"I recently found out that my neighbor’s son has been accessing my router via Wi-Fi. I'm sure this has had an effect on the speed -- sometimes it's so slow that I just quit messing with it. His mother has also told me he plays games, etc. while using MY router. I have the fastest DSL speed available, but at times, it’s as slow as dial-up or worse! Please help!!!" -- Cathy Jen
Wow, it can be so frustrating to find that your neighbor’s son has been surfing on YOUR net! Not only can some online gaming slow down your Internet speed, but less than reputable browsing habits and illegal downloading could potentially be traced back to the modem in your home. Let’s get that corrected!
Most residential routers have a built in web page to adjust settings. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1 and the login can be found by visiting the router manufacturer’s web site. Once you are in, you want to ensure that you accept any prompts to update the firmware. This will ensure that your router has the most current version of the internal software that makes your hardware work.
In your router’s wireless page, you can change several settings that will add to the security of the wireless network in your house. First, change the generic login to a unique username and password that only you know -- and don't share it with that youngster.
Next, choose a new name for your network, called the SSID. Then create an encryption password that's hard to guess. Using your phone number or dog’s name? Not a good idea. Choose one that mixes random numbers and letters, and use the highest encryption type that your wireless devices will allow. Save this setting, and then reconnect your wireless devices to the newly named network, using the newly created encryption.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/30/geek-squad-explains-neighbors-net/#ixzz1ILv15TyO
