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How do I manage my own router?

Would you like to be able to access your router and change settings as needed? Well, if you have one of our SmartRG routers we can help with that.

  1. First step please contact support to set up control panel login.
  2. Now the next step differs a little depending on what model of SmartRG you have. If you look on the sticker usually on the back or the bottom, it will tell you what model you have.
  3. Once inside the control panel it should be easy to navigate. If you run into any issues, please contact support.

When choosing a fiber package that is right for you there are many things to consider. The two most common factors are speeds and price. To find the right package for you we have outlined below the best package based on how much you use the internet.

PACKAGESNUMBER OF USERSACTIVITIES
50 Mbps down/ 50 Mbps up1-2Casual web browsing, emails, social media, streaming on limited devices.
100 Mbps down/ 100 Mbps up
3-4Streaming HD and 4k videos to multiple devices, gaming.
250 Mbps down/ 250 Mbps up6-8Home office, security cameras.
1 Gbps down/ 1 Gbps Mbps up
9+Running a smart home.
2.5 Gbps down/ 2.5 Gbps Mbps up
A Superbowl party.Clearly you are a maximalist, who enjoys the best life has to offer. Luckily for you DFN has superior service, even in rural areas.
  • First thing we will always ask is have you performed a speed test. If so, how did you perform the speed test.
  • The only recognized speed test is https://dfn.speedtest.net/. In order to see exactly what your DFN speed is, bypass your router and connect directly to the ONT or Fiber Modem. Use a laptop or desktop with Ethernet connection. Make sure your laptop is plugged in to power even if it has a full battery. If you use a VPN, please disable for an accurate test. Ad blockers are recommended for best result.
  • If your speed test results were nowhere near your max speeds for your package, there are a few things to check. First what is the Ethernet cable you are using? Cat 1-4 is not compatible and should not be used. Cat 5 is only capable of 100Mbps. If your fiber package is faster than 100Mbps you will need either a Cat5e or newer.
  • Now there is one other factor to check, is your computer capable of the speeds you are receiving. This can be determined by looking at the network interface card of your computer. A quick google search will walk you through how to find this on your specific computer. The network interface card will show either 10,100, 1000mbps, GigE or Gigabit Ethernet. If it shows 1000Mbps, GigE, or Gigabit Ethernet it is capable of our full 1Gbps package. Please contact support for further troubleshooting if you are not receiving proper speeds after following these steps.
  • If your speed test result was close to the package you are paying the issue could be with the wireless signal in your home.
  • For the best wireless signal in your whole home, it is recommended to have the router on something like a bookshelf. It is not recommended to keep routers near certain materials such as brick/stone fireplaces, or cinder block walls as they absorb the radio frequency. Next would be metal appliances like stoves, refrigerators, washer/dryers, microwaves, etc. This is due to multiple metal sides that severely weakens the radio WIFI signal as well as possible electromagnetic interference. It is best to have the router in an open area not enclosed in something like a cabinet.
  • We also recommend keeping the router a minimum of three feet from other electronic devices as they can interfere with each other. 
  • Which band you are connected to can also factor into your speeds.  The 5ghz band does not travel through walls well if you are having trouble with devices on the 5ghz band try switching to the 2.4ghz band to see if your signal improves. (please note if you are using the 1gb service this could prevent devices from going up to 1g speeds as 2.4ghz band caps at 600Mbps.
  • Another thing to check is the device and its wireless protocol. A quick google search should be able to walk you through it or the table below is also a great reference to use.
Wireless ProtocolDevice TypeExpected WIFI Speeds
802.11axHigh end computerUp to 1Gbps
802.11axHigh end phone or tablet/ computerUp to 500Mbps
802.11acHigh end computerUp to 500Mbps
802.11acHigh end phone or tablet/ computer100Mbps – 300Mbps
802.11nPhone or tablet/ budget computerUp to 100Mbps
802.11a/b/gDevices manufactured before 2007Up to 35Mbps