My Tips on the 5 Settings You Should Change on Your Router Right Away
When you get a new router, it's tempting to just plug it in, get online as quickly as possible and move on. However, given your router is responsible for directing nearly 100% of all internet traffic in your home network, it's definitely worth taking a few minutes to update some security settings before you move on with your day.
As CNET's router expert, I know a few easy tricks for creating a secure Wi-Fi network and when I bought my own router, these were the first settings I updated -- and you should, too.
Whether you just invested in your own router or you're renting one from an ISP, here is what to update on your new Wi-Fi router to enjoy browsing and streaming safely. For context, I'm an Xfinity (Comcast) subscriber, but the tips here should translate no matter what internet provider you use.
1. Change the network name and password
To change the username and password, you'll need to log into your provider's website or mobile app. Log in to your account and look for a section for Network or W-Fi settings. On Xfinity's website, I clicked WiFi Details to change the name of my Wi-Fi network and set a new password. Choose a password -- or better yet, a passphrase -- that you'll remember but isn't too easy to guess.
Matt Elliott/CNET
2. Choose a security mode
If you set a strong password for your router, then you've taken the first step of securing your network rather than leaving it open for anyone to access. With a password set on a modern router, you are most likely using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
Locating local internet providers
WPA, or Wi-Fi Protected Access, is a 256-bit encryption protocol that is more secure than the older, weaker WEP standard that uses 64- or 128-bit encryption. WPA2 improves upon WPA by using a stronger encryption algorithm. It uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm that is more secure than WPA and its TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) algorithm. WPA3 stepped up the security measures even further, strengthening password security, data encryption and smart home connections.
Many routers offer a mixed mode of WPA2 and WPA3 so that older devices that pre-date WPA3 can connect to your network. WPA2 has been around for more than 10 years so it's unlikely that your router is still using WPA encryption. When choosing the security mode for your router, I would go with WPA3 and only switch to mixed mode if you have an ancient device that won't connect to your WPA2-protected network.
3. Check network mode and bands
If you're using a newer Wi-Fi 7 router, it broadcasts in three frequencies: 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz. These are the frequencies with which your wireless network broadcasts radio waves to transmit information. All three frequency bands should be on by default, but check the advanced settings of your provider's website or app to check the status of both to make sure they are active.
The 2.4GHz band is more crowded because it's the frequency many common electronics in your household use, from cordless phones and baby monitors to garage door openers and microwaves. You might run into network interference with 2.4GHz, but it allows older devices to connect to your network. The 5GHz band is less congested and faster but has shorter range than the 2.4GHz band. The 6GHz band is significantly faster than the other two, but it works best when your devic around 15 feet or closer to your router.
With all three modes operating, your router will choose the best mode for each of your network devices.
4. Enable parental controls
Look for a Parental Controls or Access Restrictions section to establish some boundaries for your kids' devices. With Xfinity, click the People tab to set up profiles for your kids. You can assign devices for each profile and then hit Pause for any or all devices of a profile to give them a break from Instagram, Snapchat, texting and everything else on the Internet.
You can also enable parental controls for a profile to "reduce the risk of accessing objectionable websites and apps and enable protective search settings for Google, Bing and YouTube." You'll also find the option to set active hours for your kids' devices. Xfinity calls it Bedtime mode, which lets you set the hours the internet is and isn't available. There are different options for weeknights and weekends.
Matt Elliott/CNET
5. Set up guest network
Creating a guest Wi-Fi network saves you from potentially giving visitors access to shared computers and files on your network as well as the hassle of needing to tell them your complicated or embarrassing Wi-Fi password. In your account settings, look for Guest Network or Home Hotspot.
Matt Elliott/CNET
With Xfinity, I couldn't find this setting with the other Wi-Fi settings but instead had to move a level up to my general account settings. From the main account page, it was listed under Settings. With it enabled, Xfinity started broadcasting a separate network called "xfinitywifi" that guests can use without needing to track me down for a password.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Strong Portfolio Pushes SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SMA) to Strong Buy
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (NYSE:SMA) is among the best small company stocks to invest in. On Wednesday, analysts at Raymond James raised the price target for SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (NYSE:SMA) to $44.00, up from $42.00, while upgrading to Strong Buy from Outperform. This confidence is driven by the company's high-quality portfolio and operating platform. Over the last few months, SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (NYSE:SMA) has returned quite impressive returns. While the market's year-to-date return stands at merely 1.72%, the company reported an impressive 9.24%. This shows that the giant is just getting started. A row of self-storage units in a self-storage complex, showing the affordability and security offered by the company. From higher organic growth potential and margin upside to external growth impact because of its smaller size, the firm highlighted various reasons for a turnaround. The company has witnessed a revenue growth of 5.34% in the last twelve months, and with analysts anticipating 9% growth for the current fiscal year, SMA seems to be a hidden gem. SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (NYSE:SMA) is a California-based company that owns and operates self-storage facilities in the United States and Canada. This self-managed REIT has a fully integrated operations team of around 590 self-storage professionals. With 220 operating properties in 23 states, the company is committed to delivering value to its investors and customers. While we acknowledge the potential of SMA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Palantir, Meta, OpenAI, And Thinking Machines Just Had Their Executives Sworn Into The US Army Reserve
Four top tech executives have joined the U.S. Army Reserve as lieutenant colonels, skipping basic training and stepping directly into roles aimed at helping modernize the military. The initiative is part of a broader push by the Army to bring in private-sector innovation and reshape how the service approaches technology, talent, and modernization. The executives—Palantir (NYSE:PLTR) Chief Technology Officer Shyam Sankar, Meta (NASDAQ:META) CTO Andrew Bosworth, OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil, and advisor at Thinking Machines Lab and former OpenAI Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew — will serve in a new unit called Detachment 201, also known as the Army's Executive Innovation Corps. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can 'Detachment 201 is being created to bring in tech innovation executives to help the Army ... on broader conceptual things like talent management, how do we bring in tech-focused people into the ranks of the military, and then, how do we train them,' Army Chief of Staff spokesperson Col. Dave Butler, told Breaking Defense on June 13. Unlike traditional recruits, these executives will not attend boot camp. Instead, they will go through an express training program that covers marksmanship, physical fitness, Army history, and protocols. They will be expected to serve about 120 hours per year and pass annual fitness tests. 'You could think of it as a pilot' of a lighter version of basic training, Butler told Business Insider. The detachment's name, 201, references the HTTP status code indicating a newly created resource—a fitting metaphor for a new kind of Army asset. Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . According to an Army statement, the new officers will work on 'targeted projects to help guide rapid and scalable tech solutions to complex problems.' Their advisory roles will include input on AI-powered military systems and optimization tools for soldier fitness. However, safeguards will be in place to avoid conflicts of interest with their current or former employers. 'We've done this over and over when our nation needed top talent,' Butler told Breaking Defense. 'The difference is we used to do it in wartime. Now we're doing it ahead of wartime so that we can prepare and deter.' This marks another move by the Trump administration to align more closely with Silicon Valley. Palantir, Anduril, and other VC-backed defense tech startups have increasingly become major players in national security. Meta recently partnered with Anduril to develop augmented reality tools and AI systems for military direct commissioning has been used to bring in specialized talent, such as doctors or chaplains, during times of war. This move represents a peacetime shift aimed at long-term transformation. 'Their swearing-in is just the start of a bigger mission to inspire more tech pros to serve without leaving their careers,' the Army statement said. 'Showing the next generation how to make a difference in uniform.' Read Next: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?.UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES (PLTR): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Palantir, Meta, OpenAI, And Thinking Machines Just Had Their Executives Sworn Into The US Army Reserve originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
DA Davidson Sees Over 50% Upside in Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (MEC)
Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (NYSE:MEC) is among the best small company stocks to invest in. On Tuesday, analysts at DA Davidson began coverage of Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (NYSE:MEC) with a Buy rating and a price target of $23.00, reflecting a potential upside of over 50% from the current levels. This optimism is attributed to the company's strong footing in the fabricating truck and machinery components market. As the financial services firm highlighted, Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (NYSE:MEC) has positioned itself as the 'clear leader in its industry.' From the latest acquisitions to the implementation of an updated business model, this small-cap company is clearly winning over investor confidence. A close-up of a heavy-duty machining tool forming a steel component. Just recently, Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (NYSE:MEC) announced the acquisition of Accu-Fab from Tide Rock Holdings worth $140.5 million. While the transaction will be completed during the third quarter, Mayville Engineering has already begun to diversify its portfolio and enter high-growth end markets. Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (NYSE:MEC) is a Wisconsin-based manufacturing partner providing a range of services, including designing, developing, and assembling. The company provides engineered components to original equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1945, the giant serves a diverse end market, mainly duty commercial vehicles, agriculture, power sports, and military. While we acknowledge the potential of MEC as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
