Post by account_disabled on Sept 12, 2023 3:43:54 GMT -5
When you're in a hurry to set up your router, you may end up skipping a few steps or skipping them, thinking you'll do them later. But ‘later’ may be too late. This is something I only realized painfully after recently experiencing an unexpected (and obviously unwanted) router reset. Device configurations and settings were lost in an instant, and there was no backup to restore them.
I can't complain because it's the result of Phone Number List not doing what I was supposed to do (I thought it was a temporary, short-lived router setup near the start of the pandemic). Above all, if you don't configure your router properly, it can cause other problems on your home network. Instead of putting things off, just take 15 minutes and follow these four steps.
If you don't see an option to back up your router settings, look for it in Advanced Settings or About Device. ⓒJim Martin / Foundry
First, let's start with a step that I ended up regretting skipping. Few people will use their router's default settings. To enhance security, you should not use the default settings. Most users change at least their Wi-Fi network name or password. In addition, you can set up guest network and parental controls, or adjust quality of service (QoS) settings in more detail.
Additionally, it is best to back up your settings periodically. Every time you make a new adjustment, you must also create a new backup. Backup options are usually easy to find in your router's settings, and are also listed in your router's manual. Backups save you time if you ever need to reset your router (or if you make a stupid mistake). After the reset, you can get back to the original state (or close to it) in a matter of minutes by loading a backup file that contains the saved configuration.
Even if you don't back up every time you make a change, you should (at least) after you first set up and run your router. This setting can be used as a standard when a problem occurs.
Keep firmware up to date
This screenshot from the Netgear YouTube channel shows how to check for firmware updates on your Orbi router's mobile app. ⓒNetgear / YouTube
Many tech experts recommend that you always update your firmware for security reasons, and that's true. A malicious attacker could use the vulnerability to gain access to the router and then monitor network traffic, use the router to attack other devices connected to the Internet, or simply shut down the router.
There's another reason to keep your firmware up to date. This is because firmware updates include bug fixes that may affect the router’s functionality. To explain a personal example, the incident of accidentally resetting the router began with persistent problems logging in to the device due to outdated firmware. I thought rebooting would solve the problem, but instead of rebooting I did a reset.
There is an easy way to solve this problem. Turn on automatic firmware updates for your router. Depending on the model, some updates are completely automatic, while others require automatic downloading and manual installation. If manual work is necessary, it's a good idea to include your router in your regular PC maintenance schedule.
I can't complain because it's the result of Phone Number List not doing what I was supposed to do (I thought it was a temporary, short-lived router setup near the start of the pandemic). Above all, if you don't configure your router properly, it can cause other problems on your home network. Instead of putting things off, just take 15 minutes and follow these four steps.
If you don't see an option to back up your router settings, look for it in Advanced Settings or About Device. ⓒJim Martin / Foundry
First, let's start with a step that I ended up regretting skipping. Few people will use their router's default settings. To enhance security, you should not use the default settings. Most users change at least their Wi-Fi network name or password. In addition, you can set up guest network and parental controls, or adjust quality of service (QoS) settings in more detail.
Additionally, it is best to back up your settings periodically. Every time you make a new adjustment, you must also create a new backup. Backup options are usually easy to find in your router's settings, and are also listed in your router's manual. Backups save you time if you ever need to reset your router (or if you make a stupid mistake). After the reset, you can get back to the original state (or close to it) in a matter of minutes by loading a backup file that contains the saved configuration.
Even if you don't back up every time you make a change, you should (at least) after you first set up and run your router. This setting can be used as a standard when a problem occurs.
Keep firmware up to date
This screenshot from the Netgear YouTube channel shows how to check for firmware updates on your Orbi router's mobile app. ⓒNetgear / YouTube
Many tech experts recommend that you always update your firmware for security reasons, and that's true. A malicious attacker could use the vulnerability to gain access to the router and then monitor network traffic, use the router to attack other devices connected to the Internet, or simply shut down the router.
There's another reason to keep your firmware up to date. This is because firmware updates include bug fixes that may affect the router’s functionality. To explain a personal example, the incident of accidentally resetting the router began with persistent problems logging in to the device due to outdated firmware. I thought rebooting would solve the problem, but instead of rebooting I did a reset.
There is an easy way to solve this problem. Turn on automatic firmware updates for your router. Depending on the model, some updates are completely automatic, while others require automatic downloading and manual installation. If manual work is necessary, it's a good idea to include your router in your regular PC maintenance schedule.