How to Change a Wireless Router's Security Settings
A wireless router is a computer networking device that allows multiple computers to connect to the Internet using radio frequency (RF) signals. The convenience of a wireless network comes with the drawback of potentially unwanted wireless connections. If you suspect that other computer users in your vicinity are trying to use your wireless network or you simply want to increase your wireless security or change your network's password, you can do so by altering your wireless router's security settings.
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Instructions
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1
Click "Start," "Run," type "command" into the text field, press enter and the command prompt will appear. Type "ipconfig" into the command prompt and press enter. Record the number listed as "Default Gateway." This is your router's IP address.
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2
Open an Internet browser, type the number you recorded in step 1 into the address bar and press enter.
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3
Type in your network user name and password when prompted then press enter to log into your router's administrative panel. If you did not set up your network, ask the person that set it up to provide the user name and password.
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4
Navigate your router's administrative panel and locate the menu dealing with wireless security settings. Each router will have slightly different menus available, but typically there will be tabs or links that allow you to look at the various settings options you have available.
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5
Alter your wireless security mode setting using the drop-down menu, enter a password or key phrase for the new security setting, then choose to save the changes.
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Tips & Warnings
WPA personal and WPA2 are more secure wireless security modes than WEP.
References
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