Hello everyone,
Victory is yours! Brenton here, the guy behind the expert advice at Simple Device. I've wrapped up another bustling day, and while I unwind with my dinner, I wanted to take some time to write this blog post about Internet Service Providers, otherwise known as ISPs. Some of the commonly known ISPs include Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and Virgin among others, and today, I'm here to summarize their inner workings.
Let's dive right in.
What comes up time and time again in my line of work are issues related to routers and modems provided by these ISPs. Today alone, I had several people reach out because of problems that arose after their ISPs had replaced their routers or modems. What went wrong, you ask? The ISPs had simply failed to configure the new devices to mirror the settings of the ones they replaced.
Many of these people are seniors who, understandably, struggle with the technological intricacies. When a new router arrives, they plug it in, watch the lights flash, and expect everything to work just as before. But then, their TV refuses to turn on, their security cameras cease functioning, their printers go offline, and they're left in a state of panic. Their next move? They call me for help, and I charge my hourly fee to fix these avoidable problems.
This is a trend that has to be halted. When your ISP suggests replacing your equipment or does so on their own, insist on keeping the SSID (network name) and password the same. If they insist on a new password, stand your ground. Reiterate your need for the old credentials. Don't be afraid to be assertive, especially when it affects your daily life. In the end, you don't want to be left wondering why your TV or your friend's devices have stopped working. It all traces back to that password change.
The same applies to the local IP address, especially for those of you running businesses from your home. This morning, for instance, I helped a client who had a home office setup with a range of business devices, including a computer server, which ideally should have a static IP address. When the router is changed and the IP address is not kept constant, even a correct password will not restore the functionality of these devices.
A heads-up for Chromecast and Starlink router users: I've noticed that these devices perform better when IPV6 is turned off on your routers, and the DNS settings are adjusted to Google's DNS, 8.8.8.8. This small tweak can drastically improve your user experience, eliminating sluggishness or lag.
At the end of the day, the power is in your hands. Many users, particularly older ones, believe they're not allowed to change router settings or passwords. I'm here to tell you that this is your equipment, and you absolutely have the right to change these settings, especially for the sake of your own security.
Remember, in the event of a router or modem change, keep the SSID, password, and local IP address the same. For Chromecast and Android users, consider using Google's DNS and disable IPV6. Following these steps should ensure a smoother transition and prevent the all-too-common issue of device dysfunction after a change of equipment.
I hope you found these tips helpful. Until next time, happy surfing!
Best,
Brenton from Simple Device Advice