Right now everyone has Internet at home, on their smartphones and even in the smart vacuum, but how many users really have control over their connection? For this, it is essential to have access to the modem, to the device that everyone has at home and that will install you as soon as you make your Internet subscription.
There are many models, features, and prices when one is chosen, even if in the end almost everyone is satisfied with the device provided by their operator. Of course, we strongly recommend making some configuration changes.
Access to the modem is via its IP address, which is usually always 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.11. You can log in from any browser, be it Chrome, Edge, Safari or one of your choice.
Then we will show you, in simple words, how to access the router, how to identify and change the access password, how to change the name and password of the WiFi network, as well as some basic operations, such as updating the firmware, closing the doors, etc.
1) How to access the router
Most Internet service providers offer their customers a program, a web page or an app to access the router. For example, there is that it does it through a portal.
There is a manual way to do this that is more or less the same for all routers regardless of the brand- through the browser, using its IP address, more or less universal for all models
To connect to the Internet and connect all devices (PC, smartphone, console, tablet, etc.), the router assigns a local IP address to each device, starting with 192.168. Usually, it is always the first one- 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.11. Other devices connected to the network have addresses of type 192.168.1.104, 192.168.1.102, etc., but it is far from normal.
To access the router, start a browser. In the field where you normally write the name of the website you want to visit, type- https://192.168.1.1 A message may appear indicating that you are using a particular browser. Pay attention to it. If nothing happens, try https://192.168.0.1.
The gateway for the router will be shown on the screen and you will be asked for your username and password.
2) How to identify the router password
Logically, the router configuration cannot be accessed correctly. You need a username and password. This information is usually displayed in the manual supplied with the router. If you can’t find them, try the classic ones:
- Username- admin or 1234
- Password- admin or 1234
If they do not work, you can reset the modem to factory settings to enable previous passwords by default, even if you delete the configuration. This is usually done by inserting a toothpick into the slot / small hole of the router, refer to the manual.
Another option is to call your operator and ask for passwords. The use of default passwords is very dangerous because anyone can find them, as we have seen. So the first thing we’ll do is change them. But in principle, there are ways to recover the password if you’ve forgotten it.
3) How to change the modem password
Access the router via the address 192.168.1.1 and enter the username and password you obtained through the methods just explained.
Enter the router configuration menu. Each brand has its own menu and calls the same things with a different name, so here we will give a generic explanation of the steps to take. If you want a complete explanation, consult the router manual or operator user forums or the brand of the router in use.
Regardless of appearance, absolutely all interfaces have different elements in common. As they say “seen one, seen everything”.
Almost all router menus usually include tabs to access a fast, basic and advanced configuration as well as administration.
To change the router password, go to Administration or similar and look for an option called Access Settings or something similar. You will see them because the current user name and some boxes appear to enter the old password and choose a new one. Normally the user name cannot be changed, only the password.
If you used the default password, change it with a different one. Be sure to press the OK or Apply button and the settings are saved. Keep the new password in a safe place. If you lose it you will not be able to access the router if you do not restore it! It is better to save it both digitally and on paper.
4) Change the name and password of your WiFi network
One of the most common uses of router configuration access is the ability to change the WiFi network name and password. Most routers come with a default WiFi network name, whose name and password are indicated on a sticker on the router or in the manual.
These default passwords are easy to hack. Any neighbor can hack your default WiFi and use it for free without paying for stealing bandwidth. Furthermore, if you commit a crime, it will be associated with your WiFi network. Therefore it is important to change the name and password of the WiFi network that is provided by default on the router.
Enter the Configuration menu and enter the Base or Quick Configuration section. Locate the section dedicated to the WiFi network. Change your name and password.
The consequence of this is that you will have to change the configuration of all your devices (PCs, smartphones, consoles) that use WiFi so that they recognize the new data. But you only have to do it once and the extra security you get is worth the work you’ve done.
5) Update the router firmware
Many routers are updated automatically, but others require you to do this via the IP address 192.168.1.1. It is important to update the router’s firmware because it usually obstructs security flaws and maybe you get even a little extra speed.
In the configuration, go to Administration or similar and look for the option to update the firmware:
Download the new one and install it. Follow the instructions and do it only if you are sure of what you are doing. Otherwise, do not continue, as you may damage the router. During the process make sure that it is not disconnected from the electricity supply.
6) Open and close the router ports
Finally, another of the most basic actions performed when accessing the router configuration through 192.168.1.1, is the opening or closing of the ports. For security reasons, it is convenient to have the doors closed (communication channels that enter and carry data from our device to the Internet).
But some programs, particularly games, require the opening of some ports. If the router does not do this by default via DHCP, NAT or similar, you can do it manually.
Access the Advanced Configuration of the router, look for the NAT section and enter the Port Mapping. Here you can specify the IP address of the device you are about to map (usually the PC), define the type of port you want to open (TCP, UDP or both) and the port number.
As you can see, entering the router through 192.168.1.1 or its 192.168.11 variant is a simple operation that will increase the security of the router and WiFi network you are using. It’s worth spending a few minutes to better configure your modem.
