Router Setup Guide

Accessing Your Router

Most home routers are accessed through a web browser. Find your router's IP address (default gateway):

# Windows
ipconfig | findstr "Gateway"

# macOS / Linux
ip route | grep default
# or
netstat -nr | grep default

Common default addresses: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 10.0.0.1

Essential Settings

1. Change the Admin Password

The first thing to do is change the router's admin password from the default. Factory passwords are publicly known and a major security risk.

2. DHCP Configuration

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on your network.

Key settings: - DHCP range: 192.168.1.100 – 192.168.1.254 (leaves room for static assignments) - Lease time: 24 hours (default is fine for most homes) - DHCP reservations: Assign fixed IPs to devices like printers and servers

3. DNS Servers

By default, your router uses your ISP's DNS servers. Consider changing to faster, privacy-focused alternatives:

4. Wi-Fi Security

• Use WPA3 if available, otherwise WPA2
• Never use WEP (completely broken) or WPA (vulnerable)
• Set a strong Wi-Fi password (12+ characters)
• Change the default SSID (network name) — avoid names that reveal the router model

5. Firmware Updates

Check for firmware updates regularly. Router vulnerabilities are actively exploited, and manufacturers release patches for security issues.

Network Architecture

A typical home network:

Internet → Modem → Router → Switch/Wi-Fi → Devices
                      ↓
                    DHCP
                    Firewall
                    NAT

Your router combines several functions: routing (forwarding packets), NAT (sharing one public IP), DHCP (assigning IPs), firewall (blocking threats), and Wi-Fi access point.

Advanced Settings

• UPnP: Disable unless needed — it can create security holes
• Remote management: Disable — there's rarely a reason to manage your router from the internet
• Guest network: Enable for visitors — isolates their devices from your main network