Wi-Fi routers, home servers, virtual private networks, and more.
Networking
Is the Netgear Nighthawk a good router?
Episode 1526
Joe fromCaller is looking to get a new router and is looking at the Netgear NightHawk. He wants to have QoS so he can control which device gets priority traffic. Rich says that the Nighthawk gets great reviews, over 20,000 on Amazon. So it's likely an ideal solution for him.
Why is my wifi signal so bad?
Episode 1526
Bill fromBill has power line adapters for his internet access and his wifi signal isn't very good. Rich says when powerline adapting, you need to be on the same circuit in order for the router to work right. A better solution is to go with a new MESH router. You can expand the network with a simple access point beacon. Rich uses Eero. It's a little more expensive, and there are others including Plume. But it's a better way to go to improve your wireless coverage in your house.
Why doesn't my wireless printer work with my new router?
Episode 1526
Richard fromRichard is having trouble printing wirelessly with his new router. Rich says to reinstall the printer drivers. Reset your printer. And try installing the app that your Epson printer offers.
Why can't I change my DNS settings?
Episode 1526
Dan fromDan got a new router from his ISP and he can't change the router settings. They're grayed out. Rich says while he can change the router settings in the router, he can also change them in his computer's OS. He'll have to be sure he has administrator access in the router to make any changes. The other option is to buy his own router.
Why is my internet so slow?
Episode 1524
Adrian fromAdrian is living in a rural area having an issue with slow internet service. He got a new router, but the problem still persists. Rich says this could be because of living in a rural area. He should try and bypass the router and do a speed test. If it works better, then it points to the router as the issue. But Rich doesn't think it's the router, since Adrian bought a new one. Rich thinks there may be an issue between the modem and the router. He should do a factory reset on the modem (better yet, ask his ISP for a new one).
Why is my NAS to slow?
Episode 1522
Aaron fromAaron has a Synology NAS, and he handles a lot of really large image files. But they load really slowly. Leo says that while loading it can bog down and there are several issues in the chain. He shouldn't treat his NAS as local storage. He should transfer his data to a hard drive. It still shouldn't be that slow, though. Leo suspects a misconfiguration issue. Aaron should make sure SMB File Sharing is turned on. That could help.
Do I need a new router?
Episode 1521
Paul fromPaul runs a utility to test his router and it always fails for buffer bloat. Should he get a new router? Leo says his does as well. When RAM got cheap, the router manufacturers boosted the RAM and it actually had the opposite effect by slowing down the buffer. Leo's opinion is that buffer bloat is over rated. He can ignore it. Eventually router makers have come to realize that buffer bloat can be handled in other ways. Leo recommends getting a second opinion with Netalyzer.
How can I use a mesh router on Verizon?
Episode 1520
Tony fromTony bought a new MESH router to use with his Verizon fiber optic internet connection. Leo says that Verizon uses a router/modem, so you'll need to change settings to bridge mode, so it can send the signal on to your new mesh router. Doctor Mom in the chatroom says you can put your Verizon modem into bridge mode, but you will lose some functions. It's just a matter if you can live with it.
How can I make my home network secure from my work computer?
Episode 1517
Andy fromAndy works as a remote IT guy and he's discovered that the company spies on his network. Leo says one way to solve this issue is to disconnect the XFinity router from the company computer. But if they insist on an always on connection, the Tiny Hardware Firewall may be a good solution. It'll connect to the VPN through a separate router and they wouldn't see any other traffic. Another way to do this, is to get rid of the XFinity router and use your own, like the Ubiquity Edge Router X, which gives you discreet lan options.
What's the fastest Wi-Fi Router?
Episode 1515
John fromJohn is a fire fighter and they share the cost of Wi-Fi with multiple access points. But when they increased his data plan to 300 Mbps, the most his router will get is 80. Leo says that typically, Wi-Fi is 60% of what they say. So he should be safely expecting 180 Mbps. But at 2.4Ghz, he's only going to get 80. He's going to need a TriBand router. For pure speed, Leo recommends the NetGear Orbi Pro Mesh router. He can get one extra unit for every 1500 sq ft coverage.
