More users are switching to WiFi range extenders to amplify the coverage area of their WiFi network signals. Also called boosters or repeaters, wireless extenders are quite popular devices designed to send network signals to those areas in the house that were previously having low signals. With the increase of popularity of these devices, it’s been mandatory to keep them secure, always.
WiFi network security is one of the most important steps to take while setting up an extender in your home or office. Virtual intruders are always in search of getting their hands on your confidential data. The fact that WiFi networks are prone to hacker attack is the basis of the urgency of making WiFi networks secure.
Well, your private network must remain private.
Below are some valuable ways to encrypt your wireless network for using new Netgear WiFi extender setup more securely.
- Head to your smart device and launch the wireless network settings
- When the list of available networks appears, search for the SSID (wireless network name)
- In case your WiFi network doesn’t have a padlock icon next to it, there’s an old version of basic encryption, which can easily be hacked by others
- Ensure that your home network supports WPA or WPA2 for encryption
- Upgrade its firmware. In case the device doesn’t support so, use a device that does
Note: For upgrading the firmware of your Netgear extender, mywifiext net is the default web address.
Why WEP is weak and what you should choose instead
An open network without encryption is virtually visible to freeloaders, neighbors, hackers, and intruders. Your data can be stolen easily and device can be damaged remotely in this way. Besides, it overloads the extender network as the number of users feeding upon your network gets high.
So, if you encrypt your network, it not only keeps hackers away but also resolves slow speed and interference problems.
Long time ago, WEP, also known as Wired Equivalent Privacy, was considered the standard security technology for wireless networks. However eventually, it appeared to be very weak. Then came WPA (WiFi Protected Access) which too had defects and was substituted by WPA2 which has proved to be immensely efficient in recent years.
It’s recommended to switch your device to WPS2 security. In case the device doesn’t offer this feature, consider buying a new device. Once done, you can enable the security by using Netgear Genie app.
How to enable the WPA2 security on a Netgear extender?
- Connect the extender with a cable modem. Use an Ethernet cable to do this task. Perform the same step to connect the device with a router
- Attach the plugs of all the devices with a wall socket. Turn all of them on
- Launch a web browser on your computer
- Log in to the extender by using mywifiext
- Provide username and password
- Go to Wireless Network option and click on the settings page
- Search for wireless security settings and choose WPA-PSK
- Set a password that’s unique and strong with the use of small and capital characters, digits, and symbols
- Hit Save
- Connect all smart devices again. This time, you will have to provide the password you have just set up to connect to the extender network
These steps might seem a bit demanding in terms of technical knowledge. In case you need professional help to avoid any damage to your device, you can access https://mywifiext-net.support to contact with specialists online.
