How to Lock Down a Wireless Router

Using a wireless router gives many benefits, including flexibility. Regrettably, it also leaves your network fairly vulnerable. If you leave your wireless router open, meaning you do not lock it down, other users can utilize your bandwidth and access your network. This may or may not be a concern to you, but if someone knows what they are doing, they could actually hurt your network, not just use it. So, locking others out of your network - by locking your wireless router - is not a bad idea.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless Router
• Manufacturer guide for router
• Internet connection
• Computer

Instructions

1. Connect directly to your router, not wirelessly.

2. Open an internet browser window to access your router's settings (get your router's IP address from the manufacturer guide, enter it into the address bar, hit enter)

3. Go to the 'security' tab or 'settings'

4. Select the encryption / security settings you think is best for your network (details on each can be found in your manufacturer guide)