this one, first you have to right-click the Start icon and select “Windows PowerShell” from the popup.

Once the PowerShell opens, type “netsh wlan show profile “name=your network SSID” key=clear” in the “Windows PowerShell” and press “Enter”. Have in mind that you have to type your network name instead of “your network SSID”.

Now, you will have your Wi-Fi password listed on the screen.

How to find Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10?

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How to Turn on Bluetooth on Windows 10?

Miodrag Matović — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:46:01 +0000

Have you used Bluetooth on your Windows computer so far? Most people don’t use it that often. That’s why there might be a problem when you decide to turn it on (and you usually need it right now) and you have no idea how to do it. It could ruin your whole day – we know!

Luckily, you have us, and we have the solution! Yes, it is easy to do, and will take only a few seconds; however, when you don’t know what to do, it can be frustrating. Therefore, let’s not waste your precious time and let’s get down to business.

How to Turn on Bluetooth on Windows 10

As you may guess, turning your Windows 10 Bluetooth function on or off consists of only a few steps that involve the following:

First, you need to right-click on “Start” and enter “Settings”.

After that, go to “Devices”

and then to “Bluetooth & other devices”.

When new window appears, move the slider to off or on, under the Bluetooth signing, depending on your needs – and that is it.

Your job is done. Told you it was easy!

The post How to Turn on Bluetooth on Windows 10? first appeared on The Tech Lounge.

How to find IP address on Windows 10?

Miodrag Matović — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:43:14 +0000

An IP address is a list of numbers that identifies your PC, tablet, smartphone, or any other type of device, while they are on the internet or a local network. This is the information needed by the devices, to find each other and communicate, while they are online.

If you are familiar with your IP address, you will be able to troubleshoot devices on your network, prioritize network traffic, and so on. In other words, knowing your IP address can be beneficial.

How to find IP address on Windows 10

There are several ways you can identify your IP address, so let us introduce you to some of them.

How to find IP address on Windows 10 through Settings (Ethernet)

One of the fastest ways you can get to your IP address is through the Settings:

In this process, you are required to type “Settings” in the Search Box

and left-click them when they appear in the results.

Once you do that, enter “Network & Internet”

and choose “Ethernet” in the side menu.

Left-click on “Ethernet” in the main window,

scroll down until you get to the “Properties” section and there you go. You will have the needed information in front of you.

How to find IP address on Windows 10 through Settings (Wi-Fi)

If you are using Wi-Fi, the process is a bit different and is consisted of the following:

First, you need to type “Settings” in the Search Box

and enter them when they show up in the results.

After that, go to “Network & Internet”

and select “Wi-Fi” in the side menu.

Enter “Wi-Fi” and scroll down until you see the “Properties” section, where you are going to see all the required information.

How to find IP address on Windows 10 with the Command Prompt

Another way you can find your IP address is with the help of Command Prompt:

If you opted for this way, you should type “Command Prompt” in the Search Box,

and when it appears in the results, enter it.

In the Command Prompt, type “ipconfig” and press “Enter”.

Now you should see all the required information, including your IP address.

The post How to find IP address on Windows 10? first appeared on The Tech Lounge.

How to Use a Router as a Repeater

Uneeb Asim — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 15:51:14 +0000

Have you ever experienced a Wi-Fi No Access Zone within your own house? If your answer is yes, then you can use your router as a repeater and solve this problem. Using a repeater will allow you to extend the range of your Wi-Fi network and make sure that you have access to your network in a larger radius.

Turn Router into a Repeater – the Whole Process!

First things first, for setting up a router as a repeater, you’re going to need a spare router. So, if you have an old router discarded away, it’s time to unearth it and put it to good use.

You will be using this router as a repeater to extend your Wi-Fi network. What this means is that this router will act as an access point to your primary router and increase its range.

Step 1: Find Your Primary Router’s gateway IP Address

In the first step, you will need to find the IP Address of your primary router. For that, navigate to the network settings in the control panel. Now,

For Windows XP, right-click on your internet connection and click Status. Select the support tab in the window that pops up and note down your gateway IP Address from here.
For Windows 7,8,10 and Vista, head to the change adapter settings window. Right-click on your internet connection and choose status. Now, go to details and note down your gateway IP Address from here.

Your gateway IP address will look something like 192.168.1.1.

Step 2: Connect to Your Primary Router

The next step of this process will involve you opening your internet browser and typing in your gateway IP address in the top search bar.

Next, in the prompt window, type in your username and password. If you are not aware of your router’s login credentials, then try typing admin/user in both fields.

If it still doesn’t work, simply turn over your router and you’ll see a label underneath, containing the username and password. If that’s not possible, try searching the internet for the username and password with your router’s model number.

Step 3: Take a Good Look at Your Wi-Fi Settings

Once you’re logged in, choose the Wireless Settings Option and give the settings and quickly go through these settings.

You don’t need to make any changes to the settings here. Just note down the router’s name (SSID), channel and the security type settings as the router to be used as a repeater will be required to have similar settings.

Step 4: Reset the Slave Router to Factory Settings

Moving on to the second router/slave router, before you configure it, you’ll need to perform a factory reset process.

The reset button will be present at the back of your router alongside the router power button. Use a paper clip to press and hold it until you see all the lights on the router go out and come back on again which indicates that the router has been reset.

Remember that the process of resetting may be slightly different for some routers. Consult your manual for further information.

Step 5: Configure the Slave Router

After resetting on your second router, you need to establish a connection between your PC and the internet connection of this router. For that, it’s better that you first turn off your primary router for some time.

Having done that, connect your PC to this router using an ethernet cable. Next, follow Step 1 and find this router’s gateway IP address.

Following step 2, use this gateway IP address to open up Wireless Settings of your router in your internet browser.

As soon as you have the Wireless Settings windows right in front of you, enable the Wi-Fi. Then, copy the settings of your primary router that you noted down in Step 3.

Enter the same wireless network name, same Wi-Fi password but a different channel number as the primary router.

Step 6: Give the Slave Router a Fixed IP Address

For this step, navigate to the LAN setup page in your router’s settings. There, you’ll need to assign your second router a fixed IP address in the same range as the IP addresses given out by my main router.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Communications Protocol) can prevent this by giving the slave router an IP address outside of this range so your priority should be to un-tick the DHCP option on the DHCP Configuration Page.

Now, assign any IP Address to this router that is within the range of the primary router. Keep this IP Address in your mind as you’ll need to gain access to the router settings later. Save the changes you made and reboot the router.

Step 7: Connect it All

To connect the primary router with the slave router, the ideal way is to use a long network cable but since, it’s not very realistic, the best alternative we’ve got is the use of cheap powerline networking adapters.

Remember, however, that these adapters only work on the ring main with a single consumer unit.
Additionally, you can also use a router as a repeater without a cable to extend your Wi-Fi. Some routers, with the WDS (Wireless Distribution System) feature, can also be connected wirelessly.

The steps of setting up a wireless connection between a primary and a slave router are similar to the ones mentioned above.

However, not only are there only a few router vendors with the WDS functionality, there’s no guarantee that the routers from different vendors will work together.

After setting up the connection between the two routers, power them on. Take any of your devices close to each of these routers, connect to them, and test their signal strength.

If you set up a wireless connection using WDS, you’ll notice that the signal strength near the slave router will be much weaker than in the case of a wired connection.

Use of Custom Firmware

If you don’t have a built-in WDS feature in your routers, and you’re looking for a wireless router repeater, then you should try using a custom firmware; DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato are amongst the famous custom firmware out there.

However, to be able to install a custom firmware, you’ll need to search the internet to find which custom firmware, if any, is compatible with your router’s model.

If you do find a custom firmware that is compatible with your router, read through its installation instructions carefully before you install it.

Once it’s installed, change its settings to a repeater. Resultantly, you’ll be able to extend your Wi-Fi by making a wireless connection between your primary and slave router.

The post How to Use a Router as a Repeater first appeared on The Tech Lounge.

How to Boost Wi-Fi Speed

Uneeb Asim — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 15:59:24 +0000

You’ve heard all the variations on the ties that bind us; cheesy quotes from films, novels, and songs all attest to it being either love, or the place we’re born, or some other third thing like a soft drink. What really connects us all, however, is the Internet – and when our Internet is fast, all is well.

Knowing how to boost Wi-Fi speed is something perhaps everyone is interested in. Nobody wants their fast-paced television show to start buffering right when the action gets going, or for messages to delay in sending in a conversation where the tone matters.

Luckily, there are very easy ways to boost Wi-Fi speed, ranging from the know-how of how to optimize your Wi-Fi network to simple things you could do right now to feel the difference.

Boost Wi-Fi Speed With The Touch of a Button

We’re not trying to suck you in with clickbait, but it really might be that easy to make a difference.

The secret lies in your router. You don’t have to open it up with a screwdriver or anything like that, since, luckily, the key is in the router’s firmware (the software that runs it). Software updates are routinely released, and upgrading your router allows it to be as efficient as possible, whereas failing to upgrade might mean that it might even be actively slower than before since it’s meant to be operating at a much more efficient level.

It might not be as simple as hitting a single button sometimes, since you’d have to go to the manufacturer’s website and download the updated firmware file and upload it to the admin panel, but it’s still fairly simple and uncomplicated. Mostly, however, the update process is built-in in the administration interface.

This is something that should be checked for routinely, even if you think your Wi-Fi is working “fine”. Updating it means more tightened security, newer features, and enhanced performance.

You can even get a “custom” firmware from a third-party source, such as the DD-WRT, which brings with it a host of more advanced features, such as the ability to add a VPN.

Boost Wi-Fi Speed by Moving Your Router

Again, no clickbait; where your router is placed has a huge effect on how your Wi-Fi speed is. The more centrally that you place it compared to all the rooms and all the spots where you sit and use the Internet, the better it’ll be spread out. If it’s, say, in a distant room, then the signal gets weaker the farther it travels to get to you, especially if doors and walls are obstructing it.

There’s also the problem of interfering with other electrical signals. Other devices such as those with Bluetooth or, say, baby monitors, can interfere with the signal, weakening its strength. Apps such as NETGEAR WiFi Analytics can help you recognize these factors, and tools such as Heatmapper similarly work wonders.

If your Wi-Fi seems very adversely affected by these factors, check to see the Wi-Fi frequency; prefer a dual-band frequency router.

Boost Wi-Fi Speed by Copy-Pasting it

Alright, this one is a bit of a gimmicky title, but the suggestion is still solid.

There’s a whole discussion on Mesh Wi-Fi VS routers, but the crux of it is that Wi-Fi booster (or repeated or extender or access point devices) allow your signal to be received by these devices and recast, meaning that your router can effectively transmit “the Internet” over a much wider physical space.

If you have been wondering how to boost Wi-Fi speed without spending a lot. These are all range extenders, and although you have to decide between a mesh network or a simple Wi-Fi extender depending on your needs, you can’t go wrong by going with one of these two.

Mesh networks are much more effective than simple extenders, but accordingly more expensive and more time-intensive to set up. These also completely your router, so if you’re due for an upgrade, you could see if it’s time to ditch the router altogether and make the jump to a mesh network.

Conclusion

Knowing where the problem lies and what you specifically want in terms of speed is the first thing to map out when it comes to knowing how to boost Wi-Fi speed. Following that, it should be both relatively easy and fairly rewarding to put in the work.

The post How to Boost Wi-Fi Speed first appeared on The Tech Lounge.

How To Optimize A Wi-Fi Network

Uneeb Asim — Sun, 24 May 2020 16:23:20 +0000

A simple online search for any Wi-Fi-related queries will show you that variants of “how to improve Wi-Fi signal” or “how to improve Wi-Fi speed” are commonly asked questions, ones that you’ve probably mulled over too.

Fortunately, knowing how to optimize Wi-Fi networks for the best results is not some esoteric knowledge reserved just for those who like geeking out over hardware and technology.

In this article, we’ll run down what affects your speed, how to increase it, optimal configuration settings, network options (such as the Wi-Fi extenders), and best practices to ensure improved Wi-Fi signal, as well as links to product recommendations for some of the best routers out there according to your needs.

Why Do Wi-Fi Signals Fluctuate?

Even the best long-range Wi-Fi routers can arguably be made less effective by improper placement or just having one too many devices connected – the latter affecting some of the top-of-the-line gaming routers, too.

Wi-Fi signal is ultimately “shared” not only between devices but also between tasks going on between all these devices.

This means that if someone’s downloading a heavy file somewhere on the same floor as you, you might struggle to get good quality for streaming Netflix or worse – interruptions in your Zoom conference call.

Knowing how to improve Wi-Fi speed in your house or office through simple and effective checks that anyone can perform saves your time and money, even making the best budget routers their most effective.

On one hand, it’s infuriating, inconvenient, and inefficient when Wi-Fi acts up, but it’s even more time-consuming to seek out advice which might be increasingly difficult in-person post-2020, perhaps even to find that the problems are recurring even as numerous “fixes” are applied.

The knowledge of how to improve Wi-Fi signals is important to correct a lot of problems from the source instead of tinkering with individual devices. Without this understanding, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to water each individual leaf, as the analogy goes, instead of watering the root.

Many problems can even “fix themselves” as the Wi-Fi is better optimized, which might otherwise be perceived to be problems with specific devices or software and apps, which might or might not be consistent or sporadic.

Refresh Your Devices

Barring external interference, keeping your devices in check is a fantastic way to ensure your signal is as strong as can be. External interference can come either from other networks or from the website or app itself in the form of “peak hours” where loads of people are connecting at once.

A good idea is to turn off devices that are connected to the Internet, or put them in Airplane Mode when they aren’t being used. Before logging out, clear the cookies and cache in the browser of your choice, as well as making sure to exit apps that consume data in the background such as streaming apps.

Restarting devices periodically, or shutting them off for a few minutes before restarting them, is also good to do from time to time especially if your devices are prone to overheating (themselves or the environment), particularly for the Wi-Fi gateway itself.

The value of keeping devices updated can also not be understated. However, turning off auto-updates and setting aside a specific time to download and install them is recommended, lest your Internet connection is suddenly choked when you least expect it.

Specifically, updating your router’s firmware is extremely important – more on this in our next section of best practices.

A Checklist To Ensure Maximum Wi-Fi Speed

Learn more about the QoS settings of your router and adjust them accordingly to prioritize certain important tasks over others.
Updated router firmware is key. In many cases, sluggish Wi-Fi is the result of outdated router firmware. Regularly checking for and installing updates for your router ensures maximum security, the latest features, optimum performance. Routers can either update automatically, or, depending on your model or manufacturer, you can go to the settings/admin panel and update directly from there, or download a file from the manufacturer and upload it manually to the admin panel.
Prefer the 5GHz band/channel wherever possible.
Don’t place your Wi-Fi in the line of fire. In a lot of cases, a weak Wi-Fi signal is simply a case of poor placement for your router or gateway. Placing it in a far-away corner, even if logistically easy or simple, is not logistically smart. Routers should be placed away from walls, metals, as well as other routers and devices that can cause interference with the signal, such as Bluetooth devices, smartphones, or cordless phones.
Think about or invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system. These allow a single Wi-Fi signal to be replicated or boosted throughout a large area. Different spaces need different combinations of these, so it helps to do some preliminary research to understand your needs better. For most people, families, and organizations, these are ever-growing as necessities.
Learn the basics of router setup and configuration to make sure no settings are conflicting with each other to cause conflict and unnecessary load on the network.

Conclusion

Router care is key to good Internet and getting the most out of the Internet you pay for.

While there are all sorts of complex discussions to be had for slow Wi-Fi connections, here’s a summary of some important areas in the field of knowing how to optimize Wi-Fi networks for yourself and others:

Remember to keep the gateway refreshed by restarting it now and then.
Remove obstructions and other devices that can interfere with the signals – microwaves, radio devices such as baby monitors, or metals.
Wi-Fi devices (especially if Wi-Fi extenders are used to boost coverage and signals, as they are recommended to) should be close to the gateway, with the gateway in a central location itself, ideally in an upright position, higher up on a wall or from the floor.
Wherever possible, prefer wired connection ports; reserving the Wi-Fi router for smart devices (home assistants, smartphones, and so on).

The post How To Optimize A Wi-Fi Network first appeared on The Tech Lounge.