Wi-Fi

iPhone Wi-Fi Settings

Wi-Fi

• You will see the switch to toggle Wi-Fi on and off at the top of this screen.
• Underneath you will see what Wi-Fi network you are connected to if you are currently connected to one.

Ask to Join Networks

• From here you can choose whether or not you will be asked or notified before joining a Wi-Fi network (Note: familiar networks will usually be joined automatically)
  • Off: You will have to manually select a network
  • Notify: You will be notified of available networks
  • Ask: You will be asked before joining a network (this is the recommended option)

Auto-Join Hotspot

• This allows your device to automatically discover near by hotspots if no Wi-Fi network is available
  • Never: This will never connect to hotspots (this is preferred unless you intend to connect to a hotspot)
  • Ask to Join: This will ask before joining a network
  • Automatic: This will automatically join hotspots

Samsung Wi-Fi Settings

Wi-Fi

• At the top of the screen you will see a blue switch that allows you to toggle Wi-Fi on and off.
  

Current Network

• Here you will be able to view the current Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
• If you click on the gear icon to the right of current network you will see some additional connection settings for the network you are currently using.

  • Network Speed: 
    

    This will show the current network speed in Mbps (Megabits per second)

  • Security: 
    

    You may see one (or two) of four Wireless Security Protocols:

  • Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA 2)
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA 3)

  • Usually WPA or WPA2 or both which means:

    • WPA2 is the second generation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access security standard and so is more secure than its predecessor, WPA. Your Wi-Fi router likely includes both WPA and WPA2 security protocol options. When turning on Wi-Fi encryption on your router, choose WPA2 for the most secure Wi-Fi protection.

  • Auto reconnect: 
    

    This allows your phone to auto connect to a specific Wi-Fi network (this is usually convenient to have on if it is your home Wi-Fi or another trusted Wi-Fi network)

  • Manage Router: 
    

    Allows you to manage your Wi-Fi router directly from your smart phone.

  • IP Settings: 
    

    You can change between DCHP and Static

    • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used to generate dynamic IP Address. Static IP address does not get changed with time. Dynamic IP address can be changed any time.
    • Dynamic IP addresses are easier to manage and cheaper to deploy than static IP addresses. Easy, automatic configuration: With a dynamic IP address, the DHCP server automatically assigns the device the next available IP address.
    • Most users don’t need static IP addresses. Static IP addresses normally matter more when external devices or websites need to remember your IP address. One example is VPN or other remote access solutions that trust (whitelists) certain IPs for security purposes.
       

  • Proxy:

    A proxy server is a system or router that provides a gateway between users and the internet. Therefore, it helps prevent cyber attackers from entering a private network. It is a server, referred to as an “intermediary” because it goes between end-users and the web pages they visit online. (Note: Proxy settings are not a huge concern for most people)
     
    • None: is exactly what it sounds like.
    • Manual: is where you specify an IP address on your local subnet. 
    • Auto-Config: is where you identify the address of the server and then let it handle giving your device an IP address.

  • Metered Network:
    

    In a metered connection, your data usage is measured, and you are charged based on the amount of data used. However, in a non-metered connection, you are usually charged a flat fee, regardless of the data consumption level. Even in such services, the data speed may be reduced after a certain level of usage.

  • Mac Address Type:
    

    MAC randomization is a process that hides the exact identity of a mobile device. It works by concealing what is called the media access control (MAC) address of that device and creating an artificial one in its place, which is then transmitted to any surrounding WiFi access points. (Ideally you want to keep this randomized unless you are on your home Wi-Fi but even then just leave it randomized)

  • IP Address:
    

    a unique string of characters that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network. (its like the address to your home but for an electronic device)

Available Networks

• Here will be all of the Wi-Fi networks or Hotspots within range of your device (if you see a network titled FBI it is most certainly not actually the FBI)

Google Pixel Wi-Fi Settings

To the right of where it says Wi-Fi, you will see a switch to turn Wi-Fi on and off. While Wi-Fi is on, you should see a list of Wi-Fi Networks within range of your Google Pixel.

Network Details

If you are connected to a Wi-Fi Network, you will see a Gear Icon to the right of the Wi-Fi Network. If you tap on the icon you will see:

• The Name of the Wi-Fi Network and underneath you will see three options to:
  • Forget: This will disconnect the Wi-Fi and forget the password so if you want to connect again you will have to enter the password.
  • Disconnect: This won’t forget the network and password entirely. It will just disconnect temporarily until you decide you want to connect to this network again.
  • Share: This will allow you to share the network and password with someone who is also within range of the network you are connected to.

Beneath this information, you will see the following Network Details:

Signal Strength

This will gauge the strength of the Wi-Fi connection with your Pixel from Poor to Excellent.

Frequency

You should see either 2.4 GHz or 5GHz (Gigahertz).

• 2.4 GHz: will cover a wider distance and slower speeds.
• 5GHz: will cover a shorter distance with faster speeds.

Security

There should be one (or two) of four wireless security protocols on the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.

• Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA 2)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA 3)

Wireless Security Protocols are meant to keep your Wi-Fi Connection safe.

Network Usage 

You will see three options when you click on Network Usage:

• Detect Automatically
• Treat as Metered
• Treat as Unmetered

In a metered connection, your data usage is measured, and you are charged based on the amount of data used. However, in a non-metered connection, you are usually charged a flat fee, regardless of the data consumption level. Even in such services, the data speed may be reduced after a certain level of usage.

Privacy

You will see two security options:

• Use randomized MAC (default)
• Use device MAC

MAC randomization helps ensure the privacy of your mobile device by concealing the original MAC address, making it significantly harder to track a device based on its MAC address (especially when connecting to public hotspots).

Auto-Connect

When Auto-Connect is on, your phone will automatically connect to this specific Wi-Fi Network whenever you are within range of the network. When this is off you will have to manually connect each time.

Add Device 

You can use a QR Code to add a device to the network instead of typing in the password. This can be useful in some situations but you must have a QR Code first.

Network Details

These will be all the information pertaining to the Wi-Fi Network and Modem/Router.