The process of changing your settings in your router are generally the same across major routers, though the exact names of settings and menus may vary depending on the model you are using.
Restart router
Locate the power button or the power cable on your router
Hold down the power button or unplug the power cable
Wait 15-20 seconds
Either use the power button to turn the router on, or re-plugin the power cable
Wait for the router to finish powering on
Reconnect your computer to the network
Router placement
It is best to move the router to a central location to optimize the signal.
Try to pick a location that is away from other electronics and large metal objects
Make sure there are as few obstructions as possible between the router and the areas where you need the best internet speed and reliability.
Raise the router
Try placing it high on a bookshelf or mounting it on the wall in an unobstructed place.
Those funny-looking antennas matter
If there are two or more antennas on your router, do not position them all in the same direction.
Make them perpendicular to one another -- position one horizontally and the other vertically, or slightly change the position of all the antennas to cover a wide range of angles.
Where NOT to place a router
Kitchen
Bathroom
Basement
Attic
Closet
Garage
Log in to your router
Find the IP Address of the router (Default Gateway)
Windows Users: Type “Command Prompt” into the windows search bar and double click to open
Input the command: ipconfig and click enter
Mac Users:
Open System Preferences
Open network
Click Advanced
Click TCP/IP Tab
Look for “Default Gateway” or ‘”Router” (There will be an IP address next to the text)
Write down the IP address (series of four numbers separated by decimal points)
Type the noted down IP address into your internet browser and click enter
When the login screen page pops up input your routers username and password (Check on the back of the router if the username and password was never changed)
Click “Login”
Reset your router to default settings
In addition to this process, most routers will also have a physical button that can be used to reset the router.
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Use the default username and password that is on the back of the router.
Change the password
This will prevent strangers from using your internet and bandwidth.
Log in to your router
Go to settings
Select “Change Router Password or a similar option
Save the new settings
Change SSID
Changing the router's default SSID can improve the security or usability of your wireless network.
Log in to your router
Go to settings and look for an option titled “Wi-Fi name” or “SSID”
Enter your new Wi-Fi name
Click Save and exit
Reconnect to your Wi-Fi using the new SSID
Changing frequency band from 2.4 to 5 GHz
2.4 GHz network radiates further but is therefore slower, while the 5 GHz network is faster but does not reach as far. However, the 5 GHz network is used less and therefore offers a better connection.
Log in to your router
Go to Wi-Fi settings
Change the 802.11 band from 2.4-GHz to 5-GHz
Finally, make sure to hit “Save” or “Apply”
Change Wi-Fi Channel
Log in to your router
Open “Wireless Settings”
Click the “Channels” drop down and change your Wi-Fi channel
Finally, make sure to hit “Save” or “Apply”
Update router firmware
Log in to your router
Click “Advanced”
Click “Administration”
Click “Firmware Update”
Click the “Firmware Update” or “Router Update” button
Click the “Check” button
Use an ethernet cable
Grab an “Ethernet” cable
Plug one end of an “Ethernet” cable into your router
Plug the other end of the “Ethernet” cable into PC
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