How To Secure Linksys WiFi Extender Network


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The internet has become an integral part of everybody’s life. We need access to super smooth and ultra-fast internet connection throughout our day to perform every basic activity ranging from online payments, shopping, and research to work, and much more. This is why people are now moving towards WiFi extenders as one router can’t reach every corner of your home or office. One such reliable brand whose range extenders are loved and trusted by everyone around the world is none other than Linksys. So let’s learn more about it.

What Are Wi-Fi Range Extenders And How Do They Work?


As the name itself suggests it is a device that boosts your existing network and helps it to reach all the corners of your home. Installation of a Wi-Fi range extender helps in eliminating all the dead zones and reviving the area with complete internet signals. Let’s understand it with the help of an example.

Suppose you have a big home with multiple storeys, a garden, balconies, a basement, and a garage. Now you decide to watch a movie while sitting in your garden but you notice lag and buffering and a sudden drop in internet signals. Here a Wi-Fi range extender will come to your rescue. Simply install a Linksys Extender which will amp up the connection by at least 10 times and you’ll notice full bars in every nook and cranny of your home. In short, an extender takes up the signal from your existing router, amplifies it, and then rebroadcasts it into full space. So if you are also facing an issue of sudden signal drop-off, intermittent internet connection, or a complete dead zone then it’s high time to invest in a Linksys Wi-Fi range extender.

Need To Secure Linksys Wi-Fi Extender Network


Every single thing comes with a certain set of advantages as well as disadvantages and technology is no different. The Internet has made our lives easier but at the same time, it also poses a risk to our privacy and security. So it becomes super important to secure the network. Thus securing your Linksys Wi-Fi extender network is crucial to protect your internet connection and personal information from unauthorized access. Here’s how you can secure it:

Access The Extender’s Settings

To secure your Linksys Wifi Extender Network you first need to get access to the settings page of the extender. For this take any device of your choice like a computer, laptop, smartphone, or iPad, and turn on the Wi-Fi. In the list of available networks search for the network ending with _EXT. Once you find it, connect to it.

Access The Admin Panel

Now, open a web browser of your choice preferably go with Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Enter the default IP address which is “http://192.168.1.1” or “http://extender.linksys.com” in the address bar and press Enter to access the extender’s login page.

Note: In case the above-mentioned default IP address or web address doesn’t work then consult the user manual that came along with your extender model or check the manufacturer’s website for guidance.

Login

Enter the default login credentials to successfully log into the extender’s settings page. Usually, the default username and password are both set to “admin”.

Change Admin Password

To prevent unauthorized access it’s crucial to change the default admin password. So change the password to something complex and unique. Make use of different letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t use easily guessable information like birth date, phone number, or common words as passwords.

change linksys admin password

Set Up Encryption

Make sure to use the highest security protocols like WPA2-PSK (AES). You can set this under the wireless settings in the extender’s admin panel. Avoid using WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) as they are less secure and more prone to hacking.

Change Extended Wi-Fi Network Name And Password

To let the hackers stay away from your network do not use common network names like your own name or your home’s address. Further generate a strong password for your extended Wi-Fi network by making use of uppercase, lowercase, special signs, and numbers.

linksys firmware update

Disable WPS

Although the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature makes it super easy to connect to the devices quickly, at the same time it also makes your network vulnerable to outside threats. So it’s always advised to disable this feature to protect your Linksys Wi-Fi Extender Network.

Update Firmware

The firmware updates are regularly released by the manufacturer to fix certain issues, improve the overall performance of the device, and fix security vulnerabilities. So to keep your network safe it’s advisable to regularly update the firmware.

Create a Guest Network

All the Linksys Wi-Fi range extenders come with the feature of creating a guest network. As the name itself suggests it is altogether a different network for your guest so you don’t need to tell them the password of your main network. This feature helps in enhancing security for your personal devices and data.

Physical Security

Lastly, place your extender in a secure location to prevent physical tampering. Suppose you keep your extender in an open space that is clearly accessible to every person then it makes it more susceptible to the attacker to get unauthorized access to your network.

So, by following all these above-mentioned steps you can easily secure your Linksys Wi-Fi extender network. It will provide peace of mind that your internet connection and personal data are protected against any unforeseen future mishappenings.