What Are the Best Tips for Installing a DIY Router?

While making a do-it-yourself (DIY) router is much different than buying a factory-made router, installing a DIY router is very much the same as installing a store-bought one. For the best and strongest connection, it generally is best to place a DIY router in the same room or right next to the computer or device that will be using it. A non-secure connection can be a problem, so it may be good if the user puts up an encryption layer over the outgoing information. Whether the router is wired or wireless, it also may be a good idea if the user connects the router to his or her computer or device to increase Internet strength. Adding a custom network name during the installation can be beneficial to ensure that the appropriate people know the network to which they should connect.

When installing a DIY router, it normally is best to place it near the computer or device. While this does not have to be done, it can inhibit the signal strength if it is too far from the computer, which can result in very slow or weak Internet. By placing the router near the computer or device, it will be near the source of the Internet signal. If several computers are being used at once, and each of them is important, then it generally is a good idea to place the router in a location central to all of them, and on the floor on which they are being used.

During the installation of a DIY router, the user has the choice of whether to place a security encryption over the Internet signal. If the Internet signal is not secure, then it is much easier for hackers to breach, and people in other houses or apartments will be granted free use of the Internet if the router is wireless. Selecting a security method from the installation screen may be a little annoying, because users will have to login for the Internet to work, but it may be worth the trouble if it prevents a system breach.

If the DIY router is wireless, then it does not have to be plugged into a computer or device, but this generally is good to do anyway. Plugging the router in boosts the signal. When there is more than one main computer, one will have to be selected for this.

The DIY router installation screen typically will allow users to change the router’s name, and this may be a good idea. Without changing the name, people may try to use the wrong router, which can result in a weak signal. It can be named after the user or given another name that all users recognize.