How-To Geek - Wifi & Routers

How to Add More Ethernet Ports to Your Router

Tim Brookes — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:30:25 GMT

While most of us rely on wireless at home, wired internet is often a better choice. The only catch is that most home routers only have a handful of ports. Adding more ports is easy, but there are a few things to consider when setting things up.

How to Find the Best Wi-Fi Channel for Your Router on Any Operating System

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:30:31 GMT

If you live in an apartment complex, or anywhere else with a lot of wireless networks, you've probably noticed more than just the passive-aggressive network IDs that your neighbors use — you've probably had problems with your wireless connections dropping out, or just not being as fast as you'd like. This often has to do with the Wi-Fi channels in your area.

Understanding Routers, Switches, and Network Hardware

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 13:00:27 GMT

When do you need a switch? A hub? What exactly does a router do? Do you need a router if you have a single computer? Network technology can be quite an arcane area of study but armed with the right terms and a general overview of how devices function on your home network you can deploy your network with confidence.

How to Find Your Router's IP Address on Any Computer, Smartphone, or Tablet

Chris Hoffman — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 12:00:27 GMT

If you've ever needed to access your router's setup page to make some configuration changes, you know you need your router's IP address to gain access. If you've forgotten what that IP address is, here's how to find it on just about every platform.

AT&T's New 5G Home Internet Service Is ”Internet Air"

Arol Wright — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:08:02 GMT

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have rolled out 5G networks to some degree across the United States, and while some have been more successful than others, they're already alternatives to landline internet for many people. AT&T, in particular, has thought of a smart way to harness its 5G network that you've probably thought about yourself — as a Wi-Fi router that you can just plug in and get going in no time.

How to See Who's Connected to Your Wi-Fi Network

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:30:27 GMT

Do you know who's connected to your router's Wi-Fi network? Take a look at the list of devices connected to your Wi-Fi network from your router or computer to find out.

Is Your Router’s Wi-Fi Performance Limiting Your Internet Speed? Here’s How to Tell

Tim Brookes — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:00:25 GMT

Is your wireless network speed holding you back? Believe it or not, upgrading to a super-fast internet plan might not be worth it. Here’s how to tell if your router’s Wi-Fi speed is holding you back and what you can do about it.

Xfinity’s New Storm-Ready Wi-Fi Will Work in Power Outages

Arol Wright — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:07 GMT

It has happened to the best of us: you're in the middle of getting some work done, and right when you're about to finish it and meet the deadline, a power outage happens, and your router dies. Even if you were using a laptop and it didn't shut down as a result, there is still no internet because your router was plugged into the outlet. Storms have been gaining intensity over the past few years, and if a storm just knocked your power, Xfinity wants to keep you online with its new Storm-Ready Wi-Fi.

How to Fix Common Issues With Wi-Fi in Windows 11

Reyadh Rahaman — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:07 GMT

These days, everyone needs the internet, so Wi-Fi going down can be a source of panic. Never fear, however, as there are many tried and tested methods of getting back online! The most common issues with your Wi-Fi in Windows 11 also have common solutions.

How to Find Any Device's IP Address, MAC Address, and Other Network Connection Details

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Every network-connected device — computers, smartphones, tablets, smart home gadgets, and more — has an IP address and a unique MAC address that identify it on your network. Here's how to find that information on all the devices you might have lying around.

Don't Overlook These 10 Useful Wi-Fi Router Features

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 17:30:00 GMT

It's all too easy to get a new Wi-Fi router, spend a few minutes doing some basic setup, and then ignore it until it's so old and slow you're forced to upgrade. Here are some settings and features you should take advantage of now.

6 Tricks That Won't Secure Your Wi-Fi (And 6 That Will)

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Like anything related to computer and network security, quite a few oft-repeated Wi-Fi security tricks don't help at all. Here are the tips and tricks you should avoid and an equal number you should be sure to use.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Router?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Nobody likes wasting money, and it's easy to ignore your home's Wi-Fi router right up until it dies of old age. But there are many good reasons you should upgrade your router before then. Let's look at them and how often you should be upgrading.

Why You Need a New Router, Even on a Slow Internet Connection

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

If your home internet is pretty slow, you might think it doesn't matter if you have a dusty old router without the latest bells and whistles. Here's why you should give serious consideration to upgrading.

How to Monitor Your Internet Bandwidth Usage and Avoid Exceeding Data Caps

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 27 May 2023 11:00:00 GMT

One day we might all have multi-gigabit connections with no data caps in sight, but many people still have to keep an eye on their bandwidth usage and budget every gigabyte. Here's how to monitor your bandwidth to avoid extra fees.

Should You Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E?

Tim Brookes — Fri, 26 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Wi-Fi is an ever-evolving technology, so it's not unusual to see new products regularly hit the market with promises of faster speeds and more stable connections. One such technology you might have come across recently is Wi-Fi 6E. So what is it, and do you need it?

Read This Before You Buy Your Next Cable Modem

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 19 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT

If you're considering buying a cable modem to save on rental fees, get better performance, or both, we'd encourage you to read this list of tips first for the smoothest experience.

Comcast's Xfinity 10G Network: What Exactly Is It?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:42 GMT

There's a good chance you've come across advertising for Comcast's "new Xfinity 10G network" at this point and wondered what exactly "10G" means. You're certainly not alone. Here's what you need to know.

13 Things You Should Do After Plugging In Your New Router

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 17 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

You just plugged in your new Wi-Fi router. Now what? It's a perfect time to set things up with best practices right from the start and get the most out of your faster, better, and up-to-date hardware.

DOCSIS 3.0 vs. DOCSIS 3.1: Which Is Better?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 15 May 2023 08:00:26 GMT

You're shopping for a cable modem, and you come across DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 modems at very different price points. But is a higher version number (and price tag) automatically better? Here's what you need to know.

Stop Renting Your Cable Modem, You're Getting Ripped Off

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 11 May 2023 07:00:31 GMT

If you're paying to rent your cable modem, you'll end up throwing thousands of dollars away over the years. Here's a breakdown of how fast buying a cable modem will pay for itself and how much you'll save.

How Many People in the US Are Still Using Dial-Up Internet?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 10 May 2023 08:00:34 GMT

There's a good chance it's been a long time since you've heard the sound of a dial-up modem negotiating a connection (and some of you may not be old enough to have ever heard it). But for a surprising number of Americans, the buzzy electronic jingle of dial-up modems never went away.

What Is DOCSIS 4.0 (And When Will It Be Available?)

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 09 May 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Do you have a cable modem? It's using DOCSIS. If you're curious when you'll have faster cable internet thanks to DOCSIS 4.0---and when you'll need to upgrade your cable modem---here's what to expect and when.

What Are Cable Modem Channels (And How Many Do You Need?)

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 08 May 2023 08:00:17 GMT

If you're shopping for a cable modem, you'll come across the term "channels" paired with number designations like 16x4 or 24x8. What that means isn't immediately apparent, but it has a big impact on your internet connection speed. Here's what you need to know when shopping for an upgrade.

What Is DOCSIS, and Why Does It Matter When Modem Shopping?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 04 May 2023 08:00:57 GMT

Whether you're shopping for a modem to avoid ISP fees or just curious about the modem your ISP gave you, here's what you need to know about DOCSIS and its impact on your internet speed and performance.

Modem vs. Router: Here's the Difference (And Why It Matters)

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMT

If you've been on the internet for a while, you've no doubt heard the terms "modem" and "router" thrown around, but you might not have taken the time to understand what they are. We're here to help.

8 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Wi-Fi Router

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:23 GMT

Buying a Wi-Fi router, like purchasing a new smartphone, computer, or other sophisticated devices, goes much smoother if you know what to look for and avoid. Here are some common mistakes you don't want to make when shopping for a new Wi-Fi router.

What Is Mesh Wi-Fi and How Does It Work?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMT

It's time to replace your old Wi-Fi router, and you've heard a lot of good things about mesh Wi-Fi systems. Here's what they are, how they work, and the benefits and downsides of using mesh over a traditional Wi-Fi router.

Don't Buy a Wi-Fi Extender: Buy This Instead

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Before you buy a Wi-Fi extender, give some serious consideration to fixing your Wi-Fi woes in a more effective manner.

What Is a 5G Router, and Should You Get One?

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:30:00 GMT

You can now buy a 5G router, which is different from a 5GHz router or a Wi-Fi 5 router. But while 5G might sound great, it's not necessarily the best idea for your router. Here's what you need to know.

How to Place Mesh Router Nodes for Optimal Coverage

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT

You bought a mesh system to improve your home's Wi-Fi situation, so let's make sure the router and nodes are positioned optimally to give you the best experience. Here's how to place your mesh nodes for the best speeds and coverage.

10 Ways to Improve Your Wi-Fi Without Buying Anything

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Cruddy Wi-Fi performance is frustrating, but so is spending money when you could improve your Wi-Fi without spending a dime. Here are ten tips to improve your Wi-Fi for free, plus three bonus tips for people with more room in their budgets.

6 Things Slowing Down Your Wi-Fi (And What to Do About Them)

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:30:00 GMT

The degree to which we rely on the internet for everything from work to entertainment means sluggish Wi-Fi speeds are excruciating. Here are some common causes of Wi-Fi issues and what to do about them.

How to Kick People Off Your Wi-Fi Network

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Once you've given someone your Wi-FI password, they have unlimited access to your Wi-Fi, and they can join your network on all their devices. Here's how to boot them off and secure your network.

Why Internet Speed Tests Don't Really Matter (and What Does)

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:15 GMT

Running a speed test on your home internet connection (and getting great results) is important, right? Not so fast. Sure, a flashy test result is great. But it doesn't matter that much. Here's what does.

Should You Pay More For a Faster Internet Connection?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) would love it if you paid more for a faster internet connection, but do you really need to upgrade? Here's what you need to know about internet speed and when it's worth upgrading.

6 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Router

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:31 GMT

It's easy to treat your Wi-Fi router like an appliance, just running it like an old fridge until it eventually dies and you're forced to replace it. Here are some key signs that your router is due for an upgrade (and why you shouldn't wait to replace it).

What Is WPA3, and How Do I Get It On My Wi-Fi Router?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

WPA3 was introduced in 2018, but there's still a bit of confusion surrounding what it is, what improvements it offers, and how to get it. Here's what you need to know about WPA3 and how to use it with your home Wi-Fi network.

Why You Want Mesh Wi-Fi, Even If You Just Need One Router

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:30:00 GMT

If you're not looking to blanket a large home with Wi-Fi, you might not have even considered going with a mesh platform. Here's why we think you should.

Wi-Fi Security: Should You Use WPA2-AES, WPA2-TKIP, or Both?

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Your Wi-Fi router offers encryption options like WPA2-PSK (TKIP), WPA2-PSK (AES), and WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES) and even, if it's modern enough, WPA3 (AES). It can be a bit confusing, and if you choose the wrong one, you'll have a slower, less-secure network. Here's what you need to know.

Wi-Fi 7: What Is It, and How Fast Will It Be?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:30:00 GMT

Although Wi-Fi 6E still feels bleeding edge at the start of 2023, Wi-Fi 7 is just around the corner and sporting transfer speeds that might make Ethernet cables obsolete. Let's take a look at the proposed spec and what it promises.

Get a Travel Router to Upgrade Your Hotel Wi-Fi Experience

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 18:30:00 GMT

You might not have "travel router" on your vacation packing list, but after reading this article, you just might. Here's why we always pack a router with us when we're headed to a hotel.

8 Reasons You Should Replace Your ISP's Wi-Fi Router

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 07:00:29 GMT

Your ISP likely supplied you with a modem, Wi-Fi router, or both when you signed up for service. Here's why you might want to return your ISP's gear and use your own Wi-Fi router and modem instead.

You Probably Don't Need Gigabit Internet, So Skip It and Save

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 07:00:09 GMT

Gigabit internet has become a gold standard regarding broadband adoption and determining whether or not your location has "good" internet access. But it's overhyped, you probably don't need it, and you can save hundreds of dollars a year by downgrading.

You Can Now Buy Wyze's Fast Mesh Router, but There's a Catch

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:55:00 GMT

Wyze, the smart home come company, revealed its first Wi-Fi mesh routers last year. The entry-level Wyze Router already arrived, and now the higher-end model is available for purchase -- but there's a catch.

How to Change Your IP Address

Fergus O'Sullivan — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:00:11 GMT

Changing your IP address is a simple fix for a number of networking issues. However, there's more than one way to cook that particular egg. So let's go over your options for getting a new IP address, and why you'd choose one over the other.

MSI's New Wi-Fi 6E Router Can Reach 6600 Mbps

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:53:24 GMT

Many of the best Wi-Fi routers already support Wi-Fi 6E, from the Google Nest Wifi Pro to Amazon's Eero Pro 6E. MSI, best known for its gaming hardware and accessories, has now revealed its first Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers.

10 Ways You're Making Your Wi-Fi Network Vulnerable to Attack

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Securing your Wi-Fi network isn't super hard, but you do have to take a moment or two to do it. Here are some common mistakes people make so you can avoid them, secure your network, and get back to enjoying the internet stress-free.

What Is Wi-Fi, and How Does It Work?

Gaurav Shukla — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:00:40 GMT

Wi-Fi has become one of the most popular technologies. Most of us use it to access the internet. But what does connecting to Wi-Fi mean, what does Wi-Fi stand for, and how does it work? Here's everything you need to know.

Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet: How Much Better Is a Wired Connection?

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Wi-Fi is extremely convenient for small, portable devices, but when performance is required, you cannot beat an Ethernet connection. Ethernet connections are several times faster than most Wi-Fi networks, and typically have a fraction of the latency.

How to Easily Access Your Home Network From Anywhere

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:00:00 GMT

You're away from home but want to access your files, use your computer, or otherwise interact with your home network like you're at home. Here's how to access your stuff when you're not at home on your computer.

Wi-Fi 6E: What Is It, and How Is It Different From Wi-Fi 6?

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Wi-Fi 6 hardware is now common, and there's a good chance you have both a Wi-Fi 6 network and Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices. But people are already talking about something new: Wi-Fi 6E, which promises to reduce Wi-Fi congestion further.

How to Port Forward on Your Router

Nick Lewis — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Although modern Wi-Fi routers handle most functions automatically, some applications will require you to manually forward a port in your router's settings. Fortunately, it's very simple to forward ports on a router if you know where to look

Should You Turn Up the Transmit Power on Your Wi-Fi Router?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:30:00 GMT

If you're struggling to get good Wi-Fi coverage in your home, it would seem intuitive to turn up the transmit power of your Wi-Fi router. Before you do, read this.

What Is Wi-Fi 6? (802.11ax)

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Wi-Fi 6 is the current-generation wireless standard that's faster than 802.11ac. More than speed, it provides better performance in congested areas, from stadiums to your own device-packed home. Wi-Fi 6 officially arrived in late 2019, and Wi-Fi 6-enabled hardware is now the norm. It's also known by the name 802.11ax.

9 Dangerous Things You Should Never Do on Your Router

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:00:00 GMT

When you get under the hood, there are a lot of router settings and options. Here's a crash course on what to avoid doing to keep your Wi-Fi router and home network as secure as possible.

What Is Bridge Mode on a Router, and Why Should You Use It?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 09:00:02 GMT

There's a feature hidden away in many routers that perform a crucial function when using your own Wi-Fi router with your internet service provider's hardware. Here's what you need to know about bridge mode.

What Is Dynamic DNS (DDNS), and How Do You Set It Up?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 08:00:06 GMT

Your home internet connection has a numeric IP address that changes over time. Dynamic DNS (DDNS) lets you assign an easy-to-remember address so you, your friends, and your family can access your home network with a simple website-like name.

Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6: What's the Difference?

Gaurav Shukla — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 12:00:32 GMT

If you want to buy wireless networking gear, Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 are two of the most prevalent wireless generations you'll currently find on the market. But what makes Wi-Fi 6 different from Wi-Fi 5, and is it better?

Give Your Parents Mesh Wi-Fi to Give Yourself Peace of Mind

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 07:00:30 GMT

This holiday there's an easy way to make providing family tech support easier and your parents' Wi-Fi network speedier and safer. Give the gift of a new mesh Wi-Fi router.

Why Rebooting Your Router Fixes So Many Problems (and Why You Have to Wait 10 Seconds)

Justin Pot — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 17:00:00 GMT

The internet is down, but you know what to do: unplug your router or modem, wait ten seconds, then plug it back in. It's second nature at this point, but why does it actually work? And is there some magic to the ten second number?

8 Tips to Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:30:00 GMT

Wi-Fi is the backbone of the home internet experience and if you're not getting a strong signal between your router and your phone, smart TV, or other devices, then you're not having a good time. Here's how to improve your Wi-Fi experience.

Can I Connect a Wi-Fi 5 Device to a Wi-Fi 6 Network?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:00:52 GMT

You bought a brand-new router with Wi-Fi 6 but most of the gear in your house is Wi-Fi 5 or older. Can you still use the Wi-Fi 6 router with your old gear?

Will My Wi-Fi 6 Devices Work on a Wi-Fi 5 Network?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 11:00:27 GMT

Your shiny new phone supports Wi-Fi 6, but will it play nice with your older Wi-Fi 5 router at home? Here's what you need to know about using newer devices on older routers.

What's the Difference Between 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi (and Which Should I Use)?

Matt Klein — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 22:30:00 GMT

If you're looking at replacing your old router---maybe even upgrading from your ISP's combined modem/router unit---you may come across terms like "dual band," which refers to a router that uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Curious about what these numbers mean? Well, wonder no more.

How to Keep Your Internet Connection Going During Blackouts

Sydney Butler — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:00:16 GMT

During a blackout, your phone's data plan isn't the most practical or economical way to stay connected. But how exactly are you supposed to keep your home broadband going when the power is out? It's easier than you think!

Eero Gets Rid of Its Cheap Eero Secure Subscription Plan

Arol Wright — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 11:32:30 GMT

You don't need a subscription to use an Eero router, but having one gives you access to things such as parental controls and network usage information. Unfortunately, though, if you were looking to pay for Eero's $30 a year Secure tier---or if you were currently paying it---you're out of luck.

How to Access Your Router If You Forget the Password

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 21:00:00 GMT

If you've forgotten your router's password, acquired a used router, or are just helping out a friend with their setup, you can reset the router's password to its factory default.

Google's New Mesh Router Has Wi-Fi 6E and Matter Support

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:00:26 GMT

Google's lineup of Nest Wifi routers (previously Google Wifi) has remained popular for years, thanks to its mesh network abilities and easy management. Now there's an upgraded model with more features available.

Bad Wi-Fi Signal on Your PC? Do This to Fix It

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 09:00:31 GMT

If you use Wi-Fi on your computer and the connection is less than satisfactory, we've got a simple and inexpensive way to boost your Wi-Fi reception.

5 Reasons to Enable the Guest Network on Your Wi-Fi Router

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 07:00:05 GMT

Guest networks are a very useful router feature and one that far too many people don't take advantage of. Here's why you should turn on your guest network today.

Use a Wi-Fi Guest Network? Check These Settings

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:30:00 GMT

Guest networks are a great Wi-Fi router feature, but if you're using a guest network in your home, be sure you're using it safely and effectively. Here's what you need to know.

Can I Use My Existing Router With New Mesh Network Hardware?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:00:00 GMT

There are a few situations where you might wish to keep using your existing router alongside your new mesh network. In some cases, you might even be required to do so! Here's what you need to know.

Wi-Fi 7 Is One Step Closer to Reality

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 11:52:13 GMT

Most routers and devices still don't support Wi-Fi 6E (including the new iPhone 14 series), but the march of progress is still going. Wi-Fi 7 is now closer to reality, as Intel and Broadcom just completed a critical test.

Can I Reuse My Old Wi-Fi Name and Password on My New Router?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Buying a new Wi-FI router doesn't have to mean going through a tedious setup process on all your current Wi-Fi devices. Here's what you need to know about reusing your Wi-Fi name and password.

7 Mesh Router Mistakes to Avoid

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Considering a mesh router system? Although mesh Wi-Fi systems are pretty great, there are some pitfalls to avoid. Here are common mistakes you want to avoid when selecting and setting up your system.

Is Your Router's Default Wi-Fi Name a Security Risk?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 08:00:32 GMT

Are you still using the default network name that came with your Wi-Fi router? Here's why you should consider updating it.

Can I Use a Single Mesh Router By Itself?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 21:00:00 GMT

When you shop for a mesh network, they usually come in packs of two or three, with the option to buy extra nodes if you need them. Can you just use a single mesh network node by itself, though?

Is Your Router's Default Wi-Fi Password a Security Risk?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Your Wi-Fi router may have come with a random-looking default Wi-Fi password. Many people stick with the defaults, but is it secure---or should you select a new one?

Should I Use My ISP's Wi-Fi Extenders or Buy My Own?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Increasingly major ISPs are offering not just Wi-Fi routers but companion Wi-Fi extenders you can rent or buy. Should you take advantage of that or buy your own hardware?

How Many Wi-Fi Mesh Nodes Do You Need?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 07:00:27 GMT

Mesh router platforms are commonly sold in multi-packs, but exactly how many of the individual mesh nodes do you need for your home? Here's what you should consider while shopping.

How Many Wi-Fi Extenders Can I Use?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 08:00:24 GMT

If you're trying to patch up spotty Wi-Fi coverage, you might have considered using not just one but multiple Wi-Fi extenders to fix things. Here's what you need to know.

How (and Why) to Split a Mesh Router Pack

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 08:00:31 GMT

There is a strong argument to be made for selecting a mesh router over a traditional router, even in instances where you're using a single access point. But if you're shopping with the intent to split a mesh pack up you need to shop carefully.

What Is a VPN Router, and Should You Use One?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 11:00:14 GMT

If you're shopping for VPNs you may have come across so-called VPN routers. They're handy tools that can be used to have an entire network enjoy the benefits of a VPN, but they also come with some drawbacks. Let's take a closer look at what VPN routers can and can't do.

Wi-Fi Extender Setup: 11 Pro Tips for Maximum Wi-Fi Coverage

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Wi-Fi extenders have a well-deserved reputation as a Wi-Fi band-aid, but you can minimize the headaches if you deploy them with these tips in mind.

When You Should Use Dynamic Frequency Selection on a Router (and When You Shouldn't)

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 08:00:11 GMT

In your Wi-Fi router's control panel you might come across a setting called "Dynamic Frequency Selection" (DFS) and wonder what exactly it's for and if you should even use it. Here's when to use it (and some good reasons to skip turning it on).

How Long Can You Make Your Wi-Fi Password?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 09:00:40 GMT

Wi-Fi network names can be longer than you might think. But what about passwords? Here's the maximum length for Wi-Fi passwords based on your network's security protocol.

Can You Use Emoji in Wi-Fi Network Names? 🤔

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:30:22 GMT

If you're on a quest for quirky and funny Wi-Fi network names, you may have wondered if you could use emoji. Let's blow the dust off an old standards manual and get to the bottom of things.

How Long Can You Make Your Wi-Fi Network Name?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 09:30:49 GMT

Whether you're just the curious sort or you're dying to know if your brilliant idea for a prank Wi-Fi name will work, here's the scoop on the minimum and maximum SSID lengths.

Why Does My Wi-Fi Keep Going Out?

Tim Brookes — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Inconsistent Wi-Fi performance is a frustrating problem to have. With so many variables, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some things you can try to rid yourself of dropouts and unresponsive wireless networking.

Do Wi-Fi Extenders Deserve Their Bad Reputation?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:30:00 GMT

Wi-Fi extenders have a bad reputation in the tech community. People will often discourage you from using them. But do they deserve their bad reputation, and why do so many people love their Wi-Fi extenders if they do?

Can You Mix and Match Mesh Network Hardware?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 09:00:31 GMT

Mesh networks are an increasingly popular solution to the Wi-Fi demands of modern homes. You might be curious if you can mix and match different hardware devices--- either different models from the same manufacturer or even devices from different manufacturers. Here's what you need to know.

How to Stop Your Neighbors From Stealing Your Wi-Fi

Benj Edwards — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 21:00:00 GMT

If you gave out your Wi-Fi password or host an open Wi-Fi access point and your neighbors are siphoning away your bandwidth---possibly putting you in legal jeopardy as well---it's time to put a stop to it. Here's how.

These Hidden Bandwidth Vampires Are Eating Up Your Data Cap at Home

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 16:27:00 GMT

If you're laboring under the burden of an ISP-imposed data cap, tracking down the "bandwidth vampires" using up all your precious data will save you from overage fees and hassles. Here's where to look.

Can I Cover My Wi-Fi Router to Hide It?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:12:00 GMT

Wi-Fi routers and related equipment aren't often the most lovely to look at---so you might be tempted to conceal them away. Is it OK to cover your router to hide it?

What Are the Ethernet Ports on My Mesh Wi-Fi System For?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 26 May 2022 12:00:41 GMT

The nodes of many mesh systems sport multiple Ethernet ports even though all those Ethernet ports aren't strictly necessary for setting up and using the mesh system. So why are they there, and what can you do with them?

Here's Why You Shouldn't Use Your Phone for Internet Speed Tests

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 21 May 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Most of us use our phones for practically everything, so it just seems natural to grab your phone to run a speed test on your home internet connection. Here's why you should avoid doing that---and what to do instead.

Is It Safe to Sell My Old Modem or Router?

Tim Brookes — Thu, 19 May 2022 20:00:00 GMT

If you have an old router lying around that you no longer need, you might be tempted to sell it or give it away. Fortunately, your old router is unlikely to give away any revealing information about you, but it's a good idea to reset it before you ship it off.

10 Things Blocking Your Wi-Fi Signal at Home

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 19 May 2022 07:14:00 GMT

There are a surprising number of things in your home---from the type of material your walls are made of to the kind of things you decorate your home with---that can degrade your Wi-Fi signal.

6 Mesh Router Placement Mistakes to Avoid

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 18 May 2022 08:00:34 GMT

Purchasing a mesh router system is only half of the upgrade process. If your mesh node placement is poor, you'll never realize the full benefits of a mesh system. Here are common mistakes you want to avoid.