Wi-Fi routers, home servers, virtual private networks, and more.
Networking
What's a good alternative to a Linksys router?
Episode 1453
Chris from
Chris has been using the Linksys WRT3200 routers for his clients. Now he's getting notified of bad firmware in the routers. He contacted Linksys and they will replace them, but with 2 Velop Mesh Routers. What are his options? Leo says that if they're free, he'd take that. They're very good routers, so Leo wouldn't hesitate. Mesh routers may be a better option moving forward. They will get updated frequently and have much better reach for his clientele.
How can I turn off the router in my modem and use my own?
Episode 1453
Dan from
Dan has AT&T and a new TP-Link router. Can he use his own with the AT&T DSL modem that has a router built-in? Leo says yes. He can turn off the AT&T's router radios and network address translation. He could try putting it into bridge mode. He'll have to open up the browser IP address and look for a place that will enable him to turn off the router altogether. He'll also have to disable DHCP. If he can't do that, then he can put the TP-Link into bridge mode and it will just pass the signal along. He should also look for a passthrough mode.
Why can't Windows see my network storage?
Episode 1453
Keith from
Keith has two NAS drives attached to his network and none of his Windows-based computers can see the shared data folders, but his Android devices can. Leo says that since Keith's Chromebook and Android devices are based on Linux, it can probably see it without any emulation or extra drivers. The NAS could have a non-standard file sharing protocol that won't allow Windows to see it because it can't understand it.
Why can't I connect my Wemo to the internet?
Episode 1452
Armando from
Armando is trying to connect Wemo to his wireless router, but when he connects an additional one, it won't take his password. Leo says 2.4 Ghz is extremely congested now, so Leo recommends going into his router settings and changing it to allow his router to make changes automatically. That will enable it to choose the best channels. Doing it manually is tough and he'd need a Wi-Fi analyzer to do it. If he wants to do that, InSSIDer is a good one.
Do I need a new router?
Episode 1445
Dave from
Dave gets slowed down online when his son gets on the computer. He can't do anything. Does he need a new router? Leo says that's likely the case since Dave's router is about 8 years old. Leo says that sometimes the DSL modem needs to be replaced as well. So he should contact his ISP and ask them for a newer one. But definitely buy a new router, since they do wear out after a few years. Leo would recommend an 802.11AC version. It's better at managing bandwidth. Leo also likes mesh routers. They're a little more expensive, but they will give him great wireless coverage.
Why isn't my mesh network faster?
Episode 1443
Paul from
Paul has Spectrum internet and is using an Eero mesh router. His bandwidth was upgraded to 100 Mbps down, 12 up, but he hasn't noticed an improvement in speed when streaming. Leo says that he'll want consistency over speed when it comes to streaming. Every device wants to be first on the network to get priority and "shape the bandwidth." It's all about quality of service. He may want to look at his cable modem. If it's older, it could be the weak link in the chain.
How can I update my iPhone without wireless?
Episode 1439
Howard from
Howard just got an iPhone X and he had to restore his iPhone 4 data to it. Leo says the fastest way to do that is to plug it into iTunes, back it up, and then restore to his new phone. It should take about 5 to 10 minutes. But his problem is that his network is wired and he can't get updates because it's Wi-Fi only. Is that true? Leo says not really. He can connect to iTunes, download the updates, and install them.
How can I extend the range of my wireless sprinkler system?
Episode 1434
John from
John is a landscape contractor and he's making the transition to Wi-Fi controlled sprinkler systems for his clients, but there are some locations where the Wi-Fi is just too weak to connect. Is there a booster device he can use? Leo says that he can do that, but he'd need boosters for both directions.
Do I really need a router?
Episode 1432
Jim from
Jim has an internet enabled TV and he is about to subscribe to the internet, but does he really need a router? Leo says yes! It sits between him and the outside world and rejects security assaults by hackers. The router will also handle multiple devices, so if he has mobile phones, smart devices, a desktop or laptop, he's going to need a router to handle all that traffic. And his internet company will likely give him a router that can handle all that.
How should I wire my new home for internet access?
Episode 1432
Scott from
Jeff is building a house and he wants to know the best way to wire up the house. Leo says that if he has bare open walls, he should put in conduit. That will future proof his home for whatever comes down the line. Then he can run Cat6 Ethernet, if he can afford it. Cat 5e is just as good, and more affordable.
