Wi-Fi routers, home servers, virtual private networks, and more.
Networking
How secure is the 'guest network' on my router?
Episode 1540
Patrick fromPatrick wants to know how secure a guest network would be? Leo says that while it's convenient for when he has guests, if their computer is compromised, so is his network. Some networks can create an isolated connection via VLAN, where all the guests would get is an internet connection.
Should I get a mesh router?
Episode 1538
Bianca fromBianca is thinking about getting a mesh router because her Wi-Fi is slow and unreliable. Leo says that a mesh router will definitely do the job, and they're better than a Wi-Fi extender because the extender is only half as fast. But mesh routers aren't cheap. Mesh routers also have a great quality of service with bandwidth shaping, and also parental blocking features. NetGear's Orbi is good, as is the Eero.
Why can't I put files on my external hard drive with my router?
Episode 1537
Dan fromDan wants to be able to transmit his movies over his network, but he can't see the drive he has hooked up to the router. Leo says that it sounds like the drive is set to Read-only through the Asus router Dan uses. It also depends on his file sharing settings in Windows. ScooterX says that Windows uses SMB, which is the most common file sharing standard. Heres a tech note on how (asus.com). But it will likely be very slow.
How can I create secure Wi-Fi in my apartment building?
Episode 1534
Scott fromScott is looking for a secure internet solution for his apartment tenants. Leo says he'll want to have a business version, which will give him a more reliable and faster connection. Leo suggests buying four different routers in bridge mode with a main Ubiquity Edge Router X. That will enable you to route traffic through the other four routers via a VLan connection. They will have a secure and isolated connection, while still sharing the connection. The other option is to let your tenants secure their own internet connection.
Why is my Wi-Fii so slow?
Episode 1533
Victor fromVictor is having issues with Wi-Fi on his laptop. It's very slow. Leo says that his router may need to be replaced if it's really old. He should run Inssider to analyze his Wi-Fi. NetSpot is another that will show him the weak spots in his router coverage. There are others at techwiser.com.
Should I buy a mesh router?
Episode 1532
Dave fromDave wants to replace his Airport Extreme with a mesh router. Leo says that's a good idea since Apple has stopped making routers. Mesh routers are good because they are always updated and provide great coverage around a large house. The downside is that to get additional features and updates, he'll have to pay around $100 a year for that support.
How can I extend my Wi-Fi?
Episode 1530
Greg fromGreg has to extend his Wi-Fi in order to stream to the TVs around the house. What kind of extender should he get? Leo says the farther he is away, the less signal and speed he'll get. So he'll need to boost the signal. If he's using a modern Wi-Fi router that uses 802.11AC, then it'll be easier. But if he has to use a router provided by the cable company, he should try and see if he can put the router/modem in bridge mode and use his own router. Then he should turn off the modem's Wi-Fi radio as well.
Why isn't my NAS visible on my network?
Episode 1529
Paul fromPaul's WD NAS can't be seen on his network after changing the cable connector. There's a red light that says "I'm not working." Leo says he could try to use another computer with the dashboard software and connect directly, bypassing the router. If he sees it, then there's some issue connecting through the router. Leo says that Western Digital's NAS is terrible. Definitely not his preferred NAS. They fail more often than others. Leo prefers Synology.
Why are my iMacs dying?
Episode 1529
Dave fromDave has bought two iMacs and they've both died after two days. Leo says it sounds like a power surge in his house that's causing it. Leo advises a power conditioning surge suppressor. It'll have a battery and circuitry that cleans up the power so there's an even flow without surges. Leo likes Tripp Lite and APC, but CyberPower is Leo's current favorite.
How can I network multiple versions of Windows?
Episode 1529
Dave fromDan is having issues networking multiple computers running different versions of Windows. Leo says that Dan may be having issues with HDCP. He should name each machine, and he should try it without his Windows XP machine.
