Having a bungalow seems appealing, but a superb internet connection makes it like a cherry on the top. Netgear range extenders allow you to have internet access throughout the home. However, sometimes, Netgear WiFi extenders fail to bring life to the WiFi dead zones in your home. Do you know why? The answer is simple, either the WiFi signals of your Netgear extender are getting interfered or your neighbors are leeching your WiFi. What is its solution? Well, that is why we have penned up this write-up. No matter which Netgear extender you own, we’ve got you covered. Here, we will reveal the various ideas that will prevent your neighbor from leeching your Netgear WiFi network. Continue reading.
The Best Tips to Cut Off WiFi Leeches
Well, cutting off the WiFi leeches is not much difficult as it sounds. Because you can prevent your Netgear range extender’s from being accessed by unauthorized users by implementing the following hacks:
1. Move Your Extender
Unlock your mobile phone, turn on WiFi, and check your network list. Are you able to see the WiFi network of your neighbor? Well, there might be a similar situation with your neighbour too. It might slow down your WiFi performance because of the interruption caused by your neighbor’s network. In that scenario, consider relocating your Netgear extender.
While relocating the extender, select the central location in your home. In this way, your extender will equally transmit WiFi signals throughout the home. And, doing so will automatically vanish your extender’s WiFi name from the neighbor’s network list. So, relocating the extender isn’t a good idea?
2. Set a Strong WiFi Password
On the off chance, your extender’s network name is still available on your neighbor’s network list, you can prevent your WiFi from being leeched by setting a strong password. Needless to say that your Netgear extender’s WiFi password is a gateway to access your extender’s internet connection. Thus, the WiFi password needs to be as strong as possible.
You can change the WiFi password of your extender by accessing the Netgear Genie setup wizard. All you need to do is navigate to the Wireless Settings of your extender and change the WiFi password.
3. Hide the SSID
If you are a novice, then, first of all, get acquainted with the term SSID. SSID is an abbreviation given to Service Set Identifier. It is also known as the network name of the Netgear extender. It is the SSID of the extender that allows users to connect to the extender’s network. Now, imagine the SSID of your Netgear extender gets completely vanished from all network lists? Sounds exciting?
Hiding the SSID is an excellent method to prevent your WiFi network from being leeched. If one cannot see it, then how will he connect to your extender’s WiFi. To hide the SSID of your Netgear range extender, access mywifiext.net, log in to your device, and disable SSID broadcast after reaching the Wireless Settings section.
4. Update the Firmware
Come on! Don’t act like you don’t know that performing firmware update adds security features to your device. Updating the firmware not only adds security features but also smoothens the extender’s performance. Thus, keep your extender updated so that it can always deliver top-notch performance.
For your ease, we have summed up the Netgear extender firmware update process in a few simple steps given below:
- Plug your Netgear extender into a working wall outlet near your router and switch it on.
- Don’t forget to create a connection between the extender and router.
- Get access to a PC and visit www.mywifiext.net on an updated web browser.
- Perform Netgear extender login using default admin details.
- The moment you see the Netgear WiFi extender setup wizard, select Settings > Maintenance.
- Click the Firmware Update option and let your extender detect a new firmware version.
- Once you get notified about the new firmware version, update the extender by following the on-screen instructions.
In this way, you can update the firmware of your range extender and introduce new security features.
Bonus! You can also prevent unauthorized users from leeching your Netgear extender’s WiFi network by enabling MAC Filtering. This feature allows you to block certain WiFi-enabled devices connected to your extender’s network.
Final Words
Even the best-performing WiFi extenders fail to work efficiently if their network is getting leeched by unauthorized users. Fortunately, Netgear extenders can be secured from being accessed by leeches with the help of certain hacks. Follow the guidelines mentioned in this write-up and have an amazing digital journey with your Netgear range extender.
