Networking

Rod wants to change careers and get into the technology field. Leo says that following his interest is a good place to start. Starting his own app development may be a good idea, but it's not for everyone. Most people don't make a lot of money doing that. While he can learn to program, that doesn't mean he has the aptitude. IT Services is a growing field if he's good with people. Networking is also a great skill to have if he's mechanical.

Fred is remodeling his home and he's got open walls right now. What cabling should he install so he's set for the future? Leo says he should install Cat 6 Ethernet cable. That would really future proof his home with fast data networking. Or he could just go with wireless networking. He should at least run conduit in the walls and as the technologies change, he can then reinstall whatever cable he needs. Fiber optic cable is pretty cheap, but the switches are expensive. That's why Ethernet is still the best way to go.

Ken is wondering if he should use Watchguard on his Wi-Fi network for added security. Leo says he doesn't need this. These are internet security devices, or firewalls, that he'd run in his house. Routers are not very well designed and are commodity products, so they tend to have security flaws. Getting a better router would be a better way to increase security. Leo suspects Watchguard would be more than he actually needs.

Kimberly got a modem and router from her internet service provider, but the Wi-Fi isn't reaching to her bedroom which is 100 feet away. Leo says that's quite a distance and it sounds like Kim is at the edge of her Wi-Fi range. She could get an extender, but Leo advises using one that is the same manufacturer as her Wi-Fi router. Another option is to use the cable box router as just a modem and then get her own router and repeater. Leo suggests Netgear.