Right now everyone has the internet at home, on their mobile phone and even in the smart vacuum, but how many users are really in control of their connection? For this it is essential be able to access the modem, to the device that everyone has at home and that they install to you as soon as you make your Internet subscription.
There are many models, features and prices when choosing one, although in the end almost everyone is satisfied with the device provided by their carrier. Of course, it is highly recommended that you make some configuration changes.
Access to the modem is done through its IP address, which usually is always 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.11. You can log in from any browser, be it Chrome, Edge, Safari or one of your choice.
Next we will show you, in simple words, how to access the router, how to find and change the login password, how to change the WiFi network name and password, as well as some basic operations, such as updating the firmware, closing doors etc.
1) How to access the router
Most internet service providers offer their customers a program, web page, or app to access the router. For example, there is that it does it through a portal.
There is a manual way to do this that is more or less the same for all routers regardless of brand: through the browser, using its IP address, more or less universal for all models
To connect to the Internet and connect all devices (PC, smartphone, console, tablet, etc.), the router assigns a local IP address to each device, starting with 192.168. It is usually always the first: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.11 . Other devices connected to the network have addresses like 192.168.1.104, 192.168.1.102, etc., but this is far from normal.
log into the router, launch a browser. In the field where you normally type the name of the website you want to visit, type: http://192.168.1.1 A message may appear indicating that you are using a particular browser. Pay attention to it. If nothing happens, try http://192.168.0.1.
The gateway for the router will be shown on the screen and you will be prompted for a username and password.
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2) How to find the password of the router
Logically, it is not possible to access the router configuration correctly. You need a username and password. This information usually appears in the manual that came with the router. If you can't find them, try the classic ones:
- Username: admin or 1234
- Password: admin o 1234
If they don't work, you can reset the modem to factory settings to activate the previous passwords by default, even if you clear the configuration. This is usually done by inserting a toothpick into the slot / hole of the router, consult the manual.
Another option is to call your operator and ask for passwords. Using default passwords is very dangerous because anyone can find them, as we have seen. So the first thing we're going to do is change them. But in principle, there are ways to recover the password if you have forgotten it.
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3) How to change the modem password
Log in to the router via the address 192.168.1.1 and enter the username and password you got through the methods just explained.
You enter the router configuration menu. Each brand has its own menu and calls the same things by a different name, so here we will give a generic explanation of the steps to take. If you want a full explanation, consult your router's manual or operator's user forums or the brand of your router.
Regardless of the appearance, absolutely all interfaces have several elements in common. As they say "seen one, seen everything".
Almost all router menus usually include tabs for accessing quick, basic, and advanced setup, as well as administration.
To change your router password, go to Administration or similar and look for an option called Login Settings or something similar. You will see them because the current username appears and some boxes to enter the old password and choose a new one. Normally the username cannot be changed, only the password.
If you used the default password, change it to a different one. Make sure you press the OK or Apply button and your settings are saved. Keep the new password in a safe place. If you lose it you won't be able to access the router if you don't reset it! It is best to save it both digitally and on paper.
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4) Change the name and password of your WiFi network
One of the most common uses access to the router configuration is the ability to change the name of the WiFi network and its password. Most routers come with a default WiFi network name, the name and password of which are indicated on a sticker on the router or in the manual.
These default passwords are easy to hack. Any neighbor can hack your default WiFi and use it for free without paying by stealing bandwidth. Also, if you commit a crime, it will be associated with your WiFi network. Therefore it is important to change the name and password of the WiFi network that is provided by default on the router.
Access the Configuration menu and enter the Basic or Quick configuration section. Find the section dedicated to the WiFi network. Change your name and password.
The consequence of this is that you will have to change the configuration of all your devices (PC, smartphone, console) that use WiFi, so that they recognize the new data. But you only have to do it once and the extra security you will get is worth the work you did.
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5) Update the router firmware
Many routers update automatically, but others require you to do so via the IP address 192.168.1.1. It's important to update your router's firmware as it usually clogs security holes and maybe you get some extra speed as well.
In the configuration, go to Administration or similar and look for the option to update the firmware:
Download the new one and install it. Follow the instructions and only do it if you are sure of what you are doing. If not, do not continue, as you may damage the router. During the process make sure that it is not disconnected from the electricity.
6) Open and close the router ports
Finally, another of the most basic actions performed when you access the router configuration through 192.168.1.1 , is the opening or closing of doors. For security reasons it is convenient to have the doors closed (communication channels that enter and carry data from our device to the Internet).
But some programs, especially games, require some doors to be opened. If your router doesn't do this by default via DHCP, NAT or similar, you can do it manually.
Access the Advanced configuration of the router, look for the NAT section and enter the Port Mapping. Here you can indicate the IP address of the device you are going to map (usually the PC), define the type of port you want to open (TCP, UDP or both) and the port number.
As you can see, enter the router through 192.168.1.1 or its variant 192.168.11 it is a simple operation that will increase the security of the router and the WiFi network you are using. It is worth spending a few minutes to get your modem setup right.
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Further Reading:
- What is a WPA2 password? I'll explain it to you
- How to reset your modem / router with ease
- How to access the Wi-Fi modem settings
- Here's how to change WiFi passwords
- How to change the default name (SSID) of a wireless modem?
