Internet broadband comes into your home by means of a cable from outside. That cable is connected to a small box in your home called a router.  That router allows you to have Wi-Fi and cable network connections for your computers and other devices including televisions, iPads, mobile phones etc.

Router Login

You can login to the router from your computer using an IP address and a login and password.

You cannot change its IP address but you can and should change the login and password as soon as possible.

How you make that change depends on the make of router you have, which is determined by broadband supplier but is generally a straightforward process. The instructions with the router will explain how to do this.

Do not write the password down and leave it near to the router and of course do not tell anyone who you do not wish to have access to your Wi-Fi.

The router has various settings which are probably fine when you first receive the device but you may need to change if getting conflicts with the neighbours Wi-Fi for example.

Your router may have remote management facilities meaning that the broadband supplier can access it to make changes. It may be best to turn off this feature, but that would mean your supplier cannot access it either.

Wi-Fi and Encryption

Login to your router.

Locate the “Wireless Security” or “Wireless Network” settings page.

Select WPA2-PSK encryption.

Choose a network name that doesn’t specify your house number or name.

Choose a strong network password or pass number i.e. one that no-one could guess.

Save these settings

You will need to reconnect your devices to the Wi-Fi using the new password or pass number.

Protect your router and Wi-Fi against outsiders.

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