If you’re like most of us, when you have to tackle a technical task like setting up Wi-Fi in your home or business, you immediately start to sweat. You might ask yourself questions like “what type of ethernet cable do I need” or “what the heck is a router, anyway?”
If you feel intimidated, confused, or just hesitant to make any major decisions on this front, know that you’re not alone. Then, recognize that you don’t have to be a technological super genius in order to set up your home Wi-Fi – and avoid some of the biggest mistakes people generally make in the process.
The Ultimate Mistakes People Make When Setting Up Wi-Fi
These are some of the most common mistakes that people make when setting up Wi-Fi:
Connection issues. Some people get tripped up at the start, when they first connect a router to their home. Modern modems and routers are designed to be as simple and intuitive as possible, with limited connections and clear labeling. But if you don’t know what you’re doing, this might still be a challenge for you. Read the setup instructions carefully to better understand your systems, and google any terms that are unfamiliar to you. In a matter of minutes, you should feel more confident about what you’re doing.
Improper placement. One of the biggest choices you’ll need to make during the setup process is where to place your router. Believe it or not, placement makes a huge difference in terms of internet coverage and available speed. You need to place your router somewhere it can reach all corners of your house effectively, and preferably with few, if any obstacles in the way. The more obstacles there are, the weaker your signal is going to be.
Neglecting potential signal interference. Wi-Fi interference comes in many forms. Competing signals, other networks, and random noise can all interfere with your Wi-Fi’s ability to service your entire house. Pay attention to points of potential interference if you want to avoid or mitigate issues.
Lack of password (or weak password). It’s tempting not to pick a password for your router, since it’s realistically unlikely that anyone will try to infiltrate your network locally. However, choosing a strong password is essential if you want your network to remain private and secure. Don’t take a risk on this, as you might not catch a hacker until it’s too late.
Configuration issues. When you first set up your Wi-Fi, you’ll need to make a number of decisions regarding your configuration. There will likely be default and recommended settings, which are appropriate for most users, but you may want to make some modifications if you have any special requirements or priorities. Just don’t experiment too much if you don’t know what you’re doing, as you might create more problems than you solve.
Using outdated or incompatible hardware. If your router is outdated or otherwise incompatible with your system, it’s not going to work properly. Make sure your router is rated for this purpose and that it’s relatively new. Keep in mind that you may need to replace this router if it fails in the future.
Failing to update. Your router needs the latest firmware upgrades to remain secure and efficient. If you don’t have automatic updates turned on, you’ll need to update manually at periodic and regular intervals. Don’t neglect this step, as it could come back to haunt you.
Failing to test. Never assume that you’ve done all your Wi-Fi setup correctly. Always test, using multiple devices in multiple locations, before you deem your work to be complete.
Not setting up a guest network. Creating a network for your guests is a smart move, even if you don’t have many “guests” using your network. It’s an easy way to partition your network and maintain your security and privacy – while still offering internet to your guests.
Failing to future proof. Don’t just think about what you need today; think about what you might need many years from now. Managing your cables, labeling your work, and leaving room for growth are good ways to future-proof your setup.
Ongoing Adjustments
Setting up Wi-Fi in your home or business may seem like a one-time responsibility, but in most cases, you’ll need to make ongoing adjustments and follow good habits if you want to maximize your internet speed and Wi-Fi coverage.
For example, you’ll need to regularly update your router firmware and troubleshoot issues as they arise to make your connectivity smoother. As long as you can avoid some of the biggest mistakes, and respond to issues as you notice them, you should be in a fine position to maximize the value of your internet service plan.
