Does a New Firmware Improve Your Wi-Fi Router?

Wired networks are the technology of the past, as in the modern era Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have conquered the whole section of the Internet connectivity with great success. Unbeatable speed, amazing connectivity, and high portability are some of the major benefits that user can get, if using wireless networks for accessing the web. A Wi-Fi router can change the way of using the Internet, as you can easily access your multiple devices from a single connection, when paired with the router legally. But while using the wireless network you need to be cautious as there are some severe threats that can ruin the whole picture by sending your personal details and the data shared over the particular network, to the malware experts.

Sometimes, you might experience seemingly random disconnections while trying to connect to the Web, streaming movies or playing online games. Users often get annoyed and frustrated with poor wireless signal strength and therefore decide to switch off their devices or close the Internet connection. There might be a possibility that your router has been attacked by a virus, malware or spyware, which isn’t allowing it to perform in the appropriate manner. Frequent slowdowns in speed, uncertain errors, poor connectivity, and sudden disconnections are some of the basic issues that a user may have to face if firmware are not updated.

In this article, you’ll read about how a new firmware can help you in improving the performance of your Wi-Fi router.

What is a Firmware?

Like any other piece of hardware, your wireless router can also fall out of date, over a defined period of time. Router manufacturers are aware of the latest malware trends thus, routinely roll out new firmware for fixing up such bugs into their products. These firmware updates not only safeguard the router on the security fronts, but will also help in increasing performance and reliability of the genuine products. The major issue with such updates is that they don’t often inform users that an update for their firmware is available so, in most of the cases a user may miss an important one.

How to install the latest update of firmware?

The installation process of these latest updates doesn’t require any special training or experience as these can be easily downloaded and applied to the system with a few simple steps. All you need to do is look on the back of your router and locate the model and version details. Now, go to the manufacturer’s website and look for the latest firmware for your router. Make a download from there and install it by opening the router’s configuration page. Open the tab for ‘Firmware Upgrade’ and choose the downloaded file as the source to install the update for your Wi-Fi device. Wait patiently, and let the upgrade process complete. Don’t click on any other link on the router configuration page in midway as it can end up the installation process and will ask to start again from the beginning.

What are the benefits of installing a new firmware?

1. The prime function of the new firmware is to completely stabilize the router for the days to come. At times, the problem of hanging and disconnecting may leave a user annoyed, but the updated version will not force you to unplug or reset the router even for once.
2. A firmware update also holds a complete package of neat tricks that make your device to combine multiple routers for framing one giant wireless network. The updated version will enhance the productivity and range of the wireless devices while covering multiple stories of a home, or a wider area.
3. Updates also allow you to create separate wireless networks for guests, children, and adults to avoid the traffic overlaps and to add extra layers of security to the network access.
4. A firmware can also give you the power to modify your broadcasting power. Adjusting a few settings and making a slight change in values can increase the farther range, or can decrease it, if you don’t want it to be visible in the neighbor’s house.
5. Last but not the least, by taking help of such updates, you can connect your router directly into a VPN, which will immediately connect two geographically different networks together, within a few seconds. Adjoining networks can offer an added layer of security to the whole network at once.

What is DD-WRT and how helpful is it as a firmware?

Only advanced users can take an advantage of DD-WRT, a free piece of Linux-based firmware, which is specially designed to improve signal strength and add new features to your router. With this firmware installed on your system, you can easily select the bandwidth of specific programs and can also adjust the speed according to the tasks on priority. Generally, routers from all the major vendors support this firmware, but there are still a few which will not bring the desired results.

What adverse effect does it carry?

Installing DD-WRT can void your wireless device’s warranty and it’s very difficult to remove it once installed. The installation requires highly skilled professionals as it’s quite complex and difficult if you are not well aware about the process. If you’re not careful while installing the same, it can result in bricking your router while flashing the firmware. You can easily use the Wiki page of DD-WRT to know more about the installation process that includes a step-by-step guide to install the firmware and instructions on how to recover your router if it becomes bricked.

Installing the latest updates from the manufacturers’ website is very important for any of the device as it can add an extra layer of security to them. Vendors are aware of the latest malware, technological and market-friendly trends hence, they try to incorporate each factor into the update to make their products genuine. Look for step-by-step guideline or important instructions before installing any update as it can also make a few hidden changes to your PC, which are not visible otherwise. Maintain a habit of visiting your product manufacturer’s official site regularly to look for recent updates and other relevant information.

About the Author: Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online computer support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of internet security and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe.