Apple has published a written document detailing the good background to use on your router and highlighting some of the security weaknesses you might encounter if you had the wrong setting .
fortuitously most router will be preset with the optimum preferences , but it ’s wise to discipline .
To get at your router software system you will need to do the following :
In thedocumentApple counsel that you update the software system on your equipment so that you may take vantage of the late security update . So make certain that your router firmware – and the software on your iPhone , Mac , iPad – is up to date .
In our case we can see at the bottom of the page that our BT Home Hub 5 is die hard Software adaptation 4.7.5.1.83.8.264 and that it was last update on 27/02/19 . Our router has an reflexive update feature . You should be able to set your router to automatically set up software and firmware updates . ( We have around up of the Best Mac Routers here )
Apple also advise that you back up your router options before you start in event you need to reset – your router software program should give you the option to do this ( if it does n’t mayhap take some screen grabs as you go so you could deliver it to how it was ) .
Now you may check that the follow options are selected , as propose by Apple .
Choose a unique network name (SSID)
You need to employ a unique case - sensitive name for your Wi - Fi meshwork ( also known as a SSID – service of process set identifier ) . This is so that there wo n’t be clank with other routers in your neighbourhood . All routers on your electronic internet should also use that same name for every band they support – do n’t give 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands different names .
Don’t hide your network name
Beware that while you may set your router to hid its web name this does n’t inevitably hide it from detection and wildcat admittance . Apple says “ using a hidden meshwork might queer entropy that can be used to identify you and the hidden web you use , such as your home meshing . When connected to a hidden net , your gimmick might show a privacy word of advice because of this seclusion risk . ” If you want to verify your connection is secure we recommend reading this : Mac Security Tips .
Use WPA3 Personal if you can
Apple urge WPA3 Personal for better security , although you could use WPA2 / WPA3 Transitional with older gimmick ( we do n’t have WPA3 on our router ) .
Don’t turn off any security settings
Apple warn people from using any context that bend off protection , such as None , Open , or Unsecured . Doing so would disenable authentication and encoding and let anyone to get together your web .
Don’t restrict MAC addresses
you’re able to gear up up your router to let only devices with condition MAC ( media access control ) accost to join your net , which you might think would cease unknown devices from joining your electronic connection . However there are a few reasons why doing so would be a bad idea , one disadvantage is that some Apple gadget will periodically exchange their MAC name and address . Apple also indicates that limiting MAC reference would n’t foreclose unauthorized access to your meshing and notes that MAC addresses can easy be copied , spoofed ( impersonated ) , or changed .
Choose all the radio modes available to you
Apple recommends that you select all the radio modes uncommitted to you : Wi - Fi 2 through Wi - Fi 6 ( that ’s 802.11a / g / n / atomic number 89 / axe ) . In our case we only have 802.11 b / gramme / n. By selecting all you ensure that your devices will always connect using the debauched radio manner they can use .
Enable all Bands
Similarly you should enable all band – the more circle you have the expectant the datum capacity and operation for your connection .
Channels
If the stripe represented a railway , each channel would be an individual track . Each striation of your router is divided into multiple , independent communicating canal . As before , you should set channel pick to automatic so that your router take the near Wi - Fi canal for you .
Channel width
Then there ’s the epithelial duct width , which is how large the tobacco pipe is for transport information . Wider epithelial duct are faster but more susceptible to interference and more likely to interfere with other gadget . The channel breadth bet on which band – 2.4GHz or 5GHz – you are using :
2.4GHz band ( 20MHz channel width ) – helps to ward off performance and reliability issues , especially near other Wi - Fi mesh and other 2.4GHz gadget , let in Bluetooth devices . 5GHz lot ( include all breadth 20MHz , 40MHz and 80MHz line width ) – ensures the good execution and compatibility with all devices . Wireless incumbrance is less of a care in the 5GHz band .
Enabling DHCP
DHCP ( dynamic host contour communications protocol ) put IP addresses to gadget on your web . This should be enable if otherwise computer address conflicts might keep some equipment from connecting to the net . ( Your net should have only one DHCP host ) .
Beware the double NAT
NAT ( web address translation ) should only be enabled if your router is the only twist providing NAT on the internet . A ‘ two-fold NAT ’ might cause devices to lose access to certain resources on the connection or internet .
Enable WMM
WMM ( Wi - Fi multimedia system ) should be enable as it prioritize internet traffic to better the performance of a mixture of meshwork applications , such as video and voice . WMM is plausibly enabled on your router by default .
Along with the above tips , Apple also realise a few suggestions about other thing that might affect Wi - Fi connections .
Enable location services
Apple underline that regulations in different countries and regions will define the Wi - Fi line and wireless signal long suit allow in that location .
In ordering to make trusted you are getting the best public presentation where you are based you should insure that Location Services is turn on for Wi - Fi networking . Here ’s how :
On an iPhone you should take these steps :
We have these tips forHow to meliorate Wi - Fi signal and speed up slow internet .
And if you are experiencing problem with your Wi - Fi read : How to fix WiFi on a Mac .
