Wireless internet connectivity is one of the necessities in the 21st century. Every device is connected to Wi-Fi in this because of the immense popularity and ease of access. If you are one of the few unlucky people still makes use of a wired connection, then worry no more.

Today we aim at repurposing your laptop to work as a full-fledged router. This is particularly useful for people who don’t have a router already at home but want to access the internet wirelessly on their mobile devices. A modern-day laptop is fully capable of working out as a router on its own without any external device.

Can you use a laptop as a router?

Many people are still wondering if it is feasible to turn your laptop device to a router for wireless connectivity. Well, the answer is a simple yes. All laptop devices these days come equipped with the Wi-Fi card along with an ethernet port. If you have access to a wired internet connection, then all you need to do is stay connected online with the help of your ethernet cable. The Wi-Fi card can be repurposed to act as a router and start a wireless connection from your laptop device. This works exactly like the principle of creating a mobile hotspot on your smartphone for sharing mobile data wirelessly with other devices. Windows 10 has even officially integrated the mobile hotspot feature in its operating system.

Turning Laptop to a Router

It is effortless to turn your Windows 10 devices into a router. The story is a bit difficult for devices with older versions of the Windows operating system. In this guide, we are going to be looking at both windows 10 as well as the older version.

Turn Windows 10 laptop to a Router

Follow the given below guide to easily configure your Windows 10 laptop into a fully-fledged wireless network sharing router.

• Connect your laptop device to a wired internet connection using an ethernet cable.
• Click on the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right corner of your Windows taskbar.
• Here you will find the option for mobile hotspot connection. Click on this option to start your mobile hotspot quickly.
• The settings for your mobile hotspot can be configured by right-clicking on the icon following by clicking on the “go-to settings” option.
• Hey, you can change the SSID as well as the password of your desired wireless network.

Turn Windows 7,8 and 8.1 Laptops to a Router

Only Windows 10 has pre-configured wireless network sharing options. For devices, without Windows 10, we are going to be making use of third party software to share internet wirelessly. This software goes by the name of connectify me and is available for free with limited features. The only drawback to the free version is that you can’t change the SSID of your wireless network.

• Open up the browser on your laptop.
• Head over to the following link to download connectify me – https://www.connectify.me.
• Install the application and reboot your device after accepting the network changes.
• Run the application and set the desired password for your wireless network.
• Start connecting me hotspot to enjoy internet wirelessly on all of your devices.

Wireless networks are always under threat of getting hacked by notorious lawbreakers who want to access the internet for free. In this era of online danger and obscurity, it is crucial to be in a secured Network at all times. All of your online data is at risk if your Wi-Fi network gets hacked. It includes sensitive information like your passwords as well as credit card details. Today we dive into the basics of online security and making sure that your Wi-Fi router is free from possible hacks.

Why do you need online Wi-FI security?

There are many reasons why you should invest in the security of your Wi-Fi network.

• High Risk

Wi-Fi networks are more prone to hack because of the transmission over the air. Radio waves that are used to transfer data through a wireless interface are accessible by anyone who has technological knowledge. Anyone within the range of your wireless network with adequate skill can infiltrate your router and Private data.

• DOS Attacks

Denial of service or DOS attacks are frequent when you are using a wireless network. With the help of adequate security measures, these attacks are avoidable. Your router is the center of your wireless network. When hackers with malicious intent, gain access to a router, they can easily block your internet usage.

• Sensitive information

All of your sensitive information, including pictures, videos, and all your online data can be at risk. Securing your Wi-fi is important to make sure that your personal information doesn’t get into the hands of the wrong people.

• Various security standards of Wi-Fi

Wireless networking designs always keep online security in mind. The basic Wi-Fi network security protocols include WEP, WPA, and WPA2 Where WEP is the least secure and WPA3 being the latest technology in networking security.

• WEP

AKA Wired Equivalent Privacy. It is the oldest form of online networking and has been around since 1999. It is essential not to use the service as they don’t enable password-based protection.

• WPA

AKA Wi-Fi Protected Access. This security standard makes use of the 802.11i protocol. It was a step in the right direction but still needed some work. It largely improved online security over WEP.

• WPA 2

AKA Wi-Fi Protected Access v2. Along with the 802.11i layout, WPA2 also makes use of advanced encryption standard (AES). It is popularly used everywhere in places around the world. It is one of the most secure forms of online networking.

Securing your Wi-Fi Router

Here’s how you can ensure less hacking on your wireless network.

• 256-bit encryption

Most Wi-Fi devices and routers support 256 encryption today. It can primarily help in the transmission of data over a secured network which is not decrypted easily.

• Complex password

There are many password generators available online, which can help you to create a secure password. The higher the complexity of your WPA2 enabled Wi-Fi router, the better your chances are of escaping hacks.

• Hide Network

Many Wi-Fi routers allow you to hide your network entirely from devices that are not connected. The only way to connect to your router becomes the specific MAC address of your router. It is essential for people who are always working with sensitive data.

The internet has become one of the most necessities of human beings in this rapidly developing and technologically advanced world. People from all nooks and corner are gaining access to the benefits of the internet. This generation is running entirely on the use of networking. It is vital to get blazing fast browsing speed these days to stay updated with the everyday world. One of the essential aspects of keeping your router healthy over a long time is staying updated with the latest firmware. Installing firmware updates for the router is usually unheard. Well, upgrading to the newest firmware will keep your internet experience fresh.

About TP-Link

TP-LINK is one of the oldest networking solution manufacturers available globally. The company started in 1996, and ever since then has revolutionized the way internet networking has worked. TP-LINK is a Chinese manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China. They took to the Global stage and made a dramatic appearance in their first year of operations outside of China in 2008. Today TP-LINK has become a common household name whenever networking solutions get discussed.

Why do you need firmware updates for routers?

The principle is quite simple, just like any other software update a firmware update for routers is also meant to increase the performance and fix previous bugs. TP-LINK is known to regularly update the firmware so that their consumers get the best results with the help of their existing routers. Many internet service providers of their customers with their personalized routers. These routers get updated automatically because of their ISP’s roots. TP-LINK being a third party manufacturer and service provider releases its software and firmware updates on its website. These updates need to be installed manually so that your router can work more efficiently. Here is what gets added to your router with firmware updates –

TP-Link Customer Firmware | Features 

Perform their update can increase the features on your router. This adds more functionality to your Internet usage and adds many management options.

• Router performance

If you are facing subsequent internet speed loss and frequent disconnection, then this can be a problem of your router firmware. An update can help to improve the performance of your router and provide higher quality internet connectivity.

• Security

It is important to stay secure while browsing the internet. Wireless connections are already at a higher risk of getting hacked. A simple firmware update can help you to stay safe from such attacks and enhance the security of your router.

Installing Custom Firmware on TP-Link

Follow the steps to install the latest firmware for your router device successfully –

• Find the router model number. This is usually given at the back of your device or underneath the router.
• Identify the IP address for your device. The IP address can be obtained by merely using command prompt and typing the command ipconfig.
• Search for the latest firmware for your TP-link router by using the following keyword on google – open-source firmware download for (name and model of your router).
• Open up the router management page for your TP-link device by entering the following link in your browser 192.168.1.1.
• The update from where the feature can be found under the advanced settings of the TP-link router. Install the latest custom firmware to enjoy better internet access.

An IP address is a piece of relevant information that is used to mark every device that can gain access to the internet. It is the identity of a device online, which makes communication of packet data accessible. A router provides an internet connection to the connected device only through the interface between the IP addresses of the different instruments. To access the settings and web setup page of a router, you need to have access to the specific IP address of your device. It can help change the necessary settings and internet privileges of your router. The IP address of the router is essential for managing internet connectivity throughout your home or office space.

What does IP Address mean for routers?

We all know that your PC and smartphone devices have a specific IP address. You might be wondering what an IP address for your router is? IP stands for Internet Protocol address and is accurate numerical labeling for any device can connect or provide internet connectivity. The internet that you use comes with its IP address, which is changed on a dynamic basis by your computing and mobile devices. The IP address for a router, however, remains the same because it provides root access to the networking tools.

There are two kinds of IP addresses used by routers. These devices follow the TCP/IP Protocol, which is necessary for transmitting the internet through a packet data connection. TCP/IPv4 and TCP/IPv6 are widely accepted and used forms of IP addresses.

Why do you need the IP Address for a router?

There are many reasons why you will require access to the IP address of a router. Here are a few valid arguments towards why you should know your device’s IP address –

• Connectivity

When you want to connect wirelessly with devices, then it is vital to know your IP address for the router. An IP address can help you to control the router without having to use wires remotely.

• Management

All the management tools for the router can be accessed when you have access to the IP address. The IP address, when typed in any browser connects you to the router’s network access management settings. With this, you can change the wireless settings like SSID and Wi-Fi password.

• Networking settings

Many time ISP providers require you to set up specific parameters for your internet connection. These parameters include DNS server, Subnet Mask, and default gateway addresses. When you directly add these parameters to your router, it becomes easier to access the internet.

How to find the IP address of your Router

Typically the IP address of a router should be printed at the back of the device. It is done to make Management Services easier. If you still can’t find the IP address then follow the given steps for Windows PC devices –

• Open up the command prompt on Windows PC.
• Type in the following command – ipconfig and press enter.
• Here you can find the IP address next to the default gateway parameter