routers

Bill used to have a trial version of Network Magic, but since learned that it's been discontinued. He was wondering if there was a similar program he could get that would do the same thing. Leo says that Network Magic was needed when networking was newer, and setting up these networks was much more complex. The truth is, programs like these aren't really needed anymore, because routers are easier to set up now. Leo recommends just following the instructions that come with the router, and leaving it at that.

Andrew wants to get WiFi to all corners of his house. Leo says that's a non-trivial effort. He advises using WDS and repeaters. WDS stands for 'Wireless Distribution System' and is a standard spec devised to do just that. He'll need repeaters everywhere to extend the signal. It helps to have the same brand repeater/extender as the router he uses. Andrew says one wireless access point isn't getting a reliable connection. Leo says it's because it's weak. So putting a repeater about halfway would be a good idea. Leo recommends using a Wi-Fi analyzer utility to see which channels are best.

Ronnie has a PS3 and an XBox connected via a switch to the TV via a Trendnet Ethernet Bridge. Leo says that the PS3 has WiFi built in, which means switching isn't really necessary. But Ronnie says his WiFi switcher works better with multiple devices, but it keeps losing it's configuration. Leo says that assigning static addresses is an option, but it's dangerous to do that from a security standpoint. The chatroom says that using a third party bridge router is probably the issue. It's best to use the same brand when dealing with WiFi bridges.

John has a Roku Box, but he's not getting fast enough download speeds for streaming in HD. He's got a 7Mb/s DSL connection, but he only gets 1Mb/s when streaming.

Perry can't navigate to a specific website. He keeps getting a message that says "this page can't be displayed." If he bypasses his router, he can get to the sites.

Leo says that the router may be doing it's own DNS look up, and Leo suggests resetting the router and inputting the DNS addresses again. In fact, use OpenDNS and he'll get better security as a bonus. Leo also recommends updating his router's firmware.

Doug has a Seagate Freeagent Desk that he would like to turn into network attached storage.

Bob turned on his computer and found a new account named "John" on it. Leo says that's cause for concern. It could be a form of malware that gave a hacker remote access to the system. Why they'd choose a standard account, vs. an administrator account is somewhat of a mystery. Steve Gibson talked about a new malware issue that's popped up recently. It's a really nasty flaw in routers that was just discovered last week that exploits universal plug n play. Bob should run GRCs Shields Up to see if his router has that flaw.

The best solution is to get an actual WiFi router, and not just use the internet connection from the Mac Mini. She could get a cheaper router, or if she wants to get the Airport Express, that would work also. This should give her better results.

Leo says that if McAfee has told Phillip there's an intruder, it's probably a false positive. Leo doesn't recommend McAfee because it's just a step below a virus itself. The Chatroom says there's a forum post on McAfee on this issue and it shows it's likely bogus.