The One Thing That Everyone Ignores when it comes to Home Networks.
While many people will make sure that their antivirus is up to date, most will ignore the router that is providing them with their internet access. Just as cars need regular servicing to keep them in top shape, so does your routers firmware.
Failing to update the firmware on your router can have serious consequences. Here are a few of the dangers of not updating your router’s firmware:
- Security vulnerabilities: Router manufacturers frequently release firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities that have been discovered in their devices. If you don’t update the firmware on your router, you could be leaving it open to attack from cybercriminals.
- Performance issues: Newer firmware versions often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can help your router run more smoothly. Failing to update the firmware could result in slower internet speeds, dropped connections, or other issues.
- Outdated features: As technology evolves, router manufacturers may release new firmware versions that include support for new features or protocols. If you don’t update the firmware on your router, you could be missing out on important updates and improvements.
- Compatibility issues: If you are using other devices on your network, such as smart home devices or gaming consoles, they may require certain firmware versions in order to function properly. Failing to update the firmware on your router could result in compatibility issues with these devices.
Updating a Router’s Firmware
To update the firmware on a router, you will need to follow these steps:
- Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware version for your specific router model.
- Go to the manufacturer’s website and search for your router model.
- Look for a support or downloads section and search for firmware updates or downloads.
- Check that the firmware version you are downloading is the most recent version and is compatible with your specific router model.
- Download the firmware file to your computer.
- Save the firmware file to a location on your computer that you can easily access.
- Make sure to download the correct firmware file for your specific router model.
- Log in to the router’s web-based setup page.
- Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address in the address bar.
- Enter the login credentials when prompted. These credentials are usually found in the router’s documentation or on a label on the router itself.
- Locate the firmware update option in the router’s web-based setup page.
- Look for a section in the router’s web-based setup page that mentions firmware updates, upgrades, or maintenance.
- This section is typically found under an “Administration” or “Maintenance” heading.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select the firmware file you downloaded and begin the update process.
- Use the browse function to locate the firmware file you downloaded to your computer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the update process.
- Do not power off the router or disconnect it from the internet during the firmware update process.
- The firmware update process can take several minutes to complete.
- Do not unplug the router or interrupt the update process in any way.
- Once the firmware update is complete, the router will typically restart itself.
- Wait for the router to restart and re-establish a connection to the internet.
- You may need to log in to the router’s web-based setup page again to complete the update process.
It’s always a good idea to back up any important settings or configurations before updating the firmware on your router. This will allow you to restore them after the update is complete.