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How to find the best WiFi channel on your modem
In the Wireless Status section of your modem's user settings, you can find the best WiFi channel. If your modem isn't set to the best channel already, read on for how to change it to optimize WiFi performance.
Note: Your modem will find and select the best channel automatically whenever it boots up. To refresh the channel, you can reboot your modem instead of finding and setting the best channel manually. You can follow the instructions below if the auto-select feature isn't working, or if you want to manually change the channel.
NOTE: Depending on your model, your modem's user interface may appear slightly different from the images below.
1. Connect a device, such as a computer or tablet, to the internet through WiFi or using an Ethernet cable connected to your modem.
2. Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 into the web address field.
3. Log in to the modem's settings interface (Modem GUI) using your Admin Username and Admin Password. Note that these are different from your wireless network name (SSID) and WiFi password (security key).
You can find the Admin Username and Password printed on the sticker attached to the side, back or bottom of the modem.
CAUTION! Do not remove or lose your modem sticker, which includes your default admin username and password. These preset credentials cannot be retrieved, and your modem could become unusable without them.
The modem sticker shows you TWO important sets of login credentials. How do you use each one?
SSID and key/wireless password: Used to access and connect to your WiFi network
- SSID is the name that will show up on your devices in the list of wireless networks (may have two for dual-band modem/routers)
- Key/Wireless Password is the password you will enter on your devices to connect securely to your network
- These default settings can also be customized in the modem settings or through the app
Admin username and admin password: Used to log in to your modem settings portal
- Access secure settings such as firmware updates, WiFi security, schedules, and more
- When connected to your home network, go to http://192.168.0.1 to access the portal (also called the GUI)
- These default settings can also be customized in the modem settings
4. Select the Modem Status icon in the main menu.
5. Select "Wireless Status" in the menu on the left sidebar.
6. Select "2.4 GHz" or "5 GHz" to view settings for each of your modem's wireless frequency bands (some modems may only have 2.4 GHz). If your modem is dual-band, you can repeat these steps for each frequency.
7. On the next screen, you can view the current channel and compare it to the best available channel. If you are not on the best channel, you can change the WiFi channel in the Wireless Settings menu.
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