The router is the very heart of home digital networking. Ultimately, it is the hub via which all Internet-enabled devices such as computers, smart TVs or smart home controls communicate, connecting the devices to one another and to the internet. This is why it is so important to ensure that your router is fully protected. Full protection in this sense means providing the basic protection that is always required as well as setting up a specific configuration for the router and operating the (W)LAN securely.

Connecting to the Internet at home: Lock your digital doors

A home network will either be LAN (Local Area Network) or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), where the first relies on a network cable and the second does not require one. LANs are used more frequently for company networks, since LAN connections are designed to carry very large volumes of data across long distances and are therefore more stable. Plus the required infrastructure is often already in place. If businesses use WLANs, it can be difficult to reach all workstations, particularly in buildings with a large footprint or multiple floors. Powerful WLAN routers and signal-amplifying WLAN repeaters can be installed to counteract these drawbacks; they are much more flexible than a network cable and are becoming a more and more attractive option. In future, a blanket 5G network could handle all of business's Internet needs.

The default networks found in our homes today are WLANs. This is because it is impractical to install a network cable for most Internet-enabled devices in a home environment. When setting up a WLAN, it is important to make sure the router is configured securely. It is also essential to properly protect every device located in the network. See the menu options below for our tips on setting up your smart home and what you should bear in mind even before you buy devices that will connect to the Internet of Things.

Special case: Public WLAN/Wi-Fi

If you are using a public WLAN, e.g. in a café or at the train station, you should avoid doing any banking or sharing sensitive data. These networks are often used by a huge number of people and the data transferred over them is not adequately protected. Plus strangers could easily look over your shoulder and steal your data that way. It is better to wait until you and your device are back on a trustworthy network.

Protecting your privacy with a VPN

As well as offering encrypted data transmission, the other big advantage of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is that it better protects your privacy on the Internet. See the menu options below for information on how exactly a VPN works, how you set one up and a range of other hints and tips on setting up a WLAN and router securely.