The device everything passes through.
WHAT IT DOES
Connects your local network to your provider Assigns addresses to your devices Routes traffic between your network and the internet Usually provides wireless Usually provides a firewall
WHY IT MATTERS
Everything passes through it.
Its performance and configuration affect every device.
WHAT TO CHECK
Whether firmware updates are applied How many devices are connected Whether it is positioned well for wireless Whether it is overheating or aged
THE AGE POINT
Routers degrade and older models struggle with modern device counts.
A router several years old is a common and unsuspected cause of poor performance.
WHAT TO CONFIGURE
A changed administrative password Current wireless encryption Guest network separation
WHAT NOT TO ENABLE
Features you do not use Remote administration, unless necessary
WHAT TO RESTART WHEN THINGS ARE ODD
The router, before changing anything.
Many intermittent problems clear with a restart.
