More on router upgrades, settings, and passwords

By Ryan Russell Readers responding to my Oct. 8 column on router security asked primarily about three things: upgrading a device’s firmware, saving its configuration settings, and encrypting wireless devices. These activities can be tricky but can also pay huge benefits when done deliberately.

Is upgrading a router’s firmware worthwhile?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your router’s firmware, you need to answer three questions:

• Should I upgrade to the latest release simply because it’s available?
  
• Where do I find the upgraded firmware?
  
• How do I determine what is fixed or changed in the new firmware version?
  

Good reasons to update your router’s firmware are (1) to enhance performance, (2) to improve reliability, or (3) to add a new and useful feature, such as a stronger form of encryption. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to determine an upgrade’s new features.

The first place to look for a list of new features is the same place you found the firmware itself: the vendor’s site. The trick is finding the information, which for some reason is often hidden.

For example, I use a D-Link DIR-450 router. In my search for a firmware upgrade, I went first to the D-Link site and clicked the link for the DIR-450 product page, then Support Resources, and then Firmware. There I found download links for firmware releases 1.03 and 1.02. Beside the first link, it says Added support for Verizon PC5750. OK, that’s clear enough.

But accompanying the second download link are two notes: Supports Pantech PX-500 card and Fixed DDNS. The first one I get, but the second’s a little terse. Is that a security fix? I couldn’t find any release notes to explain Fixed DDNS in greater detail.

Related posts:

1. Critical flaw in Linksys router
2. Take steps to secure your home network’s router
3. A really good reason to change your router password
4. How to supercharge your wireless router
5. Is A Router Enough Protection?