Have a read of Things to consider when setting up the best Wireless network before you reconfigure your router.

Now you have read through that and your router is the best possible location and all steps taken to mitigate impacting factors but you're still experiencing problems try reading through the below to get an understanding of how to optimise your Wi-Fi routers configuration.

What is important to understand

Band: Is a specific range of frequencies, each frequency will have different range and performance. An example of a Band is 2.4GHz or 5GHz.

Channel: Slices of the frequencies spectrum, channels can overlap, always try to select a channel which has less access points configured to it, the less access point within a channel the better for your Wi-Fi performance will be.

MHz: Increasing the MHz will generally not improve the speed of your Wi-Fi network but allow for greater signal strength.

Unfortunately, increasing the Mhz often leads to greater interference as the signal gets spread across more channels within the Wi-Fi band.

You need your Wi-Fi signal be as isolated as possible, spreading your Wi-Fi signal across more channels is not good idea when there are a lot of other Wi-Fi access points in your area.

When using 2.4GHz we recommended leaving the MHz to 20.

2.4GHz: The entire 2.4GHz spectrum is 100MHz wide, there are a total of 13 channels and adjacent channels will overlap and interfere with each other. 2.4Ghz has 3 non-overlapping channels 1, 6 and 11. 2.4GHz has a greater range than 5Ghz.

5GHz: For the best throughput using 5GHz use a device which can support 802.11AC.

20, 40 & 80Mhz are available, depending on the MHz you choose will determine how many overlapping channels there are and that can lead to interference.

Below is a graph relevant to our NF18AC router and the 5GHz band. You can see how increasing the MHz spreads the signal, any Access points which are configured to channels falling within that MHz spectrum will also broadcast data leading to interference.

Channel 165 is not available. See how the MHz setting overlaps.

Device compatibility your wireless device will need to be compatible with the Band you want to connect too, some older devices will not be able to use 5GHz has it has limited compatibility, devices that can use the below standards only.

• 802.11a
• 802.11n
• 802.11ac

How to select the best channel.

For the most part allow your router to determine the best channel by select AUTO under the channel configuration maybe enough but if you would like to optimise then you’ll need to download a Wi-Fi analyser to your mobile device. Slingshot does not support these applications.

Go to Google play or OS X store to download a Wi-Fi analyser to your mobile device, Run the application and decide the best channel for your access point.

Try another mobile device application called Wi-Fi SweetSpots to help determine the signal reach of your Wi-Fi access point throughout your home.

Ways to boost your Wi-Fi signal.

• A Wi-Fi mesh network
• Wi-Fi Extenders/Repeater/Expander
• Wi-Fi amplifier
• Minimise interference
• Firmware version
• Power cycle your router (doing this from time to time can help).

Need further help? Use our contact form

This guide looks at exploring the modem Wi-Fi setup for the Netcomm NF18 modem. With the Netcomm NF18 modem, we provide two simple methods to setup your Wi-Fi.

Method 1: Slingshot My Account

1. Login to your Slingshot My Account. If you do not know your password, you can click the ‘Forgot Your Password’ link near the bottom of the page.

2. Once you are logged in, select ‘My WiFi’ from the top.

3. Enter your desired Wi-Fi network name in the 'Wireless Network Name' field and password in the 'Wireless Network Password' section. We recommend ensuring your password is 8 characters long with 1 capital letter and 1 number, to make it secure.

4. Click 'Save Changes' and you will receive confirmation of the changes you have made.

Method 2: Modem Interface

1. Firstly, connect your modem to your computer using an Ethernet cable as shown below. The Ethernet cable will go from one of the yellow Lan ports of the modem to the ethernet plug on your computer.

2. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari) and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1, then press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard.

3. A box will appear requesting a Username and Password. You will be able to find the login information on the bottom of your modem labelled as 'Gateway Login Details'. 

4. Select ‘Wireless’ and choose ‘2.4 GHz’ from the selection below.

5. Ensure ‘Enable Wireless’ is ticked and enter your preferred Wi-Fi network name in the ‘SSID’ field. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to save your changes.

6. Select ‘Security’ in the ‘2.4 GHz’ section on the left under ‘2.4 GHz’. In the WPA/WAPI Passphrase section, enter your preferred Wi-Fi password and click 'Apply/Save'.

7. Complete steps 4 through 6 for the ‘5 GHz’ option as well. Ensure your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password are identical to what you selected for the ‘2.4 GHz’ option. Your device will automatically connect to the most appropriate network.

This guide looks at exploring the modem Wi-Fi setup for the Netcomm NB604N modem. We have also presented an audio version of the instructions to assist you in your Wi-Fi Setup below. 

Wi-Fi Setup Method

1. Firstly, connect your modem to your computer using an Ethernet cable as shown below. The Ethernet cable will go from one of the yellow LAN ports of the modem to the ethernet plug on your computer.

2. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari) and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1, then press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard.

3. A box will appear requesting a Username and Password. Try the details below:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin

If admin does not work as the password, please try the last 6 characters of your MAC address. This information is located on the bottom of your modem.

4. Once logged in click ‘Wireless' on the left.

5. Ensure ‘Enable Wireless’ is ticked and enter your preferred Wi-Fi network name in the ‘SSID’ field. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to save your changes.

6. Choose ‘Security’ under the ‘Wireless’ section. Select Network Authentication type as ‘WPA2-PSK’ and enter your desired Wi-Fi password in the WPA/WAPI passphrase section. Ensure your password is secure and at least 8 characters long. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to finish your Wi-Fi setup.

This guide looks at exploring the modem Wi-Fi setup for the Netcomm NF4V modem. We have also presented an audio version of the instructions to assist you in your Wi-Fi Setup below. 

Wi-Fi Setup Method

1. Firstly, connect your modem to your computer using an Ethernet cable as shown below. The Ethernet cable will go from one of the yellow LAN ports of the modem to the ethernet plug on your computer.

2. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari) and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1, then press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard.

3. A box will appear requesting a Username and Password. Try the details below:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin

If admin does not work as the password, please try the last 6 characters of your MAC address. This information is located on the bottom of your modem.

4. Once logged in click ‘Wireless' on the left.

5. Ensure ‘Enable Wireless’ is ticked and enter your preferred Wi-Fi network name in the ‘SSID’ field. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to save your changes.

6. Choose ‘Security’ under the ‘Wireless’ section. Select Network Authentication type as ‘WPA2-PSK’ and enter your desired Wi-Fi password in the WPA/WAPI passphrase section. Ensure your password is secure and at least 8 characters long. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to finish your Wi-Fi setup.

Netcomm NF18 Wi-Fi Setup

This guide looks at exploring the modem Wi-Fi setup for the Netcomm NF18 modem. With the Netcomm NF18 modem, we provide two simple methods to setup your Wi-Fi.

Method 1: Slingshot My Account

1. If you're using the NF18 you can set up your wireless via MyAccount. To read more about this click here.

Method 2: Through the modem

1. Firstly, connect your modem to your computer using an Ethernet cable as shown below. The Ethernet cable will go from one of the yellow LAN ports of the modem to the ethernet plug on your computer.
   
2. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari) and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1, then press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard.

3. A box will appear requesting a Username and Password. Try the details below:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin

If admin does not work as the password, please try the last 6 characters of your MAC address. This information is located on the bottom of your modem.

4. Select ‘Wireless’ and choose ‘2.4 GHz’ from the selection below.
   
5. Ensure ‘Enable Wireless’ is ticked and enter your preferred Wi-Fi network name in the ‘SSID’ field. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to save your changes.
   
6. Select ‘Security’ in the ‘2.4 GHz’ section on the left under ‘2.4 GHz’. In the WPA/WAPI Passphrase section, enter your preferred Wi-Fi password.
   
7. Complete steps 4 through 6 for the ‘5 GHz’ option as well. Ensure your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password are identical to what you selected for the ‘2.4 GHz’ option. Your device will automatically connect to the most appropriate network.

Connecting your iPad to your wireless network for the first time is a straightforward process.

Step-by-step guide 

1. Open Settings (the cog icon) 
2. In the top of the navigation menu will be the option "Wi-Fi". Press this.
3. A new screen will slide in from the right, showing a list of available wireless networks. Press the name of your network, and enter the password when requested.
   
4. Underneath the Wi-Fi heading on the right of the screen, you should see your wireless network with a blue tick. This means that you're connected!

If you need further assistance, please see the Apple Support site.

Wireless is a popular option for end users due to portability and convenience however it’s not designed for performance.

To create a good wireless network there are many things to consider when setting up your wireless access point to help minimize degraded wireless service.

Below is a list of considerations:

1. Distance to the wireless access point is a critical factor to the wireless performance, the closer you are the better it will perform.
2. Position, it is best to have your router placed up high and centralised in the home.
3. Devices, using a modern device which is reputable is highly likely going to out preform cheap no brand devices. The device specification is critical to your end experience being positive. Older devices can cause your wireless access point to slow down for every device.
4. Other access points, if you live in an apartment with lots of other access point around you it may make it difficult for you to use your wireless smoothly due to the wireless network noise.
5. Building material, if you home is made of concrete or brick it may cause the wireless not to travel well, you may need to consider other hardware options to help meet your needs i.e. Ethernet patching and powerline adapters.
6. Number of users, understand your bandwidth needs, the capacity of your wireless access point and the activity of the wireless users – this should help you understand how to design your wireless access points.
7. Save your bandwidth, if you have a ethernet capable devices then it’s recommended to connect them via ethernet to help free up the available wireless bandwidth i.e. smart televisions, gaming consoles and PCs. Leave the wireless for your mobile devices if possible.

• In order to set up your wireless network, you need to be either connected to the wireless network, or be connected to the modem via Ethernet cable.
• In a web browser go enter https://192.168.178.1 into the URL bar to access the modem's interface.
• It will now prompt you to enter a password. Please set up a desired password. You can choose a secure password from a combination of lower & upper-case alphabets with numbers & special characters.
• From the left-hand menu select Wireless, and then Radio Network
• Scroll Down and you'll notice two frequency band, 2.4 GHz and 5GHz.
• Under SSID of each band enter the new name that you'd like for your modem's wireless network.
• please click "Apply" button located at the bottom of the page.
• TIP - You can add 2.4 or 5 at the end of respective network's SSID so that you know which frequency you are connecting to.
• Then go to “Security” option under Wireless.
• Select WPA Mode as WPA2 (CCMP)
• Choose a Network Key – This is your Wi-Fi password. To ensure a secure password please type password of minimum 8 characters long.
• Click Apply/Save at the bottom of the page.

You should now be able to connect to your wireless network. Open your device's wireless settings, look for the network name (SSID) you entered earlier, and when prompted enter your newly created password.

Apple recommends that you use channels that are available for use in your country. In New Zealand, these channels are 1-11 for a standard 2.4 Ghz wireless connection with the bandwidth setting of 20 Mhz.

For a 5 Ghz wireless connection it is best to leave the channel selection on your wireless router to Auto.

Your wireless range and performance will vary from house to house and from environment to environment.

It is dependent on several factors, such as the layout of your house, obstructions, height and age of your router as well as if other routers and access points are visible in the area.

In ideal situations for older wireless networks on the 2.4 GHz Radio this can be anywhere between 25m to 50m, obstructions such as brick or concrete walls, piping, electrical wires, hot water cylinders, fridges, microwaves and other wireless routers can reduce your wireless coverage, resulting in slow or poor signal strength.

For newer networks on 5GHz Radios or Wireless AC this can be shorter, however it’s speed will be greater than if you were on a 2.4 GHz connection.

To help address some of these issues we recommend trying to position your router somewhere close to the middle of your house in an open area at about waist height, if you have multiple floors then we recommend placing the router somewhere on the bottom most floor for the most coverage upstairs.

If you find that you are still having wireless issues then we suggest looking into either getting a wireless extender, which works with your wireless connection to repeat it in another area of your house or investing in a Mesh Network which works independently of your wireless network however it would provide the best coverage and control of your home network.

A Wifi standard is an approved method to transmit data, both the receiver and the sender will need to communicate using the same standard otherwise communication is lost.

Older standards will not be able to broadcast and receive as well as new standards due to being developed for the available technology at the time and most older standards have now been retired from the market due to their redundancy.

Standards can have different pros and cons like one is good for long range and others offer higher bandwidth at close range.

Below are two examples of modern IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 Standards available in the Market.

802.11n - Maximum theoretical throughput up to 300Mbps and with a range up to 54 metres, can be affected by building material, other access points, number of wireless clients.

802.11ac – maximum theoretical throughput up to 1300Mbps and is backwards compatible to other standards 802.11b/g/n. Range is up to 51 metres, however it broadcasts at 5Ghz which is a long wave length and any sort of interference will be noticed and drop the performance significantly, for best performance it is preferred to be near the router with no walls between you and the router.

All standards will only preform as well as the hardware it is hosted on.

A Mesh wireless network is a series of wireless radios and nodes that communicate with each other, think of it as multiple wireless routers all working together to help provide greater coverage in your home.

A Mesh WIFI network is a great alternative to setting up a Wireless extender if you want to expand your wireless network to avoid any dead spots, unlike with wireless extenders it also helps increase your wireless speeds too.

Mesh WIFI networks works alongside and separately from your home router so this would mean that you would need to invest into your own third-party equipment.

So you've just got your brand new Pendo tablet and are wanting to get online? Well you've come to the right place!

• Chose your language

• Skip the "Activating cellular service" step (this model does not support it)

• Chose the wireless network you want to connect to

• Enter in your wireless password

• The Pendo will then check the connection. This can sometimes take up to a minute

• Once this has completed you'll be asked to enter your Google details. You'll need to do this to get access to the Android app store

• You'll then be prompted to back up your information to your Google account. This is totally up to you, you can untick things if it doesn't sound like something you're interested in.

• That's it, you're all done! You should now see a welcome screen like this: