Your ParkerVision Router

The ParkerVision router you have at home is the reason you have access to the internet. Without it, you wouldn't be here, or able to browse Facebook, or play games online. You may have plugged your ParkerVision router into the wall and the internet from your ISP, and then settled with the basic network provided. However, if you have never gone into the router admin page, you are missing out on an enhanced internet experience.

Logging In To a ParkerVision Router

To get your router to run a peak efficiency, you need to be able to access your router admin page. You can do this by taking the below steps:

1. The first thing you need to do is connect your computer device up to your ParkerVision router. You can do this over Wi-Fi, though, a wired ethernet connection is better as it's more stable.
2. With your computer device connected, open up your internet browser of choice. Some popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari. With your browser open, enter your ParkerVision router's IP address into the search bar. If you don't know your ParkerVision router's IP address, you can often find it on the base of your router. Alternatively, you can search online for the IP address that comes with ParkerVision routers.
3. Once you search for your router's IP address, you will get taken to the login page of your router's admin menu. If you are accessing this menu for the first time, you may need to enter the username and password of your router. Again, you can find these details on the base of your router.

Configuring the ParkerVision Router

Once you have logged into your router, you will be able to start making changes to the settings of your choice. However, because there are so many options, you might not know where to start.

A popular choice for first-timers is to change the username and password of your router. The same one you entered earlier. Changing the login details is a great idea, as the default login details get listed on the ParkerVision website, so anyone can find them. And if anyone can log in to your router, anyone can change the settings. Changing the login details of your ParkerVision router is simple:

1. Use the above guide to access your routers admin interface.
2. Head to the general settings menu of your router.
3. It is here that you will find the Username and Password field. Type your desired details into this field.
4. Save your changes.

Another popular setting that people change is the details of the ParkerVision router's Wi-Fi network. You can change both the SSID or Wi-Fi network name and the password by following the below steps:

1. Use the above guide to access your routers admin interface.
2. Head to the wireless settings menu of your router.
3. Look for SSID, or Wi-Fi Network password, depending on what you want to change.
4. In the field next to the option you want, change the details to your preference.
5. Save your changes.

The above options are only basic, but a great place to start for someone looking to get comfortable with their router. Once you are comfortable, you can play with the more complicated systems of your router. No two routers are the same, and your ParkerVision router might be able to do more than another. Some examples of things you can change are the parental settings, VPN settings, and changing your Wi-Fi ports.

What Is A Router?

We all know that your ParkerVision router provides you access to the internet via its Wi-Fi network. That is true when explained simply, though the actual function of your ParkerVision router is more complex. You can think of your router as a gateway between your ISP and your computer devices. The internet comes via the ISP through a wired connection, such as a fiber optic cable. The internet providing cable then connects to the WAN port of your router. The router then takes the internet and broadcasts it over the Wi-Fi network. A router also has ethernet ports to allow computers to connect to the internet with a wired connection.

Your ParkerVision router distributes the internet by using its two IP addresses, the private IP address and the public IP address. The private IP address is the one mentioned above that you use to access your router's admin page. Computer devices use the private IP address to connect to the router, and then when the computer visits a website, it sends a data request over the network to that IP address. Each computer device also has a private IP address, which the router uses to send back the information it receives from the internet.

The router requests and receives information from the internet via its public IP address. The information request from the computer IP address goes to the router, and then the private IP address hands the request over to the public IP address. The router then sends the information request out to the public IP address of the website. The website receives that request gathers the information, and then sends it back to your router via the public IP address, which then gets passed to the private IP address, which then sends it back to the computer that made the request.

Your ParkerVision router is more than just a way for you to gain access to the internet. It is also a barrier against the many threats lurking on the internet. A ParkerVision router can do this with a firewall that will keep your computer devices safe. The security scheme of your router gets updated alongside your router, so you should always ensure your router's firmware is up to date.

What Else Can My Router Do?

People use the internet daily. It is part of our everyday lives though we wouldn't have such easy access without a router. However, do you know what else your ParkerVision router can do? Many routers, including those from ParkerVision, come with a variety of additional features. Some features you might find include:

Multiple Networks

Your ParkerVision router could be a dual-band or tri-band router. What that means is that the router provides two different networks, in the case of the dual-band router. A 2.4Ghz network that, despite being slower, is more compatible with a range of computer devices. The other 5Ghz band is faster, and less prone to traffic congestion, though it will have a shorter range and only works with newer devices. A tri-band router can have two 5Ghz bands and one 2.4Ghz band.

Parental Controls

Some routers come with firewalls that stop malware from getting into your network. However, what if someone using the network intentionally visits a website where viruses and other generally unwanted content can be found. You could be a business owner trying to stop your employees from getting distracted or a parent looking to protect your child from adult content. Either way, your router's parental controls can help you stay in control.

Network Storage

Your ParkerVision router may come with USB ports. If that is the case, these ports allow you to make use of network storage by connecting a USB drive or external hard drive into the port. The additional storage can then get accessed by computer devices using the router's Wi-Fi network. Pictures, documents, and music can all be shared via the network storage.

Traffic Control

Some computer devices, such as a laptop used for streaming or a games console playing games online, require a higher internet speed when compared to a phone browsing Facebook. Router manufacturers understand this and have a system in place called QoS. QoS or quality of service allows a network admin to prioritize how the Wi-Fi network gets distributed.

Wi-Fi Network Management Is Now Easier Than Ever

Many modern routers come with a dedicated smartphone app. These apps allow you to easily understand the Wi-Fi network's signal strength, which can help you both troubleshoot any issues and help you decide the best location for your router. You can also use the app instead of heading into the router admin page. Being able to manage your Wi-Fi network on the go can be invaluable.