Have you ever thought how many spying elements have eavesdropped on your WiFi network till you read this article? Did you even think such a thing (as network eavesdropping) exists? Well, unfortunately, this is a truth.
While users, generally, consider securing their router, they usually forget about their WiFi extenders. Truth is there are so many vulnerabilities attached to wireless connectivity that even the smallest risk on your WiFi traffic can cause a lot of havoc. Since the data is exchanged through radio waves, it’s accessible for hackers. The result is unsafe personal data and information.
Talking about highly-advanced Netgear range extenders, they come with nice security features like WPS buttons and WPA2 support. The best part is that you can very easily perform your Netgear extender setup. However, unless you use these features, everything is just a waste. Before jumping onto the ways to making your extender more secure, let’s first get familiar with Netgear range extenders and their security features.
Netgear devices provide users with the ability to establish a secure connection but you will have to activate it on your own. Since all Netgear extenders vary depending on their use and price, you will have to look up in the quick start manual of your extender to see which features it offers.
Security Measures
Configure your Netgear extender with WPA2 or WPA security
This is very important for, in fact, all wireless connections. WPA2 and WPA are advanced security encryptions. They are newer, better, and easier-to-use than WEP technology with the latest security protocols. So, it’s essential that your wireless extender supports WPA2 or WPA encryptions.
Basically, what these technologies do is that they encrypt transferred data so that it becomes indecipherable for anyone trying to sneak into your network traffic.
Thankfully, most Netgear extenders come with WPA and WPA2 security support. Initially, while setting up your extender, it is configured with WEP encryption. However, you can change it to WPA or WPA2 encryption by performing the following actions:
- On your preferred web browser, head to www.mywifiext.net.
- Provide your username and password for extender login.
- Once in, click Setup on the left side and choose Wireless Settings.
- Now, you can change security paraphrase for WPA2 encryption.
Note: While setting up your Netgear Extender through mywifiext local web address, it’s recommended that you change the default login credentials. Choose a password that’s easy to remember but difficult to guess.
Upgrade the firmware
One of the most frequently-repeated security recommendations is – always keep the software up-to-the-date. This security tip applies to all devices, so make it a habit.
Updated versions are always better because they bring enhanced features with them and fix issues that were previously troubling your device. What it, basically, does is that it improves the functionality, stability, and performance of your device.
Here’s how you can manually upgrade your Netgear range extender’s firmware:
- Launch your preferred web browser on a computer (or any smart device) which is connected with your extender’s network.
- You can log in to your extender by one of the following ways:
- In case your router and extender have different SSIDs (WiFi network names), enter into www.mywifiext.net.
- In case your router and extender share the same SSID, type http://< extender’s IP address> and press Enter.
- When the login page shows up, provide your extender login credentials and hit Log In.
- On the next screen, click on the Menu icon and select Firmware Update.
- Next appears the Firmware Update page. Click on the option, Check Online.
This will provide you with the information whether a firmware update for your extender is available or not. If yes, walk through the onscreen instructions to complete the upgrade process.
