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Setting up and securing a router: Fritz!Box and co.

Properties1
tagsglossar, netzwerk, sicherheit

2 min read

Setting up and securing a router: Fritz!Box and co.

In short: The router is the door to the home network; with a new password, current firmware, switched-off WPS and remote access and a guest Wi-Fi you raise security considerably.

In more detail: All devices in the household hang on the router. Whoever takes it over sees the traffic and reaches every device. Default settings are convenient but not always secure. The steps apply similarly to Fritz!Box, Speedport, Telekom, Vodafone, 1&1 routers and others.

In Depth

First set-up

  1. Connect the router (cable/fibre/DSL as per provider instructions), switch on power.
  2. Open the interface via fritz.box or 192.168.178.1 (for other brands usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  3. Enter the provider’s access data (internet access).
  4. Set router password (interface) and Wi-Fi password individually, do not keep factory passwords unless unique.
  5. Wi-Fi name (SSID) without personal data (no names or address).

Security settings

  • Keep firmware current (enable automatic updates).
  • WPA3 or WPA2 with a long password; switch off WPS.
  • Access from the internet (remote maintenance, port forwards) only if needed; otherwise VPN (WireGuard in the Fritz!Box).
  • Check or disable UPnP, since it lets programs open ports automatically.
  • Guest Wi-Fi for visitors and smart-home devices.
  • Strong router password, two-factor for the interface if offered.
  • Remote access and MyFRITZ only with strong credentials.
  • Parental controls and time profiles as needed.

Useful features

Fixed IP addresses for devices (printer, NAS), choose DNS server (encrypted via DoT), view event log, home network overview (unknown devices), export settings backup, mesh with further Fritz!Boxes/repeaters, telephony and answering machine, energy-saving options.

If something does not work

  • No internet: check provider outage, access data, restart router and modem.
  • Slow: change channel, cable test, update firmware.
  • Forgotten access: factory settings (reset button, then set up everything anew, back up configuration beforehand).
  • Unknown devices on the network: change password, block device. With the router freedom law you may use your own router; the provider must hand over access data.

See also: Wi-Fi security, UPnP, WireGuard, DMZ and network segmentation