Wi-Fi & Networks
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News
The .INTERNAL domain could be the new name for your home network
For years, we've used the obscure 192.168.x.x IP address to identify your local network. ICANN, which oversees the Internet, has proposed a new .INTERNAL domain to make it clearer.
Feature
4 preventative steps to avoid a home networking disaster
When setting up your router, several simple moves can save you huge headache down the road.
Reviews
Firewalla Gold SE review: Superb network protection, no subscription required
The Firewalla Gold SE is an easy-to-use box of tricks that will protect your network, with no subscription required.
Reviews
Linksys Velop Pro 6E review: Wi-Fi 6E gets (more) affordable
Linksys hammers down the price of Wi-Fi 6E with its latest mesh system.
News
Windows 11 tests easily sharing Wi-Fi access with a QR code
Sharing Wi-Fi access data via Windows 11 will be child's play. Microsoft has integrated a QR code function into its operating system.
How-To
7 useful hacker tools for Windows security
Hacker tools such as password crackers can also be used against hackers. This is because they make it possible to test the security of one's own computer and thus make it attack-proof.
Reviews
Amazon Eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi review: Fast and friendly
The Eero 6 takes what the original system did so well, and adds rocket fuel. You get a whole-home Wi-Fi system that’s easy to install and provides robust connectivity, only this time around, top wireless speeds are faster.
Best Picks
The best cheap cell phone plans: Slash your monthly bill
Whether you need just a few voice minutes or gobs of cheap data, choosing a cheap cell phone plan through an alternative carrier—aka mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)—lets you stay on your preferred network while saving a ton of cash.
Deal
This excellent Wi-Fi 6 mesh router is just $55 during Prime Day
The TP-Link Deco X20 is speedy but simple to set up, and it’s down to its lowest price yet during Amazon Prime Big Deals Day.
Deal
Amazon's delightful Eero WI-Fi router is just $45 for October Prime Day
Kick your Internet provider's router to the curb and get Amazon's Eero router for $45 during Prime Big Deal Days.
Reviews
Asustor Nimbustor 2 Gen2 AS5402T review: The ultimate small NAS
The second generation of this NAS drive series fixes most of the things wrong with the original.
News
If you have one of these three Asus routers, update it right now
Extremely critical security vulnerabilities put these routers at risk from remote attackers.
How-To
How to wire an Ethernet wall socket
No matter how good Wi-Fi gets, you can’t beat good old-fashioned copper wire for reliability, if not speed as well. Here's how to wire an Ethernet faceplate.
Tip
How to use your laptop as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot
Especially when travelling, it can be useful to use your own computer as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
Opinion
Why you should always set up guest Wi-Fi at home
Even if no one ever visits you, a guest network helps maintain the security and privacy of your home network.
Feature
Wi-Fi 7: A deep-dive into the blistering new wireless standard
Wi-Fi 7 is now being launched, and the new Wi-Fi standard improves the speed and stability of radio transmission with numerous innovations.
How-To
6 big home Wi-Fi mistakes, and how to fix them
Hackers and nosy neighbors aren't always the reason for Wi-Fi problems – they can also arise from incorrect settings in your router.
Feature
This broken Windows feature taunts me every time I update
A Windows feature called Delivery Optimization within is designed to allow you to download apps and updates from other PCs on your network, not the Internet. But it's so frustrating that it barely ever works.
Deal
This $100 TP-Link mesh router 3-pack will fix your spotty Wi-Fi
This budget mesh router is down to its all-time low, making it an affordable way to get even Wi-Fi coverage across your whole house.
How-To
5 ways to get a better Wi-Fi signal outside
Need a better wireless signal in your backyard or garden? Here are 5 ways to get a strong Wi-Fi signal outdoors.
Feature
Meet MoCA, the speedy home network alternative that runs over cable wires
Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) makes it possible to set up networks over coaxial cables. The article shows what you need to know and what advantages MoCA offers compared to Powerline.
How-To
Wi-Fi problems? Here's how to diagnose your router issues
Get to the root of your Wi-Fi problems with these simple steps. They range from small tweaks to your existing router to buying a Wi-Fi extender to purchasing a new Wi-Fi router for a complete fresh start.
Feature
Mesh Wi-Fi vs Traditional Routers: Which is better?
When it comes to setting your home up with Wi-Fi it's easy to get stumped on the question of which Wi-Fi type is best: A traditional home router, or one of the new Wi-Fi mesh systems? Here are the basics to help you make the right decision.
Tip
Here's how to fix your NAS if Windows 10 or 11 broke its functionality
Finally transitioning away from an old version of Windows? If you have an older NAS, here’s the reason why it might not be working in Windows 10 or 11—and how to fix it.
Updated
Best mesh Wi-Fi routers
Few elements of your home’s infrastructure have a bigger impact on your tech life. We recommend mesh Wi-Fi routers for most people, and we’ll help you find just the right one for your needs.
Feature
Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E: Which should you pick?
With three versions of Wi-Fi on the market, picking a router is more complicated than ever.
Deal
Save a massive 40% on Eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi routers for Prime Day
Take a 40% discount on one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems around, the Eero Pro 6E, in packs of one, two, or three for Prime Day.
Updated
Why you should upgrade to Wi-Fi 6/6E
The quality of your Wi-Fi network has a huge influence on your online activities. Here's what you should know about the latest Wi-Fi 6/6E standard and how to upgrade.
Reviews
Eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi review: More family sedan than sports car
Eero’s new mesh system is fast enough, reliable, and cheaper than other big mesh Wi-Fi 6E systems.
Reviews
Netgear Orbi 6E Mesh review: A powerful—and expensive—Wi-Fi mesh system
This otherwise excellent router is tainted by a luxury price tag and too many subscription-only features. Read on for details.
Reviews
Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi Next review: Mesh network through your power lines
Powerline is neat, but stability issues and confusing, limited UI hold back the Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi Next.
Reviews
Netgear Nighthawk M5 mobile router review: Probably too expensive, but nice
The Netgear Nighthawk M5 is strong as a router, stronger as a modem, strongest as a hotspot.
Reviews
TP-Link GX90 review: A supremely powerful gaming router
If you want a powerful single access-point gaming router that provides great range and performance, look no further.
Feature
Which Wi-Fi router looks most like an evil alien spaceship?
Designs for gaming routers have gotten really familiar lately. It's time to break down which ones look like spaceships.
Reviews
Firewalla Gold review: Powerful home network security in a tiny box
The Firewalla Gold router allows easily configurable and powerful control over a home network, from resisting attacks to identifying internal device threats to blocking ads and adult sites.
News
Wi-Fi 7 is coming: Meet the smarter, faster Internet of the future
Qualcomm announces the FastConnect 7800, which the company says will be the first Wi-Fi 7 chip. But what is Wi-Fi 7? We explain the next generation of wireless networking technology.
News
Telstra launches the Smart Modem 3 with faster Wi-Fi speeds
Telstra has launched the Smart Modem 3, featuring Wi-Fi 6 and promising faster Wi-Fi speeds than before.
News
These bristling Asus ROG Rapture routers are home network hot rods
The hot rods of Asus’s ROG Rapture gaming router lineup are about to get huge upgrades.
News
Netgear's Nighthawk RAXE300 makes cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E more affordable
The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 shaves hundreds of dollars off the price of previous Netgear Wi-Fi 6E routers. It still ain't cheap, but it's a whole lot cheaper.
News
This loaded TP-Link mesh router is $800 and looks worth every penny
TP-Link unleashed an avalanche of mesh router systems at CES 2022, including a flagship Deco XE200 that costs $800 but comes fully loaded with every feature and spec you could ask for.
News
TP-Link's radical Wi-Fi 6E router looks like a self-adjusting '80s sci-fi robot
TP-Link rolled out several high-speed Wi-Fi 6E routers at CES 2022, including a model with radical self-adjusting antennas.
News
Netgear's killer NetDuma gaming features head to Orbi Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers
Netgear's NetDuma integration can level up your network and your gaming experience, and now it's coming to the company's Orbi Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers.
News
Comcast embraces the Wi-Fi 6E future with its latest xFi gateway
Comcast is debuting its very first—and, as far as we can tell, the industry’s first—ISP-provided Wi-Fi 6E modem/router combo.
How-To
How to find your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11
Don't get locked out of your wireless network. Here's how to find your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11
News
Netgear reveals the world's first quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh router
The Netgear Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System AXE11000 (RBKE960) provides a dedicated 5GHz backhaul channel, leaving you with a free 5GHz band for connected devices.
Feature
Mesh Wi-Fi vs. traditional router: Which one’s best for your home?
Mesh routers may be newer than traditional routers, but they’re not inherently better. We break nodown of the pros and cons of each to help you pick between them.
News
TP-Link’s Archer GX90 AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 gaming router is available now
It took a while to get here, but it’s less expensive than anticipated.
Feature
The best router settings for gaming
Whip your home network into gaming-grade shape with these router tips.
Feature
How to secure your home Wi-Fi network and router
Following these instructions will help protect your home network from snoopers and would-be hackers.
Deal