Networking

Wi-Fi routers, home servers, virtual private networks, and more.

Why does my WiFi go on and off?

Episode 1609

Lynn from Thousand Oaks, CA

Lynn's wifi drops out from time to time. Leo says that's usually an indication that your router is worn out, but if it's new, then it could be congestion from other WiFi signals in your neighborhood. Using a dual band router with a 5Ghz frequency, that can help, because not only are other routers using 2.4Ghz, but there's also all the smart devices that use them as well. So it's really congested out there.

Can I Create a Secure Network with 3 Routers?

Router

Episode 1605

Dave from San Anselmo, CA

Dave recently upgraded his network with new routers and created Steve Gibson's three router network for security. He wants to know what's the best way to do it to be more efficient and secure. Leo says that Steve Gibson over at GRC.com is the expert here. But there's an easier way to do it, with virtual LAN networks assigned within the physical network. Using the EdgeRouterX enables you to create up to 4 segmented networks that can't cross over. And it's only $59. Great deal. But since Dave has already bought the routers, PC Perspective is where you want to go.

Why Do I Have to Reboot My Airport?

DD-WRT

Episode 1604

Andy from North Hollywood, CA

Andy is having issues with his AirPort router.  Every day he has to reboot both the router and the modem.  What gives? Leo says the airport eventually will wear out and it's probably time to get a new router. Apple doesn't even update them anymore, nor do they make new ones. Leo recommends ASUS routers that run DD-WRT. New routers will also better handle how internet traffic is running these days. 

Why is My WiFi Slowing Down?

ORBI

Episode 1604

Corey from Murrietta, CA

Corey bought an ORBI MESH router and enjoyed 350MBps downloads, until recently. It's now down to about 10MBps. He tried another Linksys mesh router and the same issue happened. Leo says that it sounds like the problem isn't at the router level. Leo suspects that Corey may get full speed from a wired router. If so, then there's a congestion or interference issue. It could be a "WiFi hostile" environment that is causing interference. Maybe a lot of devices are clogging up the wireless spectrum where he is.

Can I Prevent Bandwidth Throttling?

TPLink

Episode 1604

Phil from Arvada, CO

Phil has heard about something called a "WiFi blast range extender" which promises to solve bandwidth throttling. Is it legit? Leo says NO. The article that Phil came across was a sponsored article, disguised as legitimate content.  They make plenty of promises, but not really deliver. In this case, bandwidth throttling isn't done at the router level, it's done at the ISP level. When ISPs put a bandwidth cap on you, you can work around it, you just have to either deal with the slowdown or pay for more bandwidth. 

Are WiFi Extenders a Good Idea?

Eero

Episode 1600

David from Anaheim, CA

David needs to extend the WiFi in his apartment building. Will an extender do the job? Leo says it will, but at the cost of cutting bandwidth speed in half, because the base station is relaying the signal and spending half the time talking to the router. Leo recommends going with a MESH router. Eero is a good one, as is NetGear Orbi. But there are plenty more. Just about every router company makes a mesh model now. 

Sam Abuelsamid .... the electrical architecture

Sam Abuelsamid

Episode 1597

Sam joins Leo to talk about how the electrical architecture of E Vehicles is evolving.  The wiring of modern electric vehicles can have as much as 2 miles of copper wire built into them. Hundreds of sensors. Connectors, and more. Manufacturers are trying to simplify it. Now they're starting to use CanBus, which is essentially like Ethernet, that allows computers in your car to talk to each other. So the modern electric vehicle is essentially a computer network.