wireless network
Your new Internet connection is finally activated and the router has been unpacked. Of course, now you still have to make the network operational. On this overview page, we will explain very simply how to set up a WLAN network and prevent unauthorized access. You will also learn a lot about wireless networks.
Netzwelt tells you how to set up and protect WLAN. [Source: Vladru /depositphotos.com]
Today, everyone is using it. We are talking about WLAN or "wireless local area network", or wireless local area network. In the past, the device had to be connected to the router using a LAN cable, but today, Internet access is very simple and wireless. This is of course very practical, especially for devices such as smartphones or laptops. But wireless Internet also has its pitfalls. Therefore, we will show you how to easily set up and protect WLAN below. We will also explain some basic knowledge about wireless internet connection.
table of Contents
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Set up WLAN
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Solve problems in WLAN and expand range
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WiFi repeater and WiFi booster
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WiFi hotspot
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802.11ac: the most important WLAN standard
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Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2 and TKIP
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Forgot WiFi password: what should I do?
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WLAN phone
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WPS-What is this?
Set up WLAN
Of course, you need a router to set up WLAN. Most Internet providers will provide you with a WiFi router at the price you ordered. However, you can also buy your own equipment because there has been no router demand for several years. Your wireless network is always set up in the same way. If you only want to use WLAN, the device is connected to the mains first, and then the router is connected to the phone or cable outlet via the cable according to the type of cable connection. If you want to connect some devices via LAN, please use an appropriate network cable for connection.
Then turn on WiFi on your mobile device, and the new WiFi should be displayed directly to you. You can use the SSID [that is, the network name] to find your WLAN. You can find this password like the WiFi password on the label on the bottom or back of the device. Alternatively, you can find the data in the letter from the provider. Now connect to your WiFi and enter the security key. You may have to configure the router to connect to the Internet. This can be done through the device's web interface. We will explain how to set up the router in the guide "Setting up the router for DSL, VDSL, cable and LTE". If you have brought your device to the Internet, you can keep everything. However, we recommend that you change the WiFi password and choose a secure password.
Use Fritz! Box, we will explain how to change the password and adjust the security settings in the article "FRITZ! Box: Change WLAN Security Settings". Generally, you can use this principle to change the configuration on any other router. Just call the device's web interface; related instructions can be found in the corresponding user manual. Then you should be able to easily change the WiFi password in the settings. Please note that you will then have to enter the new password on all devices. If you have any questions, you will find help in our article "Unable to establish connection after changing WiFi password".
Solve problems in WLAN and expand range
A WLAN network is convenient, but it is also vulnerable to interference. Even if the router is placed incorrectly, it will greatly reduce the range, signal strength and network speed. We explain to you how to find the best location for your WiFi router and what you need to consider when setting up the router. Many factors affect your reception, so in addition to thick walls or floors, even plants are true WLAN blockers.
In addition, you can use ten useful tricks to significantly increase the range of WiFi networks. For this, you don't need any expensive accessories, but only need to make simple adjustments to the equipment or location. You can find the tools needed for the analysis under the heading "WLAN Analysis" in our download file. In addition, we will show you other WLAN tools through which you can optimally configure the wireless Internet.
Increase WiFi range: Using these 10 tips, you can improve the reception Location, router, channel and frequency band Your Internet connection is weakening because the WiFi range is too bad? We provide you with ten tips that will greatly improve your WiFi reception.
WiFi problems: 15 best tips and solutions Eliminate connection errors, interruptions, etc. WiFi networks have their pitfalls: short distance, signal strength and even abortion. We give you 18 tips to solve the most common problems.
Free WiFi tool: how to get everything from WiFi network Surf faster and safer We will show you the best free WiFi tools that will help you make the most of the WiFi network.
Windows 10: Despite the WiFi, there is no Internet connection-what should I do? Solve the problem of Internet failure If your Internet connection still does not work properly when WiFi is activated, troubleshooting becomes a daily task. This is the solution to the problem.
WiFi: the correct location of the router So you expand the scope If the WiFi router is not set to the best, the WiFi signal may be weakened. We show you how to find the best location for your router.
WLAN tools: optimize coverage and eliminate interference Use these tools to work properly A WLAN network may cause problems and interfere with signals or users with weaker interference. We will show you the best tools available for fast and stable connection …
In addition to reception problems, various other difficulties and failures may occur when using a WLAN network. This is simply because radio connections are usually more susceptible to interference than cable connections. If you encounter problems, you don't have to feel desperate or seek technical help immediately. We provide you with tips and tricks, and try to provide solutions for the most common WiFi problems. You should try it out and deal with possible failures immediately.
WiFi repeater and WiFi booster The Internet is everywhere: WLAN repeaters extend network access that routers cannot reach. [Source: Netzwelt]
If these tips do not help you improve the range, you can use a WiFi repeater to amplify the signal. Usually very compact devices only need to be connected to a power outlet and connected to an existing WLAN router. The repeater then amplifies the existing signal and distributes it further into the apartment or house. If you already own a mesh router, you should also use mesh-enabled repeaters because they operate the network more intelligently than traditional equipment.
However, please note that not all signal amplifiers are approved in Germany. Using WLAN boosters may result in legal issues and fines. This is because the limit value of the amplifier must not be exceeded. You can find more information in the linked article. If you buy a repeater from a well-known German dealer, you can assume that you can operate the device regularly. On the other hand, exceptions are more likely to appear in online stores or dealers abroad, where only other guidelines exist.
If you decide to use a WiFi repeater and purchase equipment, please check our optimization tips for WiFi repeaters, because you should also configure these devices correctly so that they will bring you the most benefit. In the linked article, we not only show you how to best set up a WiFi repeater and what to consider when using an amplifier, but also how to make the most of it through Cross-Band or Fastlane. This should make your scope issue a thing of the past
WiFi hotspot Today, WLAN hotspots are available in various locations. You can also share the Internet with others yourself. [Source: cunaplus /depositphotos.com]
WLAN hotspots allow you to use the Internet on the go without having to increase the amount of data. In our special issue of WiFi hotspots, we explained how you do n’t have to do anything without the Internet and how to use public hotspots for free, such as at airports or train stations. However, you should always be careful when using these devices because you use the same network with various other devices. Therefore, when using public hotspots, VPN services should always be used.
Windows 10: Set up hotspots step by step With WLAN or Bluetooth Like a smartphone, you can also share an Internet connection with a hotspot under Windows 10. How to set up WiFi or Bluetooth hotspot.
Android: How to turn your smartphone into a WiFi hotspot Share mobile Internet If you are not using WiFi on the go, but still want to provide an Internet connection for the second device, you can set up a mobile hotspot. We will show you how it works.
iPhone: How to use iPhone as a hotspot for other devices Just share the internet You can easily open hotspots on iPhone and share mobile internet with other devices. We show you how to do this.
Virtual Router Enhanced: This will make your PC a WiFi hotspot PC to virtual router With Virtual Router Plus, you can turn your PC into a free WiFi hotspot. We show you how to turn a Windows computer into a virtual router, thereby making the range …
Note: Surf safely in public hotspots Six tips for safe online If you regularly surf the Internet on public WLAN hotspots, do n’t ignore potential dangers. Netzwelt provides six tips to ensure privacy even in hot spots …
WLAN hotspots: These radio networks provide free access Access point overview Wi-Fi hotspot in Germany? There are still many white spots in this country. But some commercial providers hope to correct this situation-and community-based plans also provide …
Internet on the plane: how to do it on Lufthansa, Ryanair and Co. Terms, fees and discounts Do you travel a lot and can't do anything about film films on airplanes? Then, these airlines also provide you with air access to the Internet. Netzwelt shows you the airline of your choice …
You will also learn how to use the device to set up your own WiFi hotspot on a laptop, Android or Apple device, and how to share an Internet connection with other terminal devices and users. For example, this feature is useful if you want to bring a tablet without a mobile phone module to the Internet on the go. Today, almost all smartphones, tablets and computers have this feature, but usually forget it completely.
802.11ac: the most important WLAN standard With the WLAN standard 802.11ac, you can travel at high speed. [Source: IgorVetushko /depositphotos.com]
The WLAN AC standard, which operates only in the 5 GHz range, has several advantages over its predecessor, the N standard. For example, it provides higher speeds [up to 867 megabits per second on a channel], and its sensitivity to interference is greatly reduced. You can find more information about the 802.11ac standard in the linked article. We will also explain the full meaning of ultra-high-speed 802.11ad networks.
802.11ax [called "Wifi 6"] has higher data rates and stability. The new standard can also transmit signals in the 2.4 to 5 GHz range, and can reach 10 Gb per second. But not only is the WLAN connection faster, the new technology should also bring more stability. The first Wifi 6 routers and devices have been put on the market, but they have not been widely used. It will take some time to replace 802.11ac or now called Wifi 5.
WLAN standard overview
| Standard | years | Frequency Range | bandwidth | The scope of the house | Total data rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEEE 802.11 | 1997 | 2.4 GHz | 22 MHz | 20 meters | |
| IEEE 802.11a | Year 1999 | 5 GHz | 220 MHz | 25 meters | 54 Mbps |
| IEEE 802.11b | Year 1999 | 2.4 GHz | 22 MHz | 38 meters | 11 Mbit / s |
| IEEE 802.11g | Year 2003 | 2.4 GHz | 20 MHz | 38 meters | 54 Mbps |
| IEEE 802.11n | Year 2009 | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | 20, 40 MHz | 70 meters | 450 Mbit / s |
| IEEE 802.11ac | year 2013 | 5 GHz | 160 MHz | 50 meters | Up to 6,936 Mbps |
| IEEE 802.11ad | 2012 | 60 GHz | 2 GHz | 10 meters | 7 Gbps |
| IEEE 802.11ah | 2016 | 900 MHz | 1-16 MHz | Up to 1 km | 1-357 Mbps |
| IEEE 802.11ay | 2019 | 60 GHz | 8.64 GHz | A few meters | 176 Gbps |
| IEEE 802.11ax | 2018 | 2.4 / 5 GHz | 160 MHz | 30 meters | 4.8 Gbps |
WLAN standard overview
Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2 and TKIP You should immediately protect the WLAN with good encryption. [Source: gmac84 /depositphotos.com]
Due to the propagation of radio waves, unprotected WLAN is a major security risk. Strangers can enter and do all kinds of bad things. In the worst case, in some cases, personal data may be stolen and the device may be infected with malware. Even if your neighbors use your Internet to illegally download certain content, this may have serious, especially expensive consequences for you. You can use very secure encryption to better protect your radio network. The following points will help you make the right choice.
In our article "WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP: Which encryption should I choose?" We will explain the differences between the various encryption methods. In this way, you can understand which standard is best for you and which standards are no longer used. Because encryption that can be quickly cracked is not good encryption.
Forgot WiFi password: what should I do? Did you forget the WiFi password? So you find out. [Source: SIphotography /depositphotos.com]
Wi-Fi passwords are usually long and difficult to remember, especially if you use the default password set by the router manufacturer. If you have forgotten your password and never changed it, then you will find it easily. On all modern devices, there are stickers on the back or bottom. In addition to the network name and device password, you will also find the WLAN key here. Or, your provider should have sent you access data by letter. If you have changed your password in the past, a route will go through the router's web interface. All devices can be called and configured through the browser. However, you absolutely need the device password [sticker] to log in to this area. If you have made changes to this and forgot, then this method will certainly not work.
If one of your devices is still connected to a WLAN, such as a smartphone or laptop, you can display a password on this device. In the instructions linked above, we explained how it works. If none of these methods succeed, it is helpful to simply reset the router to factory settings. You can find how to do this in the user manual of the specific model. You can find how to reset Fritzbox in the linked article.
WLAN phone You can also use WiFi to improve voice quality or reception when calling. [Source: oneinchpunch / depositphotos.com]
What many people do n’t know is: Not only can you go online quickly and easily through the WLAN network, you can also make calls. Many mobile phone providers in Germany are now using WiFi calls to improve the reception quality of their networks. In addition, WLAN calling has obvious advantages, even in places where the mobile network is not well developed, you can also use your mobile phone to make calls. In our special album, you will read all the important information about WLAN calls and also explain how to activate the feature on iPhone.
Another advantage is that there is no extra charge for WLAN calls. Therefore, you can use the function for free and benefit from it. However, you should pay attention to some things. When abroad, you may need to pay for WLAN calls. Consult your mobile operator. In addition, if you do not have a stable Internet or WiFi connection, you should not use this feature. Then it may disconnect and sometimes the conversation partner cannot hear you.
WPS-What is this?
Wifi Protected Setup [WPS for short] is a development standard used to simply construct a wireless local area network through encryption. It was developed in 2007 with the aim of simplifying the connection to an access point [AP] or existing network. There are several ways to activate WPS. This includes the "button configuration" method, or PBC for short. Here, you press the WPS button on the router for a few seconds, and WPS has been activated. After two minutes, the connection will automatically close. Other options include connecting via NFC, PIN or USB flash drive. WLAN data is always transferred automatically. This means you don't have to enter them.
Latest news about WLAN
Increase WiFi range: Using these 10 tips, you can improve the reception Location, router, channel and frequency band Your Internet connection is weakening because the WiFi range is too bad? We provide you with ten tips that will greatly improve your WiFi reception.
WiFi: the correct location of the router So you expand the scope If the WiFi router is not set to the best, the WiFi signal may be weakened. We show you how to find the best location for your router.
Free WiFi tool: how to get everything from WiFi network Surf faster and safer We will show you the best free WiFi tools that will help you make the most of the WiFi network.
Wi-Fi Alliance launches WPA3: a new WLAN standard with higher security WPA2 gets supplement With WPA3, a new WLAN security standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance is being launched. This should not completely replace the outdated WPA2 standard, but …
WiFi errors: Google released a patch for Chromecast errors An error in the conversion function caused the router to crash At present, errors in the forced conversion function have turned Google Chromecast and Google Home into WiFi killers. Google devices paralyzed routers from various manufacturers due to too many requests. So you solved …
WLAN: What is SSID? Brief explanation of terms Netzwelt knowledge Regarding the topic "WLAN", you may have stumbled upon the term "SSID". Netzwelt explained the reason behind it.
Use third-party WiFi without asking: is this legal? This is the judgment of the Wuppertal District Court Are you secretly surfing in the WiFi network with your neighbors and want to know if this should be punished? The Wuppertal District Court made an interesting judgment on this issue.
WLAN: How to measure the signal strength of a WLAN network Measuring WiFi range If you have problems with your WiFi and are facing problems with dropouts or range issues, then you should first accurately understand the image of the WiFi network and neighbors. like you…
WLAN antenna: improve signal strength and reception Use WLAN antennas to bridge longer distances In order to increase the WLAN range, it may be useful to use antennas in certain situations. We will show you the types of antennas available, when and how to best use them.
Change WLAN channel: improve reception and eliminate interference How to change your WiFi channel In order to get a better WiFi signal or a longer distance, you can change the channel of the WiFi router. We explain to you how to do it.
WLAN password: how to change the password of a common router New codeword improves security We showed you how to change the WiFi password of different routers and explained why the router should not be operated with standard settings.
Netzwelt knowledge: 802.11ad-ultra high speed WiFi in the gigabit range Advertising standards can provide transmission rates up to 4.6 Gbit / s We will explain the special features of the extremely fast IEEE 802.11ad WLAN standard and explain the reasons behind the successors to the common standards "802.11ac" and "802.11n".
WiFi problems: 15 best tips and solutions Eliminate connection errors, interruptions, etc. WiFi networks have their pitfalls: short distance, signal strength and even abortion. We give you 18 tips to solve the most common problems.
O2, WiFi calls between Vodafone and Telekom: cost and device comparison You need to understand WiFi phone! With WiFi calling, you can receive and roam charges independently of your phone. Even if you do n’t have an internet connection, you can make cheap global calls. How does it work who provides it, what do I need …
Deutsche Bahn: Free WiFi is now available in second class Free Internet access until the volume limit Deutsche Bahn has extended the free WiFi range of all ICE train passengers to the second class. However, there are some restrictions when surfing the Internet.
WLAN hotspots: These radio networks provide free access Access point overview Wi-Fi hotspot in Germany? There are still many white spots in this country. But some commercial providers hope to correct this situation-and community-based plans also provide …
WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP: Which encryption method should I choose? WLAN setup help The propagation of unprotected radio waves poses a threat to WLAN-encryption is imperative. However, which method should you choose?
WLAN: This is important when using boosters Signal amplifier law The WLAN enhancer can increase the transmission power of the router, thereby improving the WLAN reception speed and network speed. However, use in Germany is sometimes illegal.
WLAN Repeater: Optimize the use in the network Cross-frequency technology to avoid interference The repeater is easy to install. In order to increase the throughput of the wireless link, you should pay attention to some things. Therefore, you can optimize the use of WiFi repeaters.
802.11ac: You must understand the WLAN standard Faster speed in the radio network Compared with the ac standard, the network speed promised by the WLAN according to the ac standard is three times higher. In this article, we provide you with all relevant information about the 802.11.ac standard.
Note: Surf safely in public hotspots Six tips for safe online If you regularly surf the Internet on public WLAN hotspots, do n’t ignore potential dangers. Netzwelt provides six tips to ensure privacy even in hot spots …
Free telecom hotspot: this is how to use the Internet for free Free admission You can use Telekom hotspot for free. The promotion currently offers only six hours of free usage per day.
WLANs at airports: you can access the network at these airports Global WiFi status Free WiFi is available at airports around the world. We show you where you can use it and where you must pay for the WiFi connection.
802.11n: WLAN standard in fast lane Faster, faster WLAN n: what does flexible radio bring The new WLAN standard 802.11n has not been properly approved and can ensure speed on the information highway. What is behind this technology?
WLAN repeater under test: compare 5 models Equipment from AVM, Belkin, D-Link, Netgear, Conrad If you want to extend the range of a wireless network, you can use a WLAN repeater. Netzwelt has tested five of these convenient devices for sockets and provides you with tips and tricks …
Windows 7 Hotspot: This free software can turn your computer into a router WiFi network from computer In this article, you can read which free software can be used to establish a WiFi network with a computer, Android smartphone or iPhone. This will give you the existing …
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