Author - Network Admin

TP Link 300

From paying bills to catching up on some last-minute work or even just keeping in touch with friends and family through social media, the internet is a must for my household. Having access to go online from my smartphone, laptop or other device is a necessity, and nothing is more frustrating than having a weak signal or, worse, none at all. When internet problems plagued me, the first place I looked was my router. I was in serious need of an upgrade. That’s why I decided to take a closer look at the TP-Link N300 router.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Router

If, like me, you want to be able to go online without being chained to your desk, you have to have a router. The router allows you to be able to wirelessly connect to the internet from multiple devices – perfect for the entire household.

If you only get online from your desktop computer, you won’t need a router. However, if you or others in your household plan to access the internet without using an Ethernet cable, want to play games online through your connected console, or use multiple devices for accessing the internet, a good router is a must.

Your router connects to your modem to provide high-speed internet access without the need for cords and cables. But not all routers are made the same. It’s important to know what to look for, so you don’t end up with a product that’s collecting dust on your shelf.

Before making your purchase, you should always keep the following things in mind: price point, range, single or dual-band options, ease of setup, security options, and support for higher speeds. For this review, we’ll be looking at some of these categories for the TP-Link N300 router.

What is the TP-Link N300 Router?

The TP-Link N300 is a wireless router that allows you to set-up household Wi-Fi, so you can go online through any connected device. This router has a lot of features that promise great performance, including dual antennas for a more solid connection, programs for easy setup and management, and supported speeds for doing everything from online shopping to streaming videos. It is also compatible with the most recent Internet-protocol.

This router is one that is best for household use. Anyone that wants to set up their own Wi-Fi network within their home should consider purchasing this product. This unit would not be ideal for business use, and it’s not required if you just want to use a wired connection in your home.

There are some positive and negative features of this product, including:

Pros

  • Low price point
  • Easy setup and maintenance – anyone can do it
  • Built-in features increase signal stability and reliability

Cons

  • Doesn’t support dual bandwidths
  • Feels lighter and cheaper than other models – may not have the longevity of more durable models
  • Speeds may be slower than those that come from a more expensive router

The TP-Link N300 is a residential router that offers many of the features and benefits of more expensive routers at a fraction of the price. Benefits of this product include:

Affordable Price

The TP-Link N300 is one of the more affordable products on the market. With a retail price of just $24.99, it costs a fraction of the price of other residential routers. If you’re looking for an affordable router, this is an option you may want to check out.

Easy Setup

Few things are more frustrating than getting your new equipment and not knowing how to even use it. Fortunately, the TP-Link N300 offers lots of different features and utilities that make setup a breeze. The router is equipped with an optimized user interface and setup wizard that can easily get you online.

If you don’t want to use the interface, a setup CD is included so you can access the internet as quickly as possible. These features also allow you to maintain your router over time, so you can change settings as needed to get the fastest, most stable connection.

Setup and installation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJA9WBAiGUQ

IP QoS

If you have multiple devices in your home that get used but you want to change how your bandwidth is allotted, you’re in luck. The TP-Link N300 is equipped with an IP-based function that allows you to distribute how your bandwidth is used. Working on an important project? Change your settings to allot more bandwidth to your laptop computer. In the middle of an online game on your video game console? You can change the settings again to fully customize your experience.

Security Options

Leaving your Wi-Fi open not only allows users outside of your home to access the internet connection you pay a lot of money for, but it leaves you vulnerable to all sorts of attacks and issues. You can avoid this problem with this router, which provides easy setup for WPA/WPA 2 encryption standards to ensure your network is always secure.

Faster Wireless Speeds

If you’re like the typical consumer, you probably pay a pretty penny for your internet service each month. Why pay for something that you can’t get full use of by using sub-par equipment? To ensure maximum speed, you need a router that’s built to do the job – and that’s where the TP-Link N300 comes into play.

Whether you’re struggling just to refresh a page or you want to stream your favorite TV show, no one likes interruptions. This router supports speeds up to 300Mbps, providing you with the smooth, seamless performance you’re looking for.

Wireless Stability and Range

Even more frustrating than slow internet speeds is when you’re not able to connect at all or your connection drops frequently. After all, who wants to be in the middle of a download, only to have it interrupted, or get an error message indicating the internet’s not working as it should? The TP-Link N300 is equipped with two antennas, providing you with wider range and a more stable signal, resulting in fewer lost connections. This product also complies with the IEEE 802.11n standard. What does this mean? This means that you get up to five times the range and fifteen times the speed of 11g routers. This allows you to get the most out of your internet speeds – no matter where you are in your home.

Parental Controls

Setting up a network for your household, and you want to make sure that your kids are protected? With this router, you can easily set up parental controls that allow you to block what your kids can’t and can’t access online. The controls also allow you to control when devices can connect with the internet. If you don’t want your child online during the late night hours, you can control all of that with the TP-Link N300.

Still undecided? I don’t expect you to take my word for it. After all, this is your investment, and you want to make sure it’s the best way to spend your money.

I scoured the internet to find out what others thought about the TP-Link N300, and the reviews were overall favorable. The speeds, range, ease of use and pricing point were all on par with everything promised by the manufacturer, and many reviewers found this product to be well-worth the money spent, especially when comparing its features to other more expensive products on the market.

Not completely sold on this wireless router? There are some other alternatives that you can explore before deciding which one will best fit your needs. Some similar alternatives include:

  • Linksys WRT54GL Wi-Fi Wireless-G Broadband Router
  • HooToo N300 WiFi Router
  • TP-Link AC1900 Wireless Long Range Wi-Fi Gigabit Router
  • Linksys WRT54GL Wi-Fi Wireless-G Broadband Router

The Linksys WRT54GL is another competitively priced broadband router. At $39.99 retail price, it is only slightly more expensive than the TP-Link N300. While this product shares many of the same features, there are some differences as well. In addition to pricing, other similarities include easy setup, two external antennas for a more stable connection, and WPA2 support for security.

Where this differs from the N300, however, is that it only supports speeds up to 54 Mbps. It does, however, boast additional features not found on the N300, including a built-in SPI firewall for added security.

Comparisons (TP-Link N300 vs. WRT54L)

  • Speeds: 300Mbps vs. 54 Mbps
  • Price: $24.99/$39.99

The Linksys WRT54GL is another affordable option for those who want a residential router that’s no-fuss, easy to set up, and complies with all current standards. If you want a router that is safe, secure, and scalable, you’ll want to check out this model.

HooToo N300 Wi-Fi Router

Low on space and short on cash? You don’t have to spend a fortune for a router, and you don’t have to settle for a big, clunky box that takes up too much space on your desk or shelf. If you want to pack the most punch in a small package without breaking the bank, the HooToo N300 Wi-Fi Router is a product you need to put on your list.

What stands out the most about this router is the price – at just $9.99, it’s one of the most affordable on the market. The price isn’t the only thing that’s small, as this product has a slim profile that’s 25% smaller than other routers. The small size shouldn’t fool you, though, as it is loaded with many of the benefits and features found in larger, more expensive routers.

The HooToo N300, similar to the TP-Link N300, supports speeds up to 300Mbps for gaming, streaming, or web surfing. This product offers easy setup, so you can be online in just minutes. This model is also equipped with parental controls and bandwidth controls, as well as full network protection for your security.

Comparisons (TP-Link N300 vs. HooToo)

  • Speeds: 300Mbps vs. 300Mbps
  • Price: $24.99/$9.99

If you want to get the most out of your internet speeds without paying a fortune, the HooToo N300 is a router you’ll want to consider. This router offers many of the same features you’ll find on higher-end models with a price point under $10.

As internet service providers launch faster speeds, it’s important to have equipment that can keep up with the pace. The TP-Link AC1900 supports gigabit speeds, allowing you to stream 4K Ultra High Definition movies and TV shows or play video games online without lagging or dropping your signal.

In addition to support gigabit speeds, this router also has dual band networks for less interference and a stronger signal. Other highlights include beamforming technology that locates devices and has stronger connections.

This router is easy to set up, using an interactive mobile interface. You can also customize the QoS to allot your bandwidth how you want, and its three antennas also provide a strong signal that fills your entire home. While this router does show great performance, it is at a much higher pricing point, which could be a problem if you’re on a budget.

Comparisons (TP-Link N300 vs. TP-Link AC1900)

  • Speeds: 300Mbps/1Gbps
  • Price: $24.99/$109.00

If you’ve recently upgraded to gibabit internet service and want to get what you pay for, this TP-Link AC1900 is a router that you should consider. This model is designed to give you the speed you pay for, while also bundling in other great benefits, including a wider range, stronger signal, and security options.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re signing up for high-speed internet service for the first time or you just want to replace outdated equipment, the TP-Link N300 is a product that you should add to your list. Even if you’ve never installed a router before, you’ll have no problem setting this one up to get the fastest speeds and the strongest connections.

You won’t have to worry about your security while using this router, and you can even customize your settings for your household needs. Add parental controls or time limits, protect your connection from attacks and intrusions, and enjoy going online without lags or dropped signals – all at a price point that is very affordable.

Click to find out more about the TP-Link N300.

The Simple Network Upgrade that Nearly Doubled my Internet Throughput

Several 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 it as a gimmick to get more money from me. So I politely declined their offer for a new modem.

Several months later, I am realizing that my frustration with my internet service is growing. My brother likes to play games. I like to watch YouTube videos. Together, that takes a toll on our bandwidth.

So I start thinking about my modem and that phone call.

My Old Modem

The modem I was using was a Motorola SB5101 SURFboard Cable Modem. To be honest, it’s a great modem if you’ve only got one person and you need something cheap. It served me well for years. If you’re interested in something cheap, they sell for under 10 bucks on Amazon. Check out my link.

The problem with this modem was that my brother and I are living together and sharing the modem. He likes to play games and I like to watch YouTube. Both of these activities require high throughput.

My old modem uses DOCSIS 2.0 technology, which is aging. There is a better technology available in modems today called DOCSIS 3.0.

DOCSIS 2.0 vs DOCSIS 3.0

The main difference between DOCSIS 2 and DOCSIS 3 is that the latter uses channel bonding.

On a DOCSIS 2.0 modem, one channel will be used for download and another for upload.

On a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, both channels will be used for download AND for upload. Thereby doubling the available channels for you to download your streaming videos and whatnot.

Yes, its a HUGE upgrade.

Motorola SB6121 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

Motorola SB6121 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem

My New Modem

My new modem is a Motorola SB6121 SURFboard Cable Modem. This is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.

There is actually a new version of this SURFboard modem available, but I was just shopping for something cheap. I was lucky enough to find it under $50 on Amazon.

Another reason I chose this modem is because it is an Xfinity Internet approved device. Not only that, but it is recommended by Comcast.

Have you figured out who my Internet Service Provider is yet? 🙂

My Real World Results: One Week Before Upgrading and One Week After Upgrading

DOCSIS 2.0 Modem Test

Example test with my old DOCSIS 2.0 modem.

I used speedtest.net to test my connection for a week prior to upgrading and a week after upgrading. There are a total of 32 data points (16 before and 16 after). Here are my speed test results:

My upload stayed about the same. However, my download throughput almost doubled! It went from an average of 12.65 Mbps over a week to about 22.02 Mbps over a week!

HUGE RESULTS! Blazing fast speeds!

How To Figure Out If You Have A DOCSIS 2.0 or DOCSIS 3.0 Modem

All you have to do is search for the model of your modem on the internet and you’ll be able to find out fairly quickly. It will be a main bullet point or feature.

If you know the internal IP address of your modem, you can access the web interface and look around in there for your modem’s features.

Will Everyone Have The Same Results?

No. Your maximum throughput will depend on the package that you’re paying for (your monthly bill for your Internet Service Provider). I happen to be paying for a maximum throughput of 25 Mbps. So, as you can see, I am now making much better use of what I’m paying for.

If I were you, I would do the same speed test several times over the course of a week and compare your average score with what type of throughput you are paying for. Then decide if upgrading your modem is worth it for you. It just may very well be true that you have a DOCSIS 2.0 modem that is sufficient for your internet service.

Do You Need To Upgrade?

Shop for DOCSIS 3.0 modems on Amazon.com!

The Requested Operation Requires Elevation

When 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. The process is similar in all versions of Windows, but there are a few slight differences.

Windows 10

  1. Right click the start button. You should see a pop-up menu with several options.
  2. Click on the option for ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’.
  3. If you see a User Account Control pop-up, click Yes.
  4. The admin Command Prompt will now open.

You can also see this process in the video below:

Windows 8

  1. Click the start button or hit the Windows key.
  2. Click the search button in the top right corner.
  3. Type ‘cmd’ in the search box.
  4. The Command Prompt option should be the first in the list. Right click on ‘Command Prompt’ and click ‘Run as administrator.’

You can also see this process in the video below:

Windows 7

  1. Click the start button or hit the Windows key.
  2. Type ‘cmd’ inside the search textbox. cmd.exe should be the top result.
  3. Right click on cmd.exe and click ‘Run as administrator’.
  4. If you see a User Account Control pop-up, click Yes.
  5. The admin Command Prompt will now open.

The Best Home Network Security Plan

I’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 that either view can be correct, depending on the situation. That sounds like an answer nobody wants to hear. Please continue reading and I will elaborate.

home network security reality check

First: A Reality Check

I want to share some possibly shocking information with you that is not meant to scare you, but rather I hope it will set the stage as you decide how to implement your home network security plan. What is this information, you ask? It is this:

There is no such thing as a completely secure home network. It does not exist. If someone really wants to get into your network then they can and they will. No matter what you do.

Again, I’m not trying to worry you or make you paranoid. I’m not the first person to say this, and I will not be the last. Any other IT or security expert will tell you the same thing. With this in mind, please continue reading.

The #1 Goal For Home Network Security

When you are setting up your home network security, the goal is not to make it 100% secure. The real goal is to make it as difficult as possible for potential intruders to gain access to it. We can do this by creating and implementing a plan. Having any plan at all (even a bad plan) is better than having no plan. Benjamin Franklin said it best:

If you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail!

For the record, the purpose of this page is to teach you how to create a great home network security plan. Not a bad one, of course.

Home Network Security Plan: Common Measures and How they Work

Layered Security

The best home network security plan is one that has layers. Each different technique you implement represents a layer. If you only have WPA2 encryption set on your WiFi, then all someone has to do is crack that and they have free reign to do whatever they want. However, if you also have a mac address filter, now they have to get around that as well. That process will require a completely different set of tools and knowledge. As you can imagine, the more security measures you have in place the more time, knowledge, effort, and tools it takes to break into your network.

WiFi Security Layers to Consider

Here are the common security options for you to consider. You may decide to only implement a couple or most of them. This is just a review of the options that are available to you. Do not get the impression that you have to implement all of these options. In fact, implementing every WiFi security measure available can actually hinder your own access to your network, and can decrease performance. At the end, there is an example of what home network security plan I would implement.

Change the Default Password

Changing the default password to login to the router (not to be confused with the password to join the wireless network) is the first thing you should do. This way, nobody can easily login and change your settings without your knowledge. Any home network security plan is worthless if a default password is used.

  • PROS: People can’t login to the router without your knowledge
  • CONS: None.

WEP Encryption

Home Network Security - WEP

If WEP is the only option available for WiFi encryption, then it is better than nothing and you should use it. However, it is very strongly recommended to use another option, if there are others available. With the proper tools and knowledge, WEP can be cracked within a matter of seconds. It may prevent the average PC user from accessing your network, but those who are curious and have the time can easily find ways to crack it.

  • PROS: It’s better than nothing and keeps the average user out.
  • CONS: Extremely quick and easy to crack.

WPA vs WPA2 Encryption

Home Network Security - WPA

WPA2 is a newer version of WPA (Wireless Protected Access). Both are much stronger than WEP. The use of an encryption method known as TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), which has known security holes, was discontinued in WPA2 in favor of AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). WPA and WPA2 are still able to be cracked, but it requires a special tool (software). Once you have the tool, it could take anywhere from several hours to even weeks to crack WPA2. The important part is that you must provide a strong password. Using common words in the dictionary will significantly reduce the time it takes to crack a WPA2 password. So when you do use WPA/WPA2, it is strongly recommended that you use a complicated password (upper and lower case letters, numbers that are not in order, and special characters). Since it has to be something complicated, I usually write the password down on a piece of tape or a sticky note and attach it to my router. I only do this because it’s just my family living in my house and nobody else will have physical access to the router unless they break in or we invite them in. So someone outside of my house will not be able to see that password.

Enterprise vs Personal: WPA/WPA2 Enterprise requires you to have a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server to authenticate with before gaining access to the network. WPA/WPA2 Personal only requires a pre-shared key (password) to join the network. Most people use Personal, unless you have the funds and resources to setup a RADIUS server on your home network.

  • PROS: Very strong option for a home network. The best thing you can do for your home network is require WPA2 encryption.
  • CONS: A weak password will hinder the strength of the encyption, making it easier to crack.

Don’t Broadcast the SSID

Home Network Security - Do Not Broadcast SSID

This one is a pretty low-level home network security measure. Your WiFi network will not show up in the list of available networks when you or anyone scans for networks. In order for someone to connect to it, they would need to know it exists ahead of time and know what the name of it is. Unfortunately, there is software out there that can reveal these hidden networks. However, once again the average Joe or Jane will most likely not have the resources to do this. This will mainly prevent your neighbors from trying to type in passwords over and over until they get it right (since they don’t know the network exists, they can’t try to guess the password because it’s not even an option).

  • PROS: The average Joe or Jane will not even know your network exists.
  • CONS: You will have to manually type in the name of your network in order to connect a device to it. Which in all honesty, really isn’t that much of an annoyance.

Wireless MAC Filtering

Home Network Security - Wirless Mac Filter

Many professionals are divided on this one. Basically, it allows you to either set a list of authorized mac addresses that can connect, or set a list of banned mac addresses that cannot connect (more info about wireless mac filtering). The issue is that mac addresses are sent to the wireless router in plain text. What this means is that a malicious user can “sniff” the traffic in the area with some software and that mac address will display on their screen clear as day. They won’t have to decrypt it or anything. They can then use that plain text mac address to spoof their own network card (making the router think that their computer is your computer) and gain access. Of course, you need to know how to acquire this software to be able to do this. Another downside is that if you want to add another device to your network (for example, a family member or friend is visiting your home) then you must retrieve the mac address from the device and then log into the router to manually edit the list of authorized mac addresses.

  • PROS: This is another one that will protect you from most average people, beyond the encryption.
  • CONS: This can easily be sidestepped by someone with the proper tools/software.

Limit the Number of Devices Able to Connect

Home Network Security - Limit Number of Devices

If you only have a few devices in your home then you can set some routers to only allow that number of devices to connect. If one of those devices are turned off, then a spot will be available. This can stop a large amount of devices from connecting to your network at the same time. If you are in a highly populated area, it may be effective. You may also allow your neighbors to connect to your network, but not allow them to go crazy and connect a bunch of devices and use up a lot of bandwidth.

  • PROS: It can prevent a large number of devices from connecting to your wireless router.
  • CONS: If you have a family member or friend who wants to connect temporarily, you either have to turn one of your devices off or change the setting to allow another device.

No Access to Admin Interface via WiFi

Home Network Security - No Wireless Admin Interface Access

Some routers allow you to prevent any device connected to the router via WiFi from accessing the administrative interface. That way, the only devices that can access the administrative features are those that are connected via a cable to a LAN port on the router. If you allow your neighbors to connect to your network they will not have a chance to break in and change settings or even lock you out.

  • PROS: You can let people join your network and they cannot possibly access the admin pages to adjust settings.
  • CONS: Even YOU will not be able to access it over WiFi, so you will be required to have a computer physically plugged in to make adjustments.

Turn Off DHCP

Home Network Security - No DHCP

This is not necessarily a great home network security measure, but it is worth the thought. Turning off DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) will require you to manually configure the IP settings on each device in order to establish network connectivity. New devices will not be able to automatically pull an IP from the router. It is not hard for someone to continuously make educated guesses to find out what your IP range is. Most home network routers use some variation of 192.168.X.X. It is also not hard to find an available IP once you know the range. You don’t need any special software to get around this, but you may need to understand how subnetting works in order to find an available IP and connect to the network.

  • PROS: Allows you to assign static IPs to your devices, gaining more “control” of your network, in a sense.
  • CONS: Not necessarily a good home network security measure, but could be effective against people with no knowledge of IP addresses. You should never assume that everyone around you doesn’t know what they’re doing, however.

Require HTTPS for Web Administration Access

Home Network Security - HTTPS

Requiring HTTPS as opposed to just HTTP to access your router’s admin interface is a very good home network security measure in any scenario. This ensures that you have a secure (encrypted) connection between your computer and your router when you are making changes to it’s settings. The only requirement for this setting is that you type in a slightly modified URL when you access the web interface (https://192.168.x.x instead of http://192.168.x.x). The only situation I can think of where you would not want to use this setting is if you are using a browser that does not support HTTPS. I also cannot think of a browser that does not support HTTPS.

  • PROS: Encrypt the communication between your computer and your router when you make changes to settings.
  • CONS: None that I can think of.

Decrease the Size of the WLAN Subnet

Home Network Security - Smaller Subnet

This is basically the same as the previous setting where you limit the number of devices that can connect to your router. The difference here is that if you have a smaller subnet (which means there are less IPs available to assign to devices) then it decreases the chances of a massive amount of people connecting to your router. By default, most routers assign a full class C network to your LAN. Without getting too technical, that means there is a possibility of 253 IPs that can be assigned to devices, not including the gateway. Most home networks have nowhere near that many devices. This requires some knowledge of IP subnetting, which your router manual most likely does not cover. I guide on IP subnetting will be included on this site in the future, so be on the lookout for that!

  • PROS: Limit the quantity of IPs that are available to be assigned to devices.
  • CONS: Requires knowledge of IP subnetting, which is a little on the advanced side.

Example Home Network Security Plan

My Example of a Home Network Security Plan

You now have a variety of tools available to you that can help you secure your network. You could choose to implement everything, but in some cases that may hinder your own use of your network. You really want to make a plan that works well for you. Here is an example of what I would typically implement on my home network. Please be aware that these are my own personal opinions. Everyone has their own opinions. Do not take this as fact, or a “be all, end all solution”.

Here are the typical home network security measures I would implement:

  • Change the default password for the router to a STRONG password
  • WPA2 Personal Encryption with a STRONG password
  • Require HTTPS to access the admin interface
  • Don’t broadcast the SSID
  • Limit the number of devices able to connect

This plan involves multiple layers. The first thing a malicious user would need to worry about is sniffing the traffic in the air to find my SSID to even know my network exists. Then, they would need to spend probably a week or longer cracking my WPA2 encryption (because I know I have a strong password). Who has a week of time to crack someone else’s network? Then, if they are able to crack my password, there is still a limit to how many devices can connect to my router. So they’ll have to find a way around that as well. They can’t sniff my traffic to see if what changes I’m making to my router’s settings because that is encrypted as well.

I would not implement a mac filter, simply because I personally think it’s annoying to make changes to it if I have a friend over or if I buy a new device and want to add it to my network. Some people don’t mind taking the few minutes to do this, it’s up to you. In this example, if I have a friend or family member come over or I have purchased a new device, I simply have to type in my network name and type in the password.

When I set the number of devices that can connect, I will most likely consider how many devices I use in my home on a daily basis and then add one or two for consideration of visitors who I will allow to connect.

In my personal opinion, if someone can get past these defenses, then they definitely know what they are doing and can most likely get through anything else as well. It is enough to keep out “curious neighbors” or those who can’t or won’t pay their own internet bill and are trying to get free internet access. It also is not too much so I don’t have to spend unnecessary amounts of time to hook up a friend with an internet connection real quick.

Conclusion

In the end, the way you design your home network security plan is up to you. There are many options available to you. Good luck!

Securifi Almond

In the routing world, the Securifi Almond has successfully tapped a distinct, competitive edge. Touchscreens aren’t commonly seen on routers, but the Securifi Almond is one exception to the rule. It offers a simple, hassle-free way of setting up and managing the router without the need to connect to a PC. The attractive, compact router manages to deliver a stable Wi-Fi signal too.

The Securifi Almond seems like a lucrative deal despite its single-band capabilities. While even the most affordable wireless routers have embraced the dual-band concept, the Almond apparently prioritizes features differently. It is the first compact routing device available on the market that is entirely manageable via the touchscreen interface.

The Securifi Almond’s basic settings are easily calibrated without the need for an additional device, such as laptop or computer connected to the router. The responsive 2.8-inch touchscreen takes care of all the basic setup. As for the router’s advanced settings, you do require logging on to its Web interface.

It’s a reliable single-band router that yields a stable Wi-Fi signal. Unfortunately, the range of the router is somewhat shorter than what many other routers offer. Also, it lacks a gigabit Ethernet and support for IPv6, all of which can have a serious impact on your networking requirements. For its price, you’ll easily find more powerful routers that are true-dual band. That said, if you’re interested in a hip router that easily stands out from the rest, investing in the Securifi Almond makes sense. It can come in handy at a shop or a small apartment.

Design

You can easily mistake the Securifi Almond for a digital alarm clock owing to its compact size. It features two LAN ports for wired clients and a WAN port for connecting to an Internet source. It doesn’t use gigabit ports, so there’s no point in expecting high speed connectivity using this router. Below the ports are the power connector and the reset button.

Touchscreen Interface

The 2.8-inch touchscreen borrows Windows 8’s Metro interface. It organizes the buttons as tiles. It allows you to configure the basic settings, such as Wi-Fi Protected Setup, Wi-Fi network and firmware upgrade. The basic objective is to allow a user to configure the network without the involvement of a computer. To apply the changes fed via the touchscreen, the router has to be restarted. The reboot can take up to 45 seconds, which may be disappointing for some users.

Web Interface

The attractive touchscreen doesn’t provide access to the advance settings though. For instance, if you’re looking to configure firewall, content filtering or port forwarding, you will have to connect to the router’s Web interface. On your Web browser, point to the default IP address of the router, which is 10.10.10.254. Use ‘admin’ as the default username and password. You can also set your own username and password from the touchscreen interface.

The Web interface gets a similar Metro layout as the touchscreen. However, there are some bugs and errors in its Web interface, which may also not work properly with every Web browser.

From its Web interface, a user gets the option to select the 5GHz band or the 2.4GHz band, making it appear like a dual-band router with option to connect to either frequency band. In reality, the router only features a 2.4GHz band.

Setup

It is easy to set up the Almond owing to the user-friendly LCD. If you’re still not comfortable using the LCD, the router offers pre-configured main Wi-Fi network and Guest Wi-Fi network. To access the settings of these networks, simply tap the Wireless button on the touchscreen.

The Securifi Almond supports up to 50 guest networks.

Noise Margin and How It Impacts Your Internet Speeds

Imagine 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 phone and call your ISP or go spend a fortune upgrading your router and other equipment, the problem may actually be something that you can solve yourself, without having to contact your ISP or spend a fortune on new equipment. If you have ADSL internet, your problem may be the noise margin. Read on to find out how this could be impacting your internet speeds.

What is Noise Margin?

Noise margin – also known as SNR margin or noise margin – is a measure of the difference between actual signal-noise ratio (or SNR) and the minimal SNR required for syncing. So what does all of this mean? Let’s break it down in a way that’s more easily understood.

Signal-to-noise ratio, or SNR, is the ratio between the signal – or the meaningful information – and noise, which is background interference. This noise could be attributed to a variety of things, including but not limited to distortion and crosstalk.

If your noise is too high, you will experience interference with your ADSL. This could include problems with syncing and other issues that significantly delay your internet speeds, which isn’t ideal and can be quite frustrating. In order to avoid this issue, you have to make sure that your noise margin is right where it should be, with noise significantly reduced for best performance.

How Is Noise Measured and What’s Good (or Bad)

The SNR is measured in decibels. Anything at or below 6 dB is bad. You will experience lots of interference and difficulties with syncing. 7db to 10db is considered “fair.” It isn’t the best and will likely have interference. Any variations in conditions can lead to increased noise and cause connection issues. 11dB to 20dB is considered experiences very few sync problems, unless there is a large variation in conditions. 20dB to 28dB is considered excellent, while 29dB is outstanding.

This isn’t the only value you need to know, however. You’ll also need to calculate the SNR margin. Once you know your SNR, you’ll be able to calculate your SNR margin.

Calculating Your SNR Margin

Your SNR margin is the difference between your actual SNR and the lowest SNR needed to sync at a specific speed. This isn’t a difficult calculation at all once you’ve determined actual SNR.

Here’s an example:

Your actual SNR is 40dB.

The required SNR to sync at 8Mbit/s is 35dB.

Simply subtract the two values, and you’ll find that your margin is 5dB.

As a rule of thumb, higher margin numbers translate to cleaner signals. Anything below 6dB is considered bad, so in this example, there is a clear problem. The higher the number, the better, but in general, anything above 6dB should be fine.

Router Settings

Some routers provide information for you about your SNR. You may be able to access SNR upstream and downstream traffic statistics that you can check out and monitor to ensure performance. Not all routers have this option, and you’ll have to consult your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website to find out if and how this information can be accessed.

How Do I Improve My Margin?

So you’ve done the calculations and you’ve found that your margin falls below 6dB. If you’ve noticed interference, you definitely know that this is a problem that you need to address. But how do you raise your margins? It may be easier than you think.

First, understand that there are many conditions that contribute to this line interference. It could be something expected, like peak times for your provider. This crowding can lower your number. But other things, including home appliances, devices installed on telephone lines, and even lighting can contribute to this interference. This doesn’t mean you have to change out your lights and stop using your small kitchen appliances. There are other ways to get around this problem.

The first thing you can consider is purchasing a new router. The router that you purchase must be able to handle lower SNR margins, so make sure that you do your research. Look for online reviews, check manufacturers’ websites, or even ask a tech-savvy friend for recommendations.

You can also purchase filters that can be used on your ASDL lines. Again, make sure to research your options before you go out and spend a lot of money on something that may not perform as expected.

The faceplate to your cable line may be old, so you can check that too. That’s one inexpensive fix.

The lines in your home or building may be old, so these may need to be replaced. Contact your provider to find out what, if anything, they can do. If you rent, you’ll also want to speak to your landlord about options.

Finally, if worse comes to worse, you may have to consider switching providers. If nothing else is working or someone in your building or neighborhood have success with their service, this may be a possibility for you. While it may seem like a hassle, you don’t want to continue to pay for service that underperforms, do you?

Final Thoughts

Interference and bad connections can be a pain, but you shouldn’t just accept this as your fate. By considering the SNR and SNR margin, you can find and troubleshoot your connection to get rid of unwanted interference. Do you have a question about noise margin or SNR, or perhaps a helpful tip for those struggling with excess noise? Leave a comment below!

Sources

Optimizing Your Multicast Rate

Many 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. Instead, the problem could lie in your wireless settings. If you notice significant lags, interference, or internet that just runs much more slowly than it should, it’s time to take a good look at your settings, including the muticast rate.

What is Multicasting?

Multicasting, which is also known as IP multicasting, is a method of preserving bandwidth. With multicasting, information or multiple messages are combined to be sent through a single instance. This single data stream reduces traffic through multiple applications you may use at home or in your business, including but not limited to video conferencing, distance learning and corporate communications.

When discussing the multicast rate, this is essentially the setting that determines how large the message can be. Understanding and optimizing this rate to best fit your needs will result in faster speeds, along with fewer collisions and interruptions. This is particularly of importance in businesses or homes where multiple devices are in use.

What Are the Benefits of Higher Multicast Rates?

As you probably could guess, setting a higher multicast rate will allow larger amounts of information to be transferred at once. This will lower the amount of collisions and is best when used in an office setting or at home where multiple devices are sharing the same network. There can be drawbacks, however, to a setting that is too high.

When Should Lower Rates Be Set?

A lower rate is recommended for those who aren’t using multiple devices on just one network. In fact, having a high multicast rate set for a household with just one computer can actually negatively impact performance. Since the multicast will be using bandwidth, this will be taking bandwidth away from the device, leading to lags and slower speeds.

If you’re in an office with multiple laptops and computers or your household has more than one computer, along with cell phones, tablets, and connected devices that all use Wi-Fi, it is recommended that you adjust your multicast rate. If you have just one device, you can simply use the auto settings found on your router without having to troubleshoot. However, if you do notice issues with your connectivity or speeds, you might want to evaluate changing your multicast rate.

What Is the Ideal Rate for My Needs?

Whether you need a higher or lower multicast rate, the best option is to choose the lowest rates for your needs to prevent interference. As mentioned, a rate that is too low will result in multiple collisions, while higher rates will use up bandwidth and can hinder performance.

The first thing you need to evaluate before determining your ideal multicast rate is how many devices you use on your network. If you have just one device, such as a laptop, you can access your router settings to turn off IGMP Snooping and adjust your settings to the lowest rate possible. Depending on your router, this could be as low as 1mb or as high as 5mb.

If, however, you use multiple devices, you will need to do some troubleshooting to customize your lowest rate that will yield the best performance. The easiest way to do this is to simply adjust your settings to the midpoint and begin adjusting based on performance.

If you’re finding that you have issues with streaming media, you’ll want to raise the value of your multicast rate. If you find that there are performance issues from simply doing everyday tasks like surfing the web, you’ll want to lower the multicast rate. You may have to do this several times until you find a rate that offers the highest performance for all online tasks.

Unfortunately, there are no set “rules” for how your rate should be set, or a specific number that can be used to ensure best performance. These values vary by a number of factors, including how many devices are in use on the network and how your network is used. It may take some time to find the ideal rate, but once optimized, you’ll be amazed by the improvement in performance, whether you’re just browsing online, watching a video or engaging in an online conference.

Adjusting the Settings on Your Router

Generally, you can access your router by typing the linked IP address into your web browser’s search bar. This will allow you to access the advanced settings for your router. From here, you will not only be able to adjust the multicast rate, but you’ll also be able to tweak other settings that could be impacting your internet performance.

If you’re unsure of what tab to access to adjust these settings, consult your user’s manual or visit the website of your router manufacturer, where you’ll likely be able to access FAQs, manuals, guides, and other resources that will help you get the most out of your internet service.

Final Thoughts

Even though internet hardware such as routers and modems are said to be “plug and play,” don’t assume that you won’t have to tweak any settings, particularly if you notice problems with performance. By knowing what settings to adjust and how to adjust them accordingly, you’ll be able to optimize your high-speed internet service.

The multicast rate is one of the most important settings for enhancing performance, and many people without an IT background are unaware of just how the wrong setting can impact internet speed and connectivity. However, with these easy tips, you’ll be able to get the most from your service.

Are you having trouble finding the proper multicast settings for your setup, or do you have any advice for best optimizing wireless? If so, leave a comment below!

Sources

Netsh Winsock Reset

This 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 to fix your issue.

This command will reset Winsock (Windows sockets).

Running ‘Netsh Winsock Reset’ on Windows 10

Open a command prompt by clicking Start and typing ‘cmd’ into the Search Programs and files box.

Type in the following command: ‘netsh winsock reset’ and press enter

You should see the following message: ‘Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog. You must restart the computer in order to complete the reset.’

Restart the computer and check if your issue has been resolved.

Running ‘Netsh Winsock Reset’ on Windows 8

Open a command prompt by clicking Start and typing ‘cmd’ into the Search Programs and files box.

Type in the following command: ‘netsh winsock reset’ and press enter

You should see the following message: ‘Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog. You must restart the computer in order to complete the reset.’

Restart the computer and check if your issue has been resolved.

Running ‘Netsh Winsock Reset’ on Windows 7 (and Vista)

Open a command prompt by clicking Start and typing ‘cmd’ into the Search Programs and files box.

Type in the following command: ‘netsh winsock reset’ and press enter

You should see the following message: ‘Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog. You must restart the computer in order to complete the reset.’

Restart the computer and check if your issue has been resolved.

Additional Resources

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/299357

Netgear WNDR4000 Review

TP-LINK TL-WDR4300 NETGEAR WNDR4000 ASUS RT-N66U
WiFi Performance N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps) N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps) N900 WiFi (300 + 600 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports 2 USB 2.0 ports 1 USB 2.0 port 2 USB 2.0 ports
Antennas 3 detachable dual band external antennas Internal 3 detachable antennas
MSRP $99.99 $99.99 $129.99

For home users or small businesses that require a strong wireless signal with blazing-fast speeds, Netgear offers the N750 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router. With a price over $100, this isn’t the bottom-dollar router. What makes this router worth the high price tag? It’s not only a dual-band router, but it’s also taking advantage of the 480 Mbps speeds on the 5GHz band. It’s a significant increase over the 300Mbs speeds offered on previous models. For users who participate in online gaming, audio or video streaming or simply have multiple devices connected to the wireless network, this may justify the price.

The Netgear N750 router offers the basic wireless options that you’d come to expect. You can set up a guest network that doesn’t require a password. You can also accept new devices/users to the network by pressing the WPS button on the device itself or the soft button from within the router’s dashboard. It’s from the dashboard that you can change any network setting with a GUI, so even if you’re not tech-savvy, Netgear makes it easy to create the most secure yet usable network possible. Aside from employing WPA2 to secure the network, this router also has content filters and parental controls, so you can rest assured that little ones won’t rest their eyes on content that’s inappropriate for their age.

The N750 includes additional storage, so everyone in the house or office can access files. A USB port on the router connects to any external hard drive whether formatting is NTFS or FAT32. No additional software is required. Windows users can simply view the files in Explorer as if the drive were connected directly to their computer using Windows SMB. Mac users will also have access to the files in the Finder. One thing we liked is the ability to stream video to game consoles such as the PS3 and Xbox 360. If you’ve used streaming services such as Plex, you’d expect for the router to scan for new files and add them to the list, which it does nicely. Finally, you can enable people who aren’t on the network to access those files by setting up an FTP or HTTP server. Most home users won’t need this ability, but it’s nice for a business setting.

Netgear R6400 Review

NETGEAR R6400 ASUS RT-AC66R TP-LINK Archer C8
WiFi Performance AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps) AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps) AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports 1 USB 3.0 port
1 USB 2.0 port		 2 USB 2.0 port 1 USB 3.0 port
1 USB 2.0 port
RAM 256 MB 256 MB 128 MB
Flash Memory 128 MB 128 MB 8 MB
Antennas 3 external antennas 3 detachable antennas 3 dual band detachable antennas
MSRP $149.99 $169.99 $139.99

The Netgear R6400 is Netgear’s replacement for the R6300, which was one of the first routers to support IEEE 802.11ac. The R6400 is good for crowded Wi-Fi networks, and has a theoretical max speed of 1750Mbps. If you want an incredibly fast Wi-Fi network without breaking the bank, the Netgear R6400 is a strong choice.

The R6400 has 3 external antennae and supports three spacial streams, and has beamforming for directional transmission, which decreases interference. This means that unlike cheaper routers, it will maintain good performance even when a dozen or more devices are connected to your network. The R6400 has a maximum throughput of 1300Mbps on 5GHz and 450Mbps on 2.4GHz, though note that most clients support a maximum of 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz bands. With simultaneous transmission, this adds up to a theoretical 1750Mbps. It has has a gigabit WAN port for input, four gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 2.0 port explicitly labelled “printer”, with a USB 3.0 port in the front, allowing you to simultaneously connect a printer and a USB storage device to your network. Performance with a drive connected over USB is strong. Internally, the R6400 contains an 800MHz dual core Broadcom BCM4708 processor, the same that was in the R6300v2, and the ram 256MB of memory and 128MB of flash storage. In terms of aesthetics, it is a matte black color, and with its sharp angles and straight lines, it shows clear resemblances to Netgear’s Nighthawk line of premium routers.

With more and more households having multiple Wi-Fi connected devices, sometimes over a dozen, all of them slowing down wireless speed has become a real issue. The R6400 has a feature called Airtime Fairness, which is designed to help mitigate this. Traditionally, it would take longer to transmit a packet over a wireless network using older 802.11 standards, meaning that newer devices which support a faster standard would have to wait while the router first served older, slower devices. Rather than waiting for older, slower devices to respond, Airtime Fairness changes how time is allotted to devices, allowing faster devices to download data at optimal speeds without having to wait for older devices to finish transmitting. By changing the order and amount of time the router spends communicating with each device, it can optimize connections to maximize the transmission capacity of each individual device.

Testing shows that the R6400 has decent real world wireless performance, and a combination of stronger transmission power amplifiers, and beamforming technology mean that several devices can connect with no degradation to speed. It is also very reliable. It has a large range that is significantly larger than the typical range for a wireless router; Netgear claims a range increase of 80% over the R6300, which is useful if you have a large multistory or wanted to use your devices outside in the yard.

Netgear has also made a number of improvements to its built in Netgear Genie router management software. It has a user friendly GUI, and you can log in and manage the router either locally or remotely from the internet. There is also a Genie app available for smartphone and tablet for managing your router on the go. Netgear Genie also allows you to monitor data usage. Parental controls have been upgraded, and can now be set per device, instead of for the entire network. The R6400 also supports AirPrint for printers. Unlike some routers, there is also support for OS X Time Machine backups, and ReadySHARE Vault for backing up Windows computers is also supported.

The Netgear 6400 is also incredibly easy to set up, taking only 5 minutes with the Netgear Genie program. Compared to other routers, it is fairly large, so it can be easily set on the floor or wall mounted, but you might have trouble fitting it on a shelf in the space occupied by a previous router. It also has very bright status lights, which may become an issue if you wanted to keep it in your bedroom.

Overall, the Netgear R6400 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a good dual-band wireless AC router, especially considering its large range. At $150, it faces some stiff competition, but you won’t be disappointed by its performance.