It is important getting the router to work properly, since it is key to having a good Internet connection. The problem is that, in many cases, we make mistakes that can affect this device. Therefore, in this article we are going to talk about what you should avoid so that your Internet works well and the router does not have problems. The goal is to be able to connect devices without problems, have good stability when using Wi-Fi and always preserve security.
What can happen if the router is malfunctioning? The first thing is that the Internet connection may start to have problems. You may notice that the network is constantly being cut off, that the signal reaches less far, or that the speed decreases a lot. But, in addition, it could suppose that there are intruders in the network.
Errors affecting the router
It does not matter if you have a new router or have been using the same one for years. In all cases it is essential avoid errors and make it work as well as possible. Taking a review from time to time, verifying that it is configured correctly and testing it is a good idea to avoid failures.
leave it outdated
The first mistake is to leave the outdated router. This can be a very significant problem, as not having the latest firmware means that there may be unfixed bugs and vulnerabilities. You are not going to make it work at maximum power, with all the new features that they have incorporated.
Therefore, you should update it and make sure that you are using the latest version. Some routers, especially the newer ones, update automatically and you won’t have to do anything else. Others, on the other hand, you will have to go to the configuration and access the corresponding section to install the new version of the firmware.
Not protecting it properly
It is also common to make the mistake of not adequately protecting the router. This is key to avoid intruders that could affect the quality of the network or expose your personal data. Something fundamental is to use a good password for the Wi-Fi, that is totally random, and a correct encryption. Avoid using outdated encryption such as WEP or WPA. Ideally, use WPA-3, which is the latter, but WPA-2 is also secure.
But protect the router is also to use a good password to access the settings. Do not leave the one that comes default and do not use a simple password. It is important that it meets the same requirements as the password you set for Wi-Fi, since it is also essential.
have a bad location
In this case, it is a failure that will affect signal quality. It can make the coverage not reach the devices you are going to use to navigate well. For example, maybe you have it placed next to a wall, a thick wall or some device that can generate interference. All this will negatively affect the quality of the signal.
Ideally, the router should be located in a central area of the home. It is interesting that it is raised, for example on top of a piece of furniture. In this way, you can better distribute the signal so that it reaches the different places in the house where you are going to connect in an optimal way.
not take care of it
One more mistake is not taking care of the router properly. For example, you could collect dust and that will affect the operation, in addition to being able to damage the components. It is also a mistake to put it near a window, where direct sunlight enters, since that will damage the device and make it work worse.
Therefore, it is essential to also take proper care of the router. Avoid making mistakes in its maintenance, do not put it in a place where it can accumulate dust, humidity or receive direct sunlight. If it overheats, that’s going to slow it down or even stop working.
In short, as you can see, it is important that you avoid these errors that we have explained. It is key to take care of the router to achieve a good Internet connection. This will help you to have a good speed, avoid cuts and be able to connect many devices without problems.
