Step-by-step home networking tutorials and advice to help you set up, secure, and optimize your network.
43 articles
Ethernet cables look identical but are rated for very different speeds. Here is what Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat8 actually support - and why most homes do not need the priciest one.
Read moreIf you have cable internet, your modem's DOCSIS version sets a ceiling on your speed. Here is the difference between DOCSIS 3.0, 3.1, and 4.0 - and how to tell if your modem is holding you back.
Read moreTo change any router setting you first have to log in to its admin page. Here is how to find your router's IP address, open the admin page, and what to do if the default password does not work.
Read moreSwitching to a faster public DNS can make pages load quicker and fix sites that will not open. Here is how to change DNS on your device or router, and the best free resolvers to use.
Read moreChanging your WiFi password takes a few minutes in your router's admin page. Here is exactly where to find the setting, how to pick a strong passphrase, and how to get your devices back online afterward.
Read moreYour WiFi name is its SSID. Changing it is quick - here is where to find the setting, what makes a good (and safe) network name, and what happens to your connected devices.
Read moreA factory reset wipes your router back to defaults - useful when you are locked out or troubleshooting, but disruptive. Here is how to do it right, what you lose, and why the old 30-30-30 trick is outdated.
Read moreA fixed IP keeps a device reachable at the same address every time - essential for port forwarding, network printers, and servers. Here is the easy, router-friendly way to do it.
Read moreA guest network gives visitors and smart-home gadgets internet access while keeping them away from your computers and files. Here is how to enable it and where its limits are.
Read morePort forwarding opens a path through your router's firewall so outside traffic can reach a specific device - useful for game servers and remote access. Here is how to set it up without exposing your network.
Read moreSmart-home gadgets are the weakest link on most networks. Putting them on their own network keeps a compromised camera or plug away from your computers and files. Here is how to do it.
Read moreA handful of router settings make or break a modern smart home. Here is exactly what to enable, what to disable, and why - so Matter, Thread, and casting all work reliably.
Read moreMost Matter pairing failures are not random - they come down to a handful of router settings. Here is the checklist that fixes the majority of "device won't commission" problems.
Read moreYour device says it is connected to WiFi but nothing loads. Here is what that actually means and 12 fixes - from the right way to power-cycle to flushing DNS and checking your WAN IP.
Read moreA buying guide to mesh WiFi systems - how they work, what to look for, and when a mesh beats a single router or a range extender.
Read moreA plain-English guide to DHCP - how it assigns IP addresses, the settings that matter, and fixes for the most common DHCP errors.
Read moreA start-to-finish guide to planning, building, securing, and optimizing a home network - with links to in-depth tutorials for every step.
Read moreSpeed up and stabilize your wireless network with the right channel, band, and advanced router settings - explained in plain English with links to deep dives.
Read moreNo matter where you travel in the world, you’ll find WiFi just about everywhere. There are hotspots in cafes, retail shops, and even in parks. It’s in the vast majority of homes, too, with 89% of US homes connected to broadband using WiFi to access the internet. That being said – not all WiFi is […]
Read moreIf you are looking to improve the performance of your wireless network then you might be considering purchasing a wifi repeater or signal booster. It is important to understand the differences in options when extending your wireless network. If you pay any attention to the world of home networking, then you may be familiar with […]
Read moreThere are a number of different options out there when it comes to testing your internet speed. You should check to see if your internet service provider offers a speed test using a server located on their network. Most speed tests will test Download Speed and Upload speed. The Download speed is the rate at […]
Read moreThe wireless MAC filter is a layer of security that allows only specific MAC addresses to connect to your router via WiFi. This tool allows you to specify a list of MAC addresses that are authorized. When a device tries to connect to your Wifi network, if its MAC address does not match one on […]
Read moreSo you’re in the market to buy a wireless router. You’re doing your research to find the best router for you, but you’ve come to a crossroads. You have to make a decision: Do you want to buy a Wireless G, Wireless N or Wireless AC router? But more importantly, what is the difference? What is […]
Read moreThe command prompt in Windows 10 is used to run a number of useful commands, and can often be faster than using graphical interfaces. There are a number of different ways to open up a command prompt in Windows 10. Here are 6 of our favorites: 1. Launch via Search This method uses the search […]
Read moreIf you’re connected to a network, you already know about routers. Routers allow you to connect to your network wirelessly through Wi-Fi, or through a wired Ethernet connection. Many people, particularly those who aren’t experienced in setting up networks, simply plug up their router and immediately go online. While this may certainly work, this might […]
Read moreWhen your internet speeds drop, there are a few common troubleshooting steps that you take, such as resetting or unplugging your router, changing configurations on your laptop, or even contacting your ISP. There is one step in optimizing that is often overlooked, and that is adjusting your beacon interval. What Exactly Is a Beacon Interval? […]
Read moreWhen connecting to your broadband service, one of the most important cables that you can have is your Ethernet cable, which allows these high-speed transmissions to reach your computer. However, if you’ve ever shopped at an electronics store, you may have encountered some terms that aren’t very familiar, such as Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6. With […]
Read moreSeveral months ago, I received a phone call from my Internet Service Provider. I was informed that my modem was using old technology. They said it was simply not taking full advantage of the internet service I am using. And upgrading to a newer modem would greatly enhance my user experience. Of course, I dismissed […]
Read moreWhen running some commands in the Windows command prompt, you may see the message “The Requested Operation Requires Elevation”. Most times, the simplest solution is to open the command prompt as Admin and run your command again. In this article, we’ll show you how to do this in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. […]
Read moreI’m sure I don’t have to tell you that having a home network security plan is important. The question is how to do it properly. Some people will swear up and down that security measure X is the most important, while others claim that the same thing is insecure or even useless. The truth is […]
Read moreImagine this: you’re at your desk at work and your internet connection suddenly slows down. Maybe you’re at home and you just want to watch a funny video that someone sent to you but the video just won’t load – and neither will anything else. While you may be tempted to just pick up the […]
Read moreMany residential and business internet users aren’t familiar with optimizing their wireless networks. While hardware allows us to simply “plug and play” to access the internet, not adjusting your wireless settings can lead to significant issues. Slower internet service shouldn’t always just be chalked up to outdated hardware or software or even the ISP itself. […]
Read moreThis article will show you how to run the ‘netsh winsock reset’ command on your Windows computer. This command is a simple troubleshooting step that can fix many common problems with your internet connection, including browsing or gaming issues. In particular, if you see Error Code 10107, there’s a good chance that the below steps […]
Read moret’s common to see acronyms used when referring to technology, particularly when discussing the internet. As broadband speeds increase and ISPs promote their services as the best and the fastest, you’ve probably seen the term MBps at least once. Maybe you’ve also seen Mbps. Despite the fact that just one capital letter differentiates the two, […]
Read moreIf you don’t know the difference between an inkjet and a laser printer, have no fear! Buying a printer for your home network doesn’t have to be such a pain in the you-know-what. I’ll explain what your options are and how they will affect your wallet in the short-term and the long-term. Laser Printers Laser […]
Read moreHome networks allow devices such as smartphones, game consoles, computers, and printers to communicate within your home. This simplifies tasks like printing, sharing files, and accessing the internet from anywhere. How you choose to setup these devices can affect the efficiency and security of your home network. The initial setup and best security practices will […]
Read moreThe network security key is the password or pass phrase that you use to authenticate with your home network. In order to establish a secure connection with your wireless router, you have to provide the key to prove that you are authorized to do so. The key is established on a setting in the wireless […]
Read moreThe internet is really a brilliant and innovative thing when you think about it. The fact that we can share data with others, access online content from anywhere in the world, and do all of it wirelessly shows us just how amazing technology can be. As one would expect, the internet and the hardware used […]
Read moreIt is possible to have extremely fast Wi-Fi network and there are a few ways we can do to achieve that. Many Wi-Fi solutions offer lightning-fast connections, but if your router is not set up properly, even opening Google can feel unbearably sluggish. Despite its relative maturity, Wi-Fi is still a temperamental technology. Your browsing […]
Read moreIf you’ve ever spent any amount of time on the internet, you know that you have to be cautious. Clicking on that email tempting you with a free gift card, going to a website that seems a little bit shady, or just opening a social media link from a friend may seem innocent, until suddenly, […]
Read moreIf you’ve ever set up a router at your home or business, one of the settings you may have noticed is DHCP lease time. Unless you’re an experience IT professional, it’s highly likely that you may have bypassed this setting completely, especially if you aren’t sure what it does or what value you should assign […]
Read moreIt is a good idea to change your network security key every once in a while. You should treat it just like a password. Just so we’re on the same page: your network security key is the key/password/passphrase used to add new devices to your network. It is, for all intents and purposes, a “password” […]
Read moreVideo game consoles have become more advanced than ever in recent years. Not only have game options expanded and graphics improved to become more realistic, but modern day consoles such as the PlayStation 4 offer more than just video games. These gaming systems can become connected devices that allow you to purchase games, compete with […]
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