But before that, you should understand a few basic rules that will allow you to better position the device and understand what exactly these strange Latin abbreviations in the menu mean. Version 24 Channels has prepared material to help you in this regard.

The right location decides everything

The stability of the Wi-Fi network signal will depend on the optimal location of the router. There are a few tips we recommend you follow because even with the most advanced router, poor placement can cause a drop in signal strength.

The best location of the device for optimal coverage will be the center of the house or apartment, ideally somewhere high up and with good “visibility” into different rooms. Do not store it in corners, basements or attics as the signal range will be reduced in these places.

Position the antennas in different directions; At least one antenna must be installed horizontally for the router’s signal to spread effectively throughout the house. Also make sure there is as little interference as possible in the signal path.

Glossary of terms

On the box, router and manual you will find many incomprehensible, at first glance, abbreviations. These are important, so you need to understand what they mean because they really aren’t complicated at all.

• SSID (Service Set Identifier) – unique name of the wireless network. An identifier that lets your device (and you) know that this is your Wi-Fi. This parameter may be specified by default (most often it is the name of the manufacturer and the model of the router), but it can (and even should) be changed in the settings.
• WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) – a secure Wi-Fi setting that allows the owner to block the home Wi-Fi or allow other users to access the home Wi-Fi by pressing the WPS button on the home router. In fact, this is a fast and almost automatic way to create a secure Wi-F connection between the router and another device without the need to enter network data.
• WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 – levels of encryption that help make your connection secure and resistant to attack. WEP and WPA are old, insecure protocols, while WPA2 and WPA3 are modern.
• QoS – communication quality management technology and priorities for different traffic classes. It is designed to ensure efficient operation of the network when loaded or overloaded.
• UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) It is a set of instructions that allows devices to interact and use shared network resources. This is to simplify and automate the configuration of network devices for optimal use. For example, consoles and media players or TVs may have a more stable connection and be able to open media files from computers, smartphones, or media storage.

Default settings

In most cases, modern routers are ready to use right out of the box. You can mount the device in the planned location according to the information specified on the back of the router or in the instructions, connect the Internet cable and connect to basic Wi-Fi. However, it is recommended to change all these settings.

• firstChange the default network name (SSID) and password to prevent unauthorized access. Don’t use names that reveal your location or router model as this could make your network more vulnerable.
• SecondIf you don’t need it, you should disable features like WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), and NAT-PMP (Network Address Translation – Port Mapping Protocol). This can help further protect your router by limiting potential hackers’ access to your network.

Choose the right Wi-Fi range

Newer routers support multiple Wi-Fi bands, including 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, and 6.0GHz, each suitable for different purposes.

For example, the 2.4GHz band has a longer range and is ideal for basic web browsing; The 5.0 GHz and 6.0 GHz bands support higher speeds for more demanding tasks.

Some routers combine these bands into a single SSID, allowing devices to switch automatically. If your router doesn’t have this feature, make sure devices that need faster speeds are connected to the 5.0 or 6.0 GHz bands.

Find the best channel

Wi-Fi channels may be subject to interference, especially in densely populated areas or multi-apartment buildings. There are 14 channels in the 2.4 GHz band, while 34 and 59 channels are offered in the 5.0 GHz and 6.0 GHz bands respectively.

Routers usually use the least busy channel by default, but you may need to select this manually for best performance. Tools like the Wi-Fi Analyzer app can help you determine the best channel for your network.

Quality of Service (QoS) settings

Use the Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to ensure that important devices like your streaming TV or gaming console get priority on your network.

QoS allows you to reserve bandwidth for high-demand devices, allowing you to stream video or play games more smoothly when other devices are sharing a network connection.

Encryption settings for security

Modern routers usually use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption levels by default, which provide a high level of security.

Make sure your router uses WPA2 or WPA3, and be careful not to accidentally switch to a less secure option.

Updating the router’s firmware

Updating your router’s firmware is important to maintain security and performance. This must be done immediately during the initial setup, because during the time the router is in the store, the model may receive new fixes and improvements.

Most new routers can automatically check for and install firmware updates; but if your router doesn’t do this, check the device’s web interface or app regularly for updates.

Firmware updates help protect against vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with new devices.

By following these tips, you can configure your router to provide a reliable, secure, and high-quality Wi-Fi connection throughout the house. Properly configuring and paying attention to these settings can be critical to achieving a smooth Internet experience.