What is a Router

You have probably seen them before. A funny looking alien device which sits in the corner of someones house blinking lights 24/7. But what does a router actually do.

Depending on the router you by and all the add-on feature they come with these days, a router fundamentally routes your Internet connection.

There are different levels of routers, depending on the type of network requirements. But for most homes and business your router will be the entry point for your Internet connection and responsible for routing and sharing that Internet conneciton with other devices in your home or business, like laptops, desktops, tablets and mobile phones.

Without these small to medium home and business type routers, each device on your network would need its own modem and Internet connection, which could be quite expensive!

The Difference Between a Modem and a Router

Your modem simply connects you to the Internet, it doesn’t router your internet connection to other devices.

The chances are if you have a router in your home, it is most likely a router with a modem built into it. The modem connects to the Internet and the router routes the connection.

Before we had NBN (National Broadband Network) or Broadband like ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) you probably remember having a very slow connection which the telephone line ran from your wall right into the back of your computer modem.

When connecting it would make some horrible noises to connect you to your Internet service provider.

That was your modem.

Router Security

Router Security is deeply dependent on the firmware of the router. By that I mean your router is only as secure as the software you see when you try to configure it allows.

Change your router default password

Sounds quite obvious but I don’t think I have ever seen anyone do this. Do not leave the password on your router which it came with which is probably “admin” or “password”.

Turn on HTTPS for remote Administration

This will enable your password to be sent over your network encrypted.

Only enable WIFI if you plan on using it

If you are not going to use WIFI disable it. Its one less security entry point you do not have to worry about if it is not up and running.

WIFI Encryption

Make sure you use a good WIFI password. Don’t use passwords with names and dates of birth any words really if you can help it. Try to add some complexity such as characters, numbers and some punctuation.

All routers made the last 5 years come with WPA2 encryption and is the recommended type to use right now.

Update Firmware

Firmware is like the software for your router and pretty much controls everything. Firmware can be updated usually via the manufacturers web site.

The latest firmware usually includes the latest updates, features and security.