Everyone expects the maximum speed from their Wi-Fi router and internet connection, but only a few spend time configuring these devices. Even when you have a high-end Wi-Fi router, you can’t expect maximum performance through default or random settings. On the contrary, you need to consider the best Wi-Fi router configuration for best-in-class performance.
In this guide, you will find everything you should know about the best router configuration settings.
Understanding the Best Router Configuration Settings
Before we move forward, I wanted to clear a few doubts you may have.
Router configuration is quite different from router setup, which connects your Wi-Fi router to a wider area network like the Internet. However, even when you have internet access, your Wi-Fi router will be using the default settings, which are often not optimal for performance. Therefore, you need to change these settings for something better.
Full disclosure: there is no perfect router configuration that works for all devices. Instead, you need to work on and optimize some options, such as placement, frequency, QoS, etc. The following sections will tell you these better combinations for the said aspects.
Choosing a Frequency: 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz vs. 6GHz
Choosing the right frequency band is an essential step in ensuring the best performance from your router. In most devices, you can choose between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, but you can have both bands working at the same time. However, newer routers also have a tri-band setup, where they have a third 5GHz/6GHz band built into the system.
When to use 2.4GHz
2.4GHz is one of the legacy frequency bands for Wi-Fi routers, and it is an all-rounder band. It has one of the highest penetration capabilities so that obstructions in the light of sight don’t matter. On the flip side, you’d be getting speeds less than 1Gbps. So, you can stick to the 2.4GHz wireless frequency band when you need a reliable way to browse the web on fewer devices.
When to use 5GHz
5GHz is a newer addition to wireless networking bands, and it can carry more data than the legacy one we talked about. You’d want to use the 5GHz band for resource-intensive tasks like video streaming or low-latency gaming. The problem? 5GHz band is prone to obstructions in the way and offers a shorter range altogether.
As for the third band, you can dedicate it to tasks that demand the best speed/latency. It is best if you have a lot of devices but want something more dedicated to gaming or streaming.
Configuring Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality of service, also known as QoS, is a set of features that allow you to control how your router behaves within the network. In particular, you get a few options to prioritize specific tasks or apps so that they are given priority when it comes to bandwidth and speed.
There are also multiple options for monitoring your traffic so that you can understand where your network speed or bandwidth is going through.
How to enable and set QoS
If your router has QoS functionalities, you can find it on the router control panel. You can access this control dashboard by visiting the default router IP address. Once you log in, navigate to Traffic Monitoring and select QoS/Quality of Service. The UI for QoS may vary based on the band and model, but you will indeed find a few ways to optimize the performance of your router.
Examples of prioritizing bandwidth
The best part about a router with QoS settings is that it can help you optimize your router for a specific task. For instance, you may set up a low latency mode if you want to play more games on your system. Or you can dedicate the same for video streaming if that’s your take.
Optimizing Your Router’s DNS Server
You may already be using a third-party DNS server on your computer or smartphone, but you can change the settings at the router level as well. Depending on the server you choose, this single task can provide you with better performance.
Benefits of third-party DNS servers
The most significant benefit of using a third-party DNS server is that you can stop using the ISP-provided. DNS servers used by Internet service providers are not speed-focused and serve you annoying ads. Instead, you can go for servers from Google or Cloudflare. These are known for their speed and reliability.
How to configure DNS settings
You can go to the router dashboard and navigate to Network Settings. You may either find a dedicated part for DNS control or find it near Internet configuration. By default, the ISP-provided DNS will be set, but you can change it to anything you want.
While you are at it, you can always choose private DNS servers that offer even better performance or added features like security and ad blocking.
Selecting the Best Network Mode for the Router
Depending on the router’s make and model, you may find further settings for network mode customization. This feature lets you choose between multiple network modes like 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax. If you are concerned about speed and security, you should always select ac or ax. However, real-life instances are more complex.
For instance, you may come across devices that don’t support the latest standards. In these cases, you may need to use the legacy models for compatibility. Once again, you can change these settings using the router control dashboard. However, check whether your router has the option to use multiple modes at a time. This step can ensure maximum security and performance without compromising compatibility.
Parental Controls for a Safer Network
Parental controls are not necessarily a part of performance and speed, but you should consider this option if your children use the network.
Parental controls essentially mean a set of utilities that lets you control what your kids do on the Internet. In many routers, you will find options for blocking websites, setting up smart schedules, and pausing Internet access at specific times.
Setting Up Parental Controls
Setting up parental controls for better performance is not rocket science, especially if your router offers a dedicated mobile app for device control. These apps will have a specific section for parental control, where you can create user profiles and set up timings. It also means creating a separate network for kids. This way, you can have unrestricted access while keeping your children safe.
If you want to take a step further, I recommend setting up the priority for kids’ devices with QoS. It will make sure that your kids’ activities are given the priority they need.
Guest Networks: Adding an Extra Layer of Security
I always find it concerning that people who visit our homes often have full access to the wireless network. It can sometimes lead to multiple issues, including security-centric ones. Fortunately, you can use a guest Wi-Fi network to solve the problem.
Benefits of isolating guest devices
A guest network is an isolated virtual Wi-Fi network from the same router. These networks will provide basic internet access, but users won’t have admin privileges. That is, they can’t find other devices on the network or make significant changes. This isolation gives you a convenient way to provide network access to people visiting your place without worries.
Setting up a guest network
If your Wi-Fi router supports the guest network functionality, you can set it up by going to Network Settings. You will have to name the virtual network and decide what connected devices can access. I suggest that you keep these credentials to yourself and control the speed/bandwidth. Some routers may allow you to set up a guest network using the official app as well.
Additional Router Setup for Advanced Users
While the steps above can offer the best speed and performance from the router, you may have additional options on your router. I can’t cover all these options here, but here are a few.
Router Placement
Depending on the type and capacity of the Wi-Fi router, you must find a strategic location for the device. It will help you ensure the best possible range and speed for all connected devices. You should also check the options to arrange the antennae of the router for maximum performance. You may need custom plans based on whether the router has features like beam-foaming.
Configuring VPNs for privacy and security
Using a VPN can improve your privacy and security further across the network. Setting up a VPN service at the router level is more convenient than using device-specific apps. VPN apps for Wi-Fi routers are plenty these days, mainly if you use a premium VPN service. Depending on your intent, a VPN network can be a great way to improve performance as well.
Benefits of custom firmware (DD-WRT, OpenWRT)
Sometimes, powerful Wi-Fi routers come with subpar network firmware. If you have such a device, you may want to try installing custom firmware for it. You have a couple of options, such as DD-WRT and OpenWRT. I must add that installing and maintaining these custom firmware requires some experience. But you can always find intuitive guides and YouTube videos to help you.
MAC Filtering
If you are setting up an office network to handle confidential data, you may also want to try MAC filtering. This option can limit access to your network by checking the MAC address of the device. Since a device has a unique MAC address, only those who are white-listed can access the network. Alternatively, you can add specific devices to the block list.
Common Router Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Make sure you don’t make these mistakes while configuring your Wi-Fi router. These have a huge impact on the performance and security of the router, affecting your digital privacy as well.
- Make sure you change the router admin password whenever possible. Using the default username and password means anyone with network access can change settings.
- Similarly, choose a complex and unique WPA3 password for the Wi-Fi network. Even though WPA2 may offer better compatibility, it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Always keep in mind that routers also generate heat while working. So, you must keep the device in a place where it gets enough air circulation and stays away from dust.
- Firmware updates for your routers are similar to the software updates you get for your smartphone or computer. Do not avoid these updates. When you install custom firmware, do so with caution.
- Whenever possible, stay away from third-party accessories or spare parts. Instead, make sure you’re using the best available Ethernet cables.
These seemingly simple steps can help you improve the overall wireless networking experience from a Wi-Fi router while staying safe.
Conclusion
Though I have provided steps whenever possible, they may vary based on the router and the manufacturer. But with a few seconds, you can find the proper steps from the manufacturer’s website. However, be careful not to overdo it, either. For instance, you need not enable QoS if the current setup works for you.
