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Always unsettled when preparing to set up routers and/or extenders

TheSandman
Tutor

Always unsettled when preparing to set up routers and/or extenders

I've always been anxious when I start setting up my home network. Especially when I start up and configure my router, extender, and verything else needed afterwards.

 

Since routers arrived 20 years ago, it always gives me a sense of unease when I open the browser and type in the router address... and the router HAS to be CONNECTED ONLINE... and the router address is http:// not https://

 

The past two days, I spent configuring my router and pairing my extender after some random strange breakdown... and I always believe computer/network breakdowns are never random, or they would be consistently defective.

 

And then there's the extender. When I try to link it to the router, I'm sending some unencrypted router passphrase over the ether; and I'm thinking it's like the first leap of faith, because existentially anyone can probably catch the code transmission.

 

OTH, I think I'm more impressed with the security that smart home devices seems to assure me. Its process akins to something like double authentication, with your phone location on, router info through your phone app... but most of all, the snapshot of the QR code... it's like the router from point A and the pairing device from point B both start off to meet mid-way. It gives me much more assurance of security than typing in something to transmit over short wave, like aimlessly shooting an arrow with a message in the air.

 

Anyone ever felt the same way?

 

Model: EX3700|AC750 WiFi Range Extender Essentials Edition
Message 1 of 4
antinode
Guru

Re: Always unsettled when preparing to set up routers and/or extenders

> [...] the router HAS to be CONNECTED ONLINE... and the router address
> is http:// not https://

 

   What, exactly, does "CONNECTED ONLINE" mean to you?  Connecting your
computer to your router or other gizmo of yours?

 

> [...] I'm sending some unencrypted router passphrase over the ether;
> [...]

 

   You're sending it across the room, not around the world.

 

      https://community.netgear.com/t5/x/x/m-p/2067794

 

> [...] but most of all, the snapshot of the QR code... [...]

 

   A QR code is tyically a machine-readable URL.  Which, because _you_
can't read it, _could_ send you to some unknown web site in the real
world.

 

> Anyone ever felt the same way?

 

   Sure.  Just as some people "feel" that vaccines cause various health
problems.  "Feelings" don't make it true.

 

   Or are you worried about the security of wireless networking itself,
which is unrelated to HTTP v. HTTPS?

Message 2 of 4
TheSandman
Tutor

Re: Always unsettled when preparing to set up routers and/or extenders

@antinode 

>   What, exactly, does "CONNECTED ONLINE" mean to you?  Connecting your
computer to your router or other gizmo of yours?

 

It means what it means. To set up any router, it has to be connected to an active modem.

 

>Or are you worried about the security of wireless networking itself,
which is unrelated to HTTP v. HTTPS?

 

Yes. At any given time or place, that some amateur experiments with $6 worth of random gadgets from Amazon and sees if s/he can really "grab" something, like how some YT video demonstrates.

Message 3 of 4
antinode
Guru

Re: Always unsettled when preparing to set up routers and/or extenders

> It means what it means. [...]

 

   Thanks for that thoughtful and profound explanation.  When you find a
statement which means something other than what it means, please be sure
to let me know.

 

> [...] To set up any router, it has to be connected to an active modem.

 

   Not really. If a working Internet connection were needed to
configure a router, then there'd be a serious chicken-egg problem
affecting the vast majority of Internet users.

 

> Yes. [...]

 

   Whatever you say.

Message 4 of 4
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