Wi-Fi routers, home servers, virtual private networks, and more.
Networking
Why can't I connect WiFi with my new router?
Episode 1682
John fromJohn has been upgrading his parents' network with a new router, some smart devices like NEST Cams, etc. He's running into some issues, though. He suspects it's the modem/router combo. Leo says it likely is: you'll need to find the IP address and log into it. Likely Admin/Blank for a user name and password. Then turn off the wifi and DHCP. The DHCP is also doing double NAT, so turn that off. It's called putting the router side into "bridge" mode. Let the modem send the bandwidth to the Google home router and it will handle it all. That should fix it all.
How Can I Connect Our Spare House to WiFI?
Episode 1681
Janelle fromJanelle has a Netgear Orbi and she's been having issues with her RING doorbell dropping out front. Leo says that RING works best on 2.4 GHz, but that's also very congested. Leo suggests going into the RING settings and set the RING to connect to the 2.4 GHz band. And if she can name the band, it can be easier to connect. But she also may have a neighbor that has a powerful router that is knocking the connection offline.
How can I share files on my Windows network?
Episode 1678
Collins fromNow that Windows has killed Workgroups, what's the best way to share files for his network? Leo says that file sharing is still available in Windows through File Explorer. But make sure you share with permissions to keep your network secure. What about a NAS? Leo says that a NAS will work, but they can get expensive with having to buy enclosures separate from the drives the data is housed in.
Why's My Apple TV Trying to Connect to My Mac?
Episode 1675
Jack fromJack got an antivirus notification that an Apple TV that was trying to access his network. He said no, but it keeps requesting it. Leo says that if Jack has an Apple TV, it's probably trying to connect. It uses a utility called BONJOUR to connect. It's perfectly safe to talk to your mac. And since Jack has a router, his router is a perfect firewall to prevent outside connections. That's how he'll know it's the Apple TV that's trying to connect. So let it. And get rid of the AVS.
Why's My Streaming So Slow on the TV?
Episode 1675
Gordon fromGordon cut the cord in favor of streaming through Verizon. After he did that, his streaming speeds plummetted. But it doesn't with his computer. Leo suspects that the issue is due to the WiFi connection to the TV. Most TVs have terrible WiFi radios in them. Leo recommends having a wired connection to television. Use a streaming box, like a ROKU to handle the WiFi and then connect wired to the TV. Another option is to get a MESH Router.
Is my wifi secure?
Episode 1674
Mike fromMike is worried that his WiFi network is compromised since his encryption was bypassed. Leo said that WEP was hacked, and routers went to WPA. And then WPA2. But the latest news is that "Krack attacks" have gotten into WPA2. Leo says it's largely sensationalized headlines and that it's very hard to do and requires a lot of time being on the network itself. Also, by now, most routers have been patched against Krack. So it's not really anything to fret over. And WPA3 is on the horizon, with new routers turning it on with a software upgrade.
Here are some things you can do:
Are guest accounts safe on my network?
Episode 1672
Tony fromTony wants to know if guest network accounts safe? Leo says yes, they are. But it greatly depends on how they are implemented. It needs to be sandboxed from the rest of the network so it can't get access to your computer data.
Why can't I use IOT devices with my mesh router?
Episode 1672
Tim fromTim upgraded to the Eero 10 Mesh router and several of his IOT devices don't work. Leo says it works for him: you don't need to do anything but input the new passwords. You don't need to do anything with the SSID. Eero doesn't do anything with choosing different bands. It just works automatically.
Can I Connect 2 Buildings With WiFi?
Episode 1671
Steve fromSteve wants to install WiFi between two buildings. Leo says that after about 100 feet, the WiFi slows down. He's gotta get a Line of Sight for the access point between the two buildings. Mesh routers would help. Leo suggests looking at the RadioLabs website on WiFi extension.
Why doesn't WiFi work with my Linux Distro?
Episode 1668
Dave fromDave installed Ubuntu Linux on the HP Stream and now he's having issues with WiFi. Leo says that HP probably didn't make drivers available for Linux, and so the community needs to figure that out. So chances are, there isn't a specific driver for the particular WiFi chip that his Stream uses. Leo recommends trying another version of Linux called POPOS by System 76. It's very similar to Ubuntu, but it has far more drivers available.