Main options of a router for Wi-Fi internet connection

Not everyone knows that the home modem or router used to connect to the internet has several useful options that you can configure to your liking. These options are found in the router’s control panel, a hidden but easily accessible menu for everyone, even novice users.

In the guide that follows we will show you the main options of a modem or router, so we know what we can change or what we can enhance on our home network. We remind you that the configuration page is different based on the modem or router in use, but most of the options are similar on all modems on the market (even those provided by TIM, Vodafone and Fastweb, notoriously closed and limited).

READ ALSO: How Does a Router Really Work?

1) Modem / router configuration page

All modems / routers have a web-based configuration page which can be accessed as if it were a website from the browser. To enter the web interface connect to the modem in question via Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi, open any web browser (Edge, Safari or Chrome) and type the IP address of the modem in the address bar of the browser.

If we don’t know the IP address of the modem just check the connection settings, as seen in the dedicated guide: the address to use is always the Gateway. Usually this address is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 o 192.168.1.254 (on Fastweb), i.e. addresses conventionally used for internal networks.

To learn more we can also read our guide on Log into the router for easy access to settings.

2) Access credentials

After opening the configuration page we will have to enter a username and password: these are necessary to protect the modem settings from strangers. The default credentials can be found on the box, in the modem instructions or by reading our guide on all the passwords of the routers.

The first time you set up a router (or now if you haven’t done so already) you need to change this password. If you do not remember the password, it is possible reset the router and password.

Once logged in, you can open the router configuration web page from the browser and change the various options.

3) Check the connected devices

All computers that connect to the network established by the modem are listed with their Mac Address under the section Wireless -> Statistiche, LAN devices or Device list.

If we find this method too difficult we can also use a simple PC program for find out who is connected to your wifi network and connects wirelessly.

4) Change wireless channel

From the modem settings you can change the wireless channel of the network. Changing the wireless channel of the router can speed up the data rate in highly populated areas or where there are other wireless networks. In fact, if other Wi-Fi networks use the same wireless channel, interference causes slowdowns.

By accessing the Wi-Fi settings we can find the wireless channel with strongest channel and use it for 2.4 GHz networks. From the same settings we can activate the dual band of the modem or router e also take advantage of the 5 GHz networknotoriously faster and less prone to interference.

5) Repeater function

A single router may not be sufficient to cover a larger area with the Wi-Fi signal; if we choose to place another we can use the configuration page for activate the repeater functionin order to expand the existing network without having to create another one.

To learn more, we can also read our guide on how increase the wifi signal with two wireless routers networked together.

6) Quality of service

Many routers have a set of options under the heading Quality of Service or Quality of Service (QoS). The QoS function can reduce the network bandwidth available for program transfers such as BitTorrent or prioritize internet browsing, preventing other programs from slowing down the loading of websites.

This is particularly useful if the network is used by several people and you want to avoid that someone constantly downloading from the internet creates a permanent blockage. To learn more we can also read our guide on how to activate QoS to browse quickly.

7) Dynamic DNS

If you use a program that makes your computer become a server (for example with a trivial program FTP to make a file server), to connect to the computer remotely we can use the dynamic DNS service.

By activating this service we will get a registered DNS address, regardless of the IP address provided by the telephony operator (which changes often). To activate a dynamic DNS you need to register a hostname such as no-ip.com or Oracle DNS.

To find out more we can read the guide for connect to your home PC from anywhere with dynamic DNS.

8) Port Forwarding, Port Triggering, DMZ e UPnP

Modems block incoming traffic by default and for security. If you want to set up a computer as a server or use other services that require incoming connections, such as peer-to-peer file transfer or the use of some VOIP programs, you may need to open these connections.

Modems provide several options, including port forwarding, which is essential for P2P programs. In this regard, I invite you to read our guide on how how to open router ports.

Another useful function is the DMZ, ie the demilitarized zone: this function automatically sends all incoming connections on the network to a single computer (or to a new router connected in cascade) but it is generally not recommended to use it since it lowers all the modem’s defenses.

The UPnP function allows programs to broadcast their ports on demand, speeding up device configuration. Basically it is enabled, but we can also disable it and proceed with the port forwarding of the ports we need.

If you are going to set up port forwarding or DMZ, it is better to assign a static IP address to the computer, using the “Network” -> “WAN” configuration option and disabling DHCP.

To learn more we can also read our guide on about how we connect to the Internet with the same public IP..

9) Change DNS server

Among the settings that we find in modern modems or routers we cannot forget the server DNS. By changing the servers inside the modem or router we can immediately supply them to all connected devices (without having to configure them by hand), we will get a higher request speed of the web pages and we will be able to overcome DNS-based site blocks.

Unfortunately, on many proprietary modems (TIM, Vodafone and Fastweb) the DNS change is blocked at the system level: we can only solve creating a cascade with a new routerfor example by connecting the AVM FRITZ! Box 7530 AX WI-FI 6 (€ 135).

On the same topic we can read our guides on how to set up DNS on the modem e how to choose the fastest DNS.

10) Parental control and blocking of inappropriate websites

Modems often contain Parental Control functions to block certain types of specific websites. You can also set a maximum time for which the internet remains active by interrupting the connection at night or at certain times.

On some routers, they can be limited these rules on specific computers and not the entire network, although they often don’t work well on HTTPS sites. To have effective blocks you should rely on parental control programs.

Conclusions

Inside the modems and routers there are some useful options to optimize and customize the network according to our needs. We recommend that you always learn how to access your modem or router, always remember the access passwords to the control interfaces and always change the name of our Wi-Fi network, the access password, the transmission channel and the servers. DNS (if possible), so as to have a stable and fast connection in any situation.

To learn more we can also read our guides on how replace the Modem with a new one (fiber, dual band, wireless AC) e how to update modem firmware to improve speed.