How to configure an asus router and not die trying

The home routers that ASUS manufactures are very popular for good reason: they are fast, very powerful, highly configurable, and great value for money. With this guide you will learn everything you need to do to your router without being a network expert.

Prepared? Well here we go!

This article will show you how to complete the basic setup of an ASUS wireless router, including the physical connection and the wireless setup. The steps and screenshots can be used for most ASUS wireless routers; however, the location of the physical connections may be different depending on the model of your router.

The router used in this guide is ASUS RT-AC88U. In case you have fiber optics, we recommend you follow our guide on how to configure an Asus router with movistar.

Index of contents

How to configure an Asus Router and "don't die trying"

The first thing we must do is connect the antennas. By having one of the company's range stops, we will install a total of 4 antennas. Its assembly is so simple that we only have to screw each of them into the connector. Look how good it looks!

It's time to connect all the wiring! In a basic configuration we will need a total of three cables to start it up:

• Connect an Ethernet cable from your cable / DSL / Fiber or ONT modem to the WAN port of your ASUS router; labeled with a globe with a ring around it (this port is blue). Connect another Ethernet cable from your PC to any of the router's LAN ports; marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 (these ports have a yellow label underneath).Finally connect the power cord to the wall outlet.

Once everything is connected, press the power button on the back of the router (shown in black) next to the power. With our PC on, we will press the Windows key + R to open the option to run and write CMD to launch the Windows console.

To know the IP of our router, we will launch the following command:

ipconfig

And you should type something like this:

Ethernet adapter Ethernet: Specific DNS suffix for the connection..: Link: local IPv6 address…: xe80:: 1812: 58ga: 677c: 5f41% 2 IPv4 address…………..: 192.168.1.113 Subnet mask…………: 255.255.255.0 Default gateway…..: 192.168.1.1

Do we have to keep the data of “Default gateway” ? That is, with the numbering next to it: the IP address " 192.168.1.1". Knowing it we will have access to our new router and thus proceed with the installation! Now we just have to type in the address bar of our browser: http://192.168.1.1 and press ENTER.

The initial configuration page will open, where you will have to click on the “ Create a New Network ” button.

The first step is to assign a name to your Wifi. In our case we have chosen PRO-REV (You can put what you want) and a strong password (uppercase, lowercase letters, insert numbers and symbols). We have also chosen the option "Separate the 2.4 GHz network from 5 GHz", although this is already to the consumer's liking.

The next screen requires us to insert an administrator username and password. These data will be used to adjust the router settings and will be requested every time you try to enter the central panel. So be sure to correct this information and keep it in a safe place.

Asus usually releases enough updates to improve its firmware and have a 100% stable and protected network. In our case, it reminded us that there was a new firmware and we proceeded to update it… This process takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Once finished, a screen like this will appear:

We will insert our user (admin) and the password that we selected in the last step. And it will allow us to enter the central panel of the router (firmware). Do you see how easy it is to install an Asus router? Now we will enter how to configure it step by step!

Configuring the firmware

When you're new to tech, you may feel like you've stumbled across a conversation where everyone already knows what they're talking about, and even after you've gotten into the tech world, it may seem impossible to keep up. up to date with all the jargon and unknown acronyms s.

Are you sick of searching your phone frantically for different technological terms in the Google search engine? Well, there is no need for you to worry.

Sometimes a short, simple explanation is all you need to understand a new concept, and that's exactly what we have here: simple, jargon-free definitions of fundamental terms in Spanish that you'll need to know as you advance in technology.

What is a network map

Network mapping is a process used to discover and visualize physical and virtual network connectivity through a group of interrelated tasks that facilitate the creation of a network map, including network and flow diagrams, topology detection, and inventory of devices. It is geared towards creating visual aids and materials that can be used for a wide range of purposes, especially for network maintenance.

A network map is a visualization of the devices on a network, their interrelationships, and the transport layers that network services provide. Practically, a network map is a tool to provide network users, managers and administrators, as well as IT staff, with a better understanding of network performance, especially with regard to data bottlenecks. and the analysis of the associated root cause.

The network map allows you to quickly see what your public IP is, the clients connected, if there is a MESH node made, USB devices and the MAC addresses of your router. Very useful!

There are three techniques for producing a network map: SNMP-based approaches, active probing, and route analysis.

• Simple network management protocol (SNMP) maps: These maps obtain data from routers and MIB switches (information management databases), which are hierarchical virtual databases on a network. Active Polling: These maps are created with data from a series of “traceroute-type probe packets, ” that is, special data frames or packets, that report the IP router and switch forwarding routes to the destination address. Route analysis: This approach uses routing protocol data to create a network map through passive listening of layer 3 protocol exchanges between routers.

Because it has become a study in the broader field of computing, network mapping continues to gain in importance with the emergence of complex and dynamic networks, globalization, and cloud computing.

Network mapping allows network administrators to view and break complex networks down into smaller chunks, allowing you to analyze and view the network, check for connection errors, and obtain details that make it easy to analyze the root cause of a problem. This is useful for network providers and internet service providers (ISPs), as well as for anyone operating a large and complex network.

What are 2.4 and 5 GHz wireless connections?

If you are looking to replace your old router (perhaps even upgrade it from your ISP's combined modem / router unit) you can find terms like “dual band” which refers to a router that uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

The main differences between the two frequencies are the range (coverage) and the bandwidth (speed) that the bands provide. The 2.4 GHz band provides longer range coverage but transmits data at slower speeds. The 5 GHz band provides less coverage but transmits data at faster speeds.

The range is lower in the 5 GHz band because the higher frequencies cannot penetrate solid objects, such as walls and floors. However, higher frequencies allow data to be transmitted faster than lower frequencies, making the 5 GHz band faster to upload and download files.

Your WiFi connection in a certain frequency band may also be faster or slower due to interference from other devices. Many WiFi technologies and other home devices use the 2.4 GHz band, including microwaves and garage door openers. When multiple devices try to use the same radio space, an overcrowding occurs.

The 5 GHz band tends to have less over-population than the 2.4 GHz band because fewer devices use it and because it has 23 channels for them to use, while the 2.4 GHz band has only 11 channels. The number of channels available depends on the regulatory domain. If you are experiencing a lot of interference from other devices, consider using the 5 GHz band. Ideally, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi will support up to 450 Mbps or 600 Mbps, depending on the class of the router. A 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection will support up to 1300 Mbps.

So what do I configure in the wireless section? We are going to select the following parameters:

• We disable the Smart Connect option (optional), although if you want the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band to share the same SSID (The name of the wifi point), leave it active. If not, it will appear like us: PRO-REV (using the 2.4 GHz band) and PRO-REV5 (referring to it working at 5 GHz). SSID Name: We put the name as we want to call our wifi. Do I hide the SSID? If the router is intended for a company it may be interesting to hide the wifi, but if it is for domestic use we recommend leaving it active (for convenience). Authentication and encryption: we must always set the WPA2 and AES options. In this way we will be more secure, remember that WEP encryption is quite easy to skip and WPA2 costs "a little more".

What is WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and how it works

If you have configured a wireless router on your own, surely you have come across the term WPS in the configuration menu, or you have seen a button marked WPS next to all the ethernet ports on the back of the router.

WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It is a wireless network security standard that tries to make connections between a router and wireless devices faster and easier. WPS works only for wireless networks that use an encrypted password with the WPA or WPA2 personal security protocols.

This does not work on wireless networks that use outdated WEP security, which can be easily decrypted by any hacker with a basic set of tools and skills. In a standard configuration, you cannot connect a wireless device to a wireless network unless the network name (also called SSID) and its password (also called the WPA-PSK key) are known.

Always disable the WPS option on your router. Is it recommended for security?

Now suppose you want to connect a device, such as your smartphone, to the wireless network. On the device, you must first choose the network you want to connect to and enter the security password. Without performing both steps, you will not be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Almost all modern routers have WPS support. On many routers, WPS is enabled by default. Manual activation of WPS is done through the router's firmware and administration interface, or via a WPS button.

What is WDS (Wireless Distribution System) and how it works

A WDS (Wireless Distribution System) expands a wireless network through multiple access points. A wireless base station connects to the internet, can have wired and wireless clients, and sends its wireless signal to an access point that serves as a wireless repeater.

A wireless repeater can also have both wired and wireless clients, but connects to the internet through the wireless base station.

The router is always in dual-band concurrent mode, unless you turn off a radio. If you enable the wireless repeater on any one radio band, the wireless base station or wireless repeater cannot be enabled on the other radio band. However, if you enable the wireless base station on either radio band and use the other radio band as a wireless router or wireless base station, the dual-band concurrent mode will not be affected.

LAN connection

In this section we will move into two sections: LAN IP Address and DHCP Server . In the first one it allows us to assign an IP address to our router (gateway for the rest of the PC) 192.168.1.1 or in our case 10.20.30.1 (hobbies of me and my colleague IGB) and the mask of the subnet 255.255.255.0.

The DHCP protocol is in charge of distributing the IPs to the devices that connect to our router, be it Wifi or cable. We recommend leaving it on and keeping the factory settings. Although it may be interesting to put the starting IP and a possible ending IP, to leave restricted IPs for servers, access points or NAS devices. It is also interesting to know that through the MAC address of a PC we can assign an IP forever. This is super useful, to have a team 100% located with that address.

What is a WAN connection

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a geographically distributed private telecommunications network that interconnects multiple Local Area Networks (LAN). In a company, a WAN can be used to connect to headquarters, branches, cloud services, and other facilities.

Usually, a router or other multifunction device is used in order to make the connection between a LAN and a WAN. Enterprise WANs enable people to share access to centralized services, applications, and other resources, making it unnecessary to install the same application server, firewall, or other resource in multiple locations, for example.

What is a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

A demilitarized zone (DMZ) refers to a host or network that acts as a secure intermediate network or route between an organization's internal network and the external network, or not its own.

It also serves as a front-line network that interacts directly with external networks while logically separating it from the internal network.

A demilitarized zone can also be known as a perimeter network. A DMZ is implemented primarily to secure an internal network against interaction with nodes, external networks, their exploitation and access. The DMZ can be a logical sub-network or a physical network that acts as a secure bridge between an internal and external network.

A DMZ network has limited access to the internal network, and all of its communication is scanned into a firewall before being transferred internally. If an attacker tries to breach or attack an organization's network, a successful attempt will only affect the DMZ network, not the core network behind it.

What is a DDNS

DDNS stands for Dynamic DNS, or more specifically: "Dynamic Domain Name System ". It is a service that assigns internet domain names to IP addresses. A DDNS service allows you to access your home computer from anywhere in the world.

DDNS has a purpose similar to that of the Internet Domain Name System (DNS), as it allows anyone who hosts a web or FTP server to announce a public name to potential users.

However, unlike DNS which only works with static IP addresses, DDNS is designed to also support dynamic (changing) IP addresses, such as those assigned by a DHCP server. This makes DDNS suitable for home networks, which normally receive dynamic public IP addresses from the internet provider.

What is a VPN

You can get more anonymity, privacy and security online by using a VPN before doing anything online.

Who does not like the internet? Provide information, answers, entertainment and connections in seconds. From anywhere and at any time from our desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets. But the internet is not perfect. It has some built-in flaws that make you vulnerable when you are online. But a VPN can be the solution to such problem.

• A VPN is a service that you hire online for a small monthly fee. Once you have an account, your VPN service should be “activated” when you are online. A VPN, in action, takes your internet connection and makes it more secure, helps you to remain anonymous and helps you to avoid blockages and access to censored sites.The key to a VPN is that it lends you a temporary IP address and hides your true IP address from every website or email you connect to.

It is virtual because it is as if you had a private connection directly to any website or other computer to which you connect. It is private because all your visits to its website and online activity is between you and the websites you visit. And it is a network because you are using a special network of VPN servers that covers the whole world.

What is a firewall

Firewalls are the primary perimeter defense for most organizations, and have become almost ubiquitous in companies because of their proven defense against an ever-increasing range of threats.

Firewalls act as a perimeter defense tool that monitors traffic, allowing access or blocking it. Over the years, the functionality of firewalls has increased and most now can not only block a set of known threats and apply advanced access control list policies, but can also inspect individual traffic packets in depth and test packets for determine if they are safe.

AiMESH: connect multiple routers to expand the coverage of your network

With AiMesh you can unify your Wi-Fi networks if you have two or more Asus routers. Don't you know what Mesh Netwrok are ? We recommend that you read our tutorial.

As we explained in the previous paragraph, its main function is to merge the different compatible Asus routers and so that Wifi coverage arrives throughout your home or office. This technology will help us not to have to change the SSID (now we already know what it is), to have the minimum loss of coverage (since it covers the entire space of the rooms, or at least I try) and especially without those few seconds it takes to switch between access points . This is ideal for getting the most out of smartphone games like Clash Royale.

How to configure AiMesh on my router?

Asus leaves us an explanatory video on how to do it step by step. It lasts just 3 minutes but it is really easy to install. If you need help, do you know that you can ask us?

Data to take into account

We also want to leave you several tips to keep in mind when installing and maintaining your router at home.

Choose a suitable location

Choose a good location to start installing the router, such as a free space or a table. This doesn't have to be the permanent location of the device - wireless routers sometimes need careful positioning and deployment in hard-to-reach places.

In the beginning, it is best to choose a location where it is easier to work with the router and worry about the final location later.

Update the router's MAC address

If you were using an older network router or other gateway device to connect to the internet previously, your provider may be tracking that MAC address and preventing it from connecting to the new router.

If your internet service has this restriction, you can (through the administrator console) update the router's MAC address with the MAC address of the device you were previously using to avoid having to wait for the internet provider to update its records.

Asus Special Technologies

• AiProtection: Asus and Trend Micro unite ties and create this protection to detect viruses, malicious software and intruders within your network. Having it activated is 100% recommended and it even allows us to have a parental control panel, ideal to keep the little ones at home protected. Adaptive QoS: Another super interesting application to monitor all the equipment on your network. It tells us what download / upload use they are making live, restricts line access to each device and allows us to have a web history of each connected client. We also recommend activating this option? Game Boost: Most gamers in the house will like to know that Asus routes prioritize games over other applications while you play. For this we have several super interesting technologies: Internet Game Boost (optimized by WTFast), LAN Boost (Monitor with Adaptive QoS) and Real Time Network (Security with Trent Micro) to activate and learn. AiCloud: Asus also online cloud system. By registering DDNS (which we have already seen) it allows us to access our disk or storage space in the cloud. Quite interesting!

Consider changing the network name (or also called SSID)

Routers come from the manufacturer with a chosen default name, but there are advantages to using a different name. Since many routers from other manufacturers are vulnerable and it is better to put a different SSID, this way we make things more difficult for users trying to open a gap in our network.

Keep your Asus router updated with the latest firmware

We always recommend updating the firmware of our devices and on routers it is essential . In this way we will always have it with the fewest bugs or serious security flaws.

To do it on our Asus router automatically, we must go to the Administration -> firmware update section and check for updates. If so, it will ask us to update and restart our router. It may take several minutes, so be patient.

With this we finish our guide on how to configure an Asus Router and not die trying. Hopefully you have learned everything you need to have your home network fully protected and that you now know what parameters you have touched and what it is for. What do you think of the guide? Do you want more of this style? We want to know your opinion!