Wi-Fi & Networks
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News
Broadcom launches next-gen Wi-Fi 8 silicon for home gateways, handhelds
Broadcom has begun sampling key Wi-Fi 8 silcion to partners, even though the formal specification isn't expected to be approved for several years. Each chip includes a real-time telemtry engine to analyze data.
Updated
I spent $24 to future-proof my home network, forever
Ethernet cables can be the weakest link in your home network, but it is ludicrously cheap just to upgrade them to a point where you never need think of them again.
Tip
6 practical uses for the USB port on your router
The USB port on the router offers more than you think. You can use it for backups, media sharing, and more.
Feature
Is Starlink right for you? Only if you answer 'Yes' to these questions
I recently got Starlink internet and one thing is clear: it's only good for very specific situations. Don't get it just because you think it's cool.
Deal
Fix crappy home Wi-Fi signals with this simple gadget, now 44% off
Get better internet across your home with this $45 TP-Link Wi-Fi Extender.
Feature
I use public Wi-Fi despite the risks. Here's how I keep safe
Using public Wi-Fi poses big security risks to PC users. But if you have to use it, these precautions can reduce the likelihood your PC security will be compromised.
Reviews
Synology BeeStation Personal Cloud review: Super-easy streaming, storage
The Synology BeeStation Plus is a simplified 8TB NAS box for people less familiar with the intricacies of online and network-attached storage.
Deal
Fix weak Wi-Fi signals at home with this plug-in booster, now $20
If you have spotty Wi-Fi connections in certain areas, get this TP-Link AC1200 for 33% off and boost those signals!
News
Despite AOL's exit, dial-up internet isn't going away
Although AOL may be the biggest name in the small market for dial-up internet, there are at least three other service providers promoting dial-up internet services, including Microsoft.
News
Your body can be fingerprinted and tracked by Wi-Fi signals
A new system developed by researchers in Rome can identify specific people and their locations with 95% accuracy.
How-To
Is someone spying on your Wi-Fi? How to sniff out network snoops easily
Suspiciously slow Internet or unknown devices connecting without permission? How to recognize uninvited guests on your home network
News
How to unlock Wi-Fi 7's full, blistering speed in Windows 11
With the 24H2 update, Windows 11 now fully supports Wi-Fi 7, adding new settings and details to help you get the most from your home network.
News
Researchers create Internet so fast, you can download all of Netflix in a second
Japanese researchers have transmitted long-distance data at faster than 350,000 times the average US broadband internet speed.
How-To
Can't access your NAS drives in Windows 11? Here's what to do
After updating to Windows 11 Pro 24H2, access to NAS drives on the local network may stop working and show an error message instead.
Deal
Got patchy home Wi-Fi? This $13 extender could be your easiest fix
Just plug this into an outlet to extend your Wi-Fi signal by up to 1,200 square feet. Perfect for filling in Wi-Fi dead spots!
News
Your Asus router might've been hacked and turned into a botnet, report says
If you're infected by the newly-detected vulnerability, your best bet is a complete factory reset of your router, followed by a patch.
News
Ditch your old router to stay safe from hackers, FBI warns
The FBI warns that a dozen popular router models are vulnerable to malware and other attacks. See if yours is on the list.
Feature
NAS drives aren't just for nerds! 6 real benefits everyone can use
A NAS drive isn't just for storage! Here's why everyone should have a NAS drive and some of the cool stuff you can do with one.
News
Beyond Speedtest: Orb gives you a holistic look at Internet performance
A new multi-platform speed test from the founders of Ookla (SpeedTest.net) gives you more options for both deep data and at-a-glance reports.
News
Comcast pinky promises not to raise broadband rates for 5 years
A new promotion says you can sign up at $55 (or more) and be confident the price won't increase… but be sure to read all the fine print.
How-To
More performance for laptops for free: The best tuning tips and tools
Free notebook tuning. Use these tips and tools to get the best possible performance and stability out of your laptop.
News
Patch your Netgear router right now!
Over the weekend, the company announced fixes for two critical vulnerabilities affecting select Nighthawk routers and Wi-Fi 6 access points.
Deal
Say goodbye to patchy home Wi-Fi with this simple $15 booster
Get this TP-Link Wi-Fi extender on sale at Amazon right now.
How-To
How to build your own router and firewall with Opnsense
More security, more features, and easier to expand your 'home lab' — not to mention how much you can learn about networking.
News
Meet Wi-Fi 8, which trades speed for a more reliable experience
Wi-Fi 8, the next generation of Wi-Fi, isn't due to be released until several years from now. But we already know what Wi-Fi 8 is going to look like, and how it will improve over Wi-Fi 7.
News
US govt. is considering a ban on Amazon's bestselling router brand
After TP-Link's routers were used in a recent hacker attack, the government might ban their sales in the US.
How-To
Get more from your home network: 5 advanced tips for the hardcore
Get more control over all devices in your home with alternative router software; stop smart home gadgets from 'phoning home;' and access your devices from outside with VPN.
Deal
Fix your spotty home Wi-Fi signal with this simple $27 gadget
Amazon is selling the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender for 46% off right now in the wake of Cyber Monday.
How-To
More than Internet: 9 tips to maximize your home network
Your home local area network is useful in more ways than just providing internet access to gadgets.
How-To
Protect your home network with these essential router tweaks
These must-do router tweaks will protect your gadgets from unwanted attacks.
How-To
Solve Wi-Fi problems with these smart router settings
Speed up your wireless network and make sure your whole home has good Wi-Fi coverage.
Deal
You can get stronger Wi-Fi throughout your home for just $23
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi extender is 54% off on Amazon right now.
How-To
How to choose a new router and get started with important settings
Sure, you can make do with the router your internet provider has sent you and get internet without changing any settings at all — if you like low security and slow speed.
Deal
Fix spotty home Wi-Fi connections with this simple $23 gadget
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender is 54% off on Amazon right now.
How-To
How to lower your ping and latency in competitive online games
Every millisecond counts when gaming online. Here are some tips for when lag is ruining your esports performance.
How-To
5 ways to check Wi-Fi signal strength on Windows PCs
Windows offers multiple ways of checking the strength of your Wi-Fi signal so you know whether you are getting optimum throughput.
Feature
Why the obscure Nagle’s Algorithm on routers can impact your PC gaming n
You may never have even heard of Nagle's Algorithm but here's why some savvy gamers are disabling it in Windows.
Updated
Plex Live TV & DVR review: Powerful OTA DVR, with hiccups
Plex Live TV & DVR offers ad-skipping, out-of-home viewing, and a lifetime subscription option for those willing to set it up.
News
This Wi-Fi system can stretch for almost 10 miles
A world record test in the California desert shows the staggering range of HaLow Wi-Fi.
Feature
This easy $30 tech purchase is the best travel investment I ever made
The next time you travel overseas, spend a few bucks on a foreign SIM or eSIM and you'll never have to worry about roaming fees or disconnections.
Deal
Got spotty Wi-Fi in certain rooms? Get a stronger signal for just $23
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender is 54% off on Amazon right now.
News
Bluetooth 6.0 is almost here, and it's bringing a useful feature
The next major update to Bluetooth is long overdue, but it's finally coming with new features and improvements.
Deal
Get full-bars Wi-Fi signal everywhere in your home for just $13
The TP-Link Wi-Fi Extender can patch up Wi-Fi dead zones in your home and it's only $13.30 each at Amazon right now.
Deal
Say goodbye to Wi-Fi dead zones with TP-Link's mesh system, now $170
The TP-Link Deco AX3000 makes your home Wi-Fi experience that much better—and it's 39% off right now on Amazon.
How-To
Better Wi-Fi thanks to mesh: What you need to know
Want faster Wi-Fi speed and better wireless coverage? A mesh network might be what you need. Here are the advantages and how to get started.
Deal
Get proper Wi-Fi anywhere in your home for $23
When you're at the other end of your home, way across your router, and your Wi-Fi is patchy at best, remember that $23 could solve your problem.
Deal
Forget about Wi-Fi dead zones with this TP-Link Extender for just $24
Making sure you have Wi-Fi everywhere on your property can cost as little as $24 with this TP-Link deal
News
Meet Thunderbolt Share, Intel's ultra-fast sneakernet replacement (and more)
Intel is launching Thunderbolt Share, connecting two PCs with Thunderbolt ports together to share and sync files and remotely control a laptop. But the licensing program seems unnecessarily confusing.
How-To
Securing the home network – smart tricks and settings
Keep the hackers away and protect your other gadgets if any device suffers a breach or malware.
News