DEFINITION OF A ROUTER
A router is hardware device designed to receive, analyze and move incoming packets to another network It may also be used to convert the packets to another network interface, drop them, and perform other actions relating to a network. The picture shows the Linksys BEFSR11 wireless router and is what many home routers resemble.
FIRMWARE DEFINITION
Firmware is a software program or set of instructions programmed on a hardware device. It provides the necessary instructions for how the device communicates with the other computer hardware. But how can software be programmed onto hardware? Good question. Firmware is typically stored in the flash ROM of a hardware device. While ROM is “read-only memory,” flash ROM can be erased and rewritten because it is actually a type of Flash Memory.
Firmware can be thought of as “semi-permanent” since it remains the same unless it is updated by a firmware updater. You may need to update the firmware of certain devices, such as hard drives and video cards in order for them to work with a new operating system. CD and DVD drive manufacturers often make firmware updates available that allow the drives to read faster media. Sometimes manufacturers release firmware updates that simply make their devices work more efficiently.
You can usually find firmware updates by going to the “Support” or “Downloads” area of a manufacturer’s website. Keeping your firmware up-to-date is often not necessary, but it is still a good idea. Just make sure that once you start a firmware updater, you let the update finish, because most devices will not function if their firmware is not recognized
How to Update Your Router’s Firmware
Your router is like a gate that protects all your WiFi your devices from hackers. However, your router can’t block new threats unless you keep its firmware up to date. Here’s how to update your router to enhance the performance of all your devices and improve your home security.
How to Update Your Router
To update your router’s firmware, type your router’s IP address into your web browser and enter your login information. Then locate the Firmware or Update section and download the latest firmware update on your router manufacturer’s website. Finally, upload the update and reboot the router. Thats all the firmware will be updated
Note: Your computer must be connected to your router’s network. You won’t be able to access your router’s settings if you are outside of your router’s WiFi network.
We have to mention that the firmware update process can sometimes fail, and if that happens, you need to reset your router. To do that, log in to your router and locate the Factory Defaults section.
Click the Restore button and wait while your router resets. If you can’t access your router, you can also reset it by holding the Reset button on the router.Ad
This button is usually located on the back, and you just need to press and hold it for ten or more seconds to reset the router. After your router resets, you’ll need to configure your settings and wireless networks again.
We have to mention that some routers can perform firmware updates automatically, so you don’t have to download any updates or install them manually.
Routers That Do It for You
There is, however, an alternative—you can replace your router. A number of models now on the market—including the Linksys AC2600 atop our ratings —remedy the situation with automatic updates. Shah says that from 2017 onward, Netgear routers have had the automatic update function built in. Fearn Google Wifiand Luma also take care of updates without the user being involved. “When it comes to security, if you have static software running a device, chances are the device will be insecure,” Eero CEO and co-founder Nick Weaver says.
That feature could become increasingly important as the number of internet connected devices on home networks increases—along with the data they collect. According to Gartner, a technology research and advisory firm, nearly 20 billion internet-connected devices will be online by 2020—nearly 2.5 times more units than last year.
In response to the growing threats, router manufacturers have begun partnering with security firms to offer malware protection and other services through their products. During the annual Consumer Electronics Show in January, D-Link and Netgear announced new relationships with McAfee and Bitdefender
BENEFITS OF UPDATING YOUR ROUTER’S FIRMWARE
NETGEAR recommends that you update the firmware on your NETGEAR products whenever new firmware becomes available. New firmware often fixes bugs, contains new features, and protects you from security vulnerabilities. Some products can regularly check for new firmware and download it, or you can check for new firmware and download it manually. You can download new firmware at downloadcenter.netgear.com.
