Best settings for WiFi Router for Improved Performance

I experimented with my TP-Link WR740n router for various parameters and concluded few things. I've listed them below, it'll surely help you.

Best way to configure your Router is by using Browser.

Enter http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1 or use any specific URL provided by your Router Vendor to access the settings webpage.

Usually on Status page you see all information about your Router. Keep this in mind for quick access.

Backup your current working Router settings.

1. Go to your Router System tools and look for 'Backup router's Settings' option. It's always preferred to have backup in case if you face any problem. Restoring backed up settings is single click task and saves lots of efforts and TIME!

   

   Backup and Restore

   
   
   
   
2. Upgrade your Router Firmware.
   Having latest firmware always helps you to secure your WiFi network as well as get bug fixes if any and performance improvements.
   
   Make sure of your Router model and other specifications before upgrading the firmware for not running into trouble.
   Upgradation process just takes few seconds(<10 Seconds!). So go ahead and do it! Read Router specific instructions on your Vendor's website.
3. Google's Public DNS!
   Use Google's Public DNS. It's fastest and always running.
4. Clone MAC ID
   Your ISP locks your Primary Computer's MAC ID to your Service Account. Generally only one MAC ID is saved on ISP's servers. So, for not losing your Internet access, clone your Computer's MAC ID to Router's MAC ID.
   
   You can always revert back to your Router's Default MAC ID.
5. IP Address
   You can set your preferred Private LAN IP Address. There are only 3 Private IP networks:
   10.0.0.0-10.255.255.255
   172.16.0.0-172.31.255.255
   192.168.0.0-192.168.255.255.
   
   Last one is the most popular IP Address set by default. You can set any of these. For example: 192.168.2.1 and so on.
   To check if your new IP address has been changed, check it in WiFi network status.
   
   You'll have to reboot your router for changes to take place. The next time you want to access router's settings webpage, enter this IP address instead of previous abovementioned http:// addresses.
   
6. SSID and Region

   

   Wireless Settings

   
   
   
   It's preferred to hide your WiFi SSID or stop broadcasting it. You can easily connect to known hidden WiFi network by entering SSID manually.
   Select your Region so that it won't conflict with licensed wireless frequencies.
7. Single/Dual Band
   If your router supports dual band, i.e., both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, then enable 5 GHz if all your devices are next-gen WiFi devices which support 802.11 ac Standard. These devices are rare but increasingly becoming common. You may have to keep the band mode on Auto if you've 802.11 b/g/n compatible or even legacy devices.
   
   5 GHz band is very less occupied, so interferences are extremely low, rather none. It'll matter only if you're using Gigabit networks.
8. Channel, Mode, Channel Width and WMM
   The most important in this guide!
   
   Check channel availability in your WiFi area by running WiFi analyzer tools like inSSIDer or Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector. Select channel which is not overlapping with others. You may need to do multiple scans at different times to decide best channel for you, else leave it on Auto or select either from 1, 6 or 11.
   
   802.11 n standard is capable of very high speed data transfers, typically 72.2+ Mbps. If you've 150 Mbps or 300 Mbps or even higher speed capable Router, then set your Router to 11n Mode only, if and only if all your WiFi devices are 802.11n supported. Then you'll be able to achieve very high link speeds, highly useful if your NAS or you own Wireless Storages, heavy Multimedia stramer.
   
   In other cases you've to chose from 11bgn mixed and other modes as listed in your settings.
   
   40 MHz channel width doubles data transfer speeds, particularly significant in case of 11n or 11ac routers, otherwise set it to Auto mode, i.e., 20/40 MHz.
   
   You must enable WMM for enhanced Multimedia experience.
   
   

   

   Advanced Wireless
9. Security
   Foremost important to secure your network from hackers or intruders or spywares.
   Its highly recommended to use WPA2-AES for 11n networks.
   WPA2 can be personal or enterprise(if you have license). Set very complex key for high level of protection.
   
   WPS is recommended to use and easiest to setup.
10. MAC Filtering
    If you're in public place or unsecured area, then you can manually register MAC ID of devices connecting to your WiFi AP. This adds one more layer to security.
    
    Set your Primary Computer's MAC ID as the ADMIN, so that only that Computer can access and configure router's settings.
    
    You can always see MAC IDs of connected devices to network.
11. Advanced Wireless settings
    Set beacon interval to lowest value supported for fast scanning of your WiFi coverage area.
    RTS threshold and DTM interval needn't change unless the needed.
    
    Enable AP Isolation if you don't want devices on your WiFi networks to communicate each other, but it'll disable the Bridging feature.
12. DHCP Settings
    Needn't change DHCP settings, unless you've special requirements.
    You can reserver particular private IP address for specific devices, if needed.
13. UPnP and Port Triggering
    Enable UPnP if required for applications requesting for, generally include file sharing softwares likes Torrent, DC, etc.
    
    Port Triggering only if you need.
14. Security, Parental and Access Control
    Enable all security features for maximum protection.
    
    Parental and Access control if you need specifically.
15. Bandwidth Control, QoS and ARP List
    You can assign full or partial bandwidth to your current Router, if you've multiple routers sharing single Internet connection, not applicable for home users.
    
    QoS will be useful, when different devices have different bandwidth requirements.
    
    Use ARP to bind IP address to MAC ID, so that, respective device will always have same IP address and not shared to other devices.
16. System Tools and Statistics
    Includes Backup and restore functions as mentioned earlier in this post.
    System logs and various statistics are available to diagnose issues, if any.
    
    Its suggested to change default login credentials for Router's settings access.
17. Flash DD-WRT Firmware
    If you feel adventurous to flash custom Firmware on your Router, then download Firmware.
    
    DD-WRT is Linux based Open-Source firmware which unleashes many more functionalities supported by your router's hardware.
    
    Please beware that it may void your warranty.
    Warning: Do it at your own risk!

That's all! I hope this helps you to get the most out of your Router! Have fun!

Please feel free to ask questions.