What Are Public Wi-Fi Networks?

Public Wi-Fi networks are the connection systems that are basically available in free transit spaces . For example, those found in catering businesses, hotels and shopping centers. Also included in this category are those offered by institutions at their headquarters or on the street for citizen use.

You should know that there are two types of public Wi-Fi:

• Those that do not need an access password. They are generally available on the streets or in shopping malls.
• Those that do need an access password and where a lot of people connect, such as cafeterias or universities, to name two examples.

It is important that you take into account the second point. A network that requires a password or a simple registration can be considered public if a large number of people connect . For what reason? Mainly, because you are sharing an online environment with more people than you do not know their intentions.

In turn, a public Wi-Fi does not have to be free. Many hotels, for example, have a pay-per-day system for their guests. In these situations, we must not forget that we are exposed to information theft on our devices, so we must act carefully.

Also Read: How Free Wi-Fi Will Boost Your Business Profitability

Risks of Using An Unsecured Public Wi-Fi Network

As we mentioned before, when you use a public network, you are sharing an environment with more people. This is where the main risk of this very normal practice in our daily lives lies. However, there are other risks behind this that you should be aware of. Obviously, we are referring to unsecured networks, never to those with adequate levels of protection.

Check that the public Wi-Fi network is real

It may sound strange, but the main risk of public networks is that sometimes they don’t even exist . Let’s explain it with an example: you arrive at a restaurant and you detect a wifi with the name of the place. Without hesitation, you connect with your mobile phone and start browsing. But what if the business has no network?

If the previous question is negative, you may have fallen into the trap of someone who lives nearby. Many times, cybercriminals change their network name to target devices. Then they steal personal information and carry out other practices that affect our interests.

Protect yourself against data theft

When a person with bad intentions can access our phone, we are giving them access to a large amount of personal information. Among them, there may be photos, videos, received and sent messages, emails, passwords for social networks, applications, etc.

For any hacker (cyber criminal) it is quite easy . You only have to enter the files of our phone to access everything you want. In addition, they can often copy our most important data or simply steal it. In any case, it represents a serious loss of privacy that you should avoid.

virus infection

Another of the dangers that we can suffer is receiving malicious files on our computer or mobile phone. What does this mean? That someone else can quickly infect our devices with a virus. In this case, the consequences can be very varied, but the following stand out:

• Theft of data for extortion or identity theft.
• Kidnapping of the device to demand a financial payment.
• Complete loss of control of the mobile phone or computer.

Legal issues

It’s very common to confuse a public network with a password less network, which is why we divided the two categories above. However, the problem arises when we connect to a private Wi-Fi thinking that it belongs to the place where we are having coffee.

In Spain, connecting to a private network without authorization (popularly called “wifi theft”) is prohibited. Depending on the severity, the fines could be more or less substantial. In any case, it is necessary to be careful and always know where we are connecting to.

How To Identify a Secure Wi-Fi Connection?

There are several keys that can help you identify a secure Wi-Fi connection . First of all, remember: if you are not sure if the network is reliable, do not connect .

Find out the security protocol

The Wi-Fi network security protocol is, in general terms, the type of protection with which it is configured. You can check it by checking the connection properties from your device (in the Settings > Wi-Fi menu). Ideally, it should be encrypted with WPA-2 encryption to protect your data and require you to enter a password.

Confirm that it is the correct network

To avoid several of the problems that we have mentioned, you must make sure that you are connecting to the correct network. Names like “free Wi-Fi” or “free Internet” are often bait, so be wary of them. The best thing is always that you ask the person in charge of the premises about what the network is.

Take precautions when registering

If a wireless network does not have a password, it will probably ask you to register . This happens a lot in large facilities, such as shopping malls or universities. In this situation, check carefully what information is being asked for. Never provide data that you would not want to provide in another context.

Check the conditions well

Very few people read the terms of use before accepting them. However, this is quite a dangerous practice, since we are giving authorization for something we do not know. Therefore, it is essential that you take your time to examine the conditions in detail. If you are not going to be able to make sure, never accept them.

Also Read: Wi-Fi 6 or 5G: Which One Is Better?

How To Protect Devices When Browsing Public Networks?

If you have detected that the network is secure, you can connect. Of course, there may still be a risk, since you do not know with whom you are sharing the connection. It does not mean that you do not have to use it, but it does mean that you should take several precautions .

Browse secure pages

In reality, you always have to exclusively browse secure pages, even if you connect from your network. However, it is more dangerous in these situations. To know if a website is secure, you should look at two aspects:

• That the link begins with “https” (not “http”) before accessing.
• A lock icon appears to the left of the address (once you’re inside).

Do not enter sensitive pages

There are pages that you should never visit from a public network, since your access data could be stolen. Among them, the following stand out:

• Bank accounts.
• Social networks.
• Personal and professional email.
• Company website.
• Insurer portal.

Install an antivirus

The antivirus should be an essential complement on your phone or computer and not only for these situations. The best thing is that you have a suitable protection program or application and updated to its latest version . In this way, it can warn you about a malicious connection or an attempted theft.

Update sensitive apps

Every time the development teams of a computer program or an application release an update, they are also increasing its level of security. Many cybercriminals take advantage of outdated apps to gain entry more easily. It is important that you always have social networks, banking applications and others updated to the latest version.

update your phone

Just as it is important that you have the applications up to date, you need to do the same with your devices. Every time you have an update notice available, accept it so they don’t stack . Otherwise, your phone would be losing security guarantees over time.

Be careful with shared files

If you receive a message from an unknown person with an attachment, be wary. It is best to block the sender if you don’t know who it is and it looks suspicious to you. It is also essential that you do not open shared files through email or SMS, as you can be a victim of phishing (criminal data theft).

So Is It Safe To Connect To Public Wi-Fi?

As you have seen, public networks can carry some kind of risk if they are not used properly. However, this does not mean that they should always be avoided. In any case, the most important thing is that you know that browsing a public Wi-Fi connection can be safe . To do this, you need to take the precautions that we have mentioned.

A piece of advice: in case you need to connect, try to do it through an official network.

The post How To Detect A Secure Public Wi-Fi Network And How To Navigate In It? appeared first on TechReviewsCorner.

Now, it’s impossible to avoid the internet. Cafes, hotels, and restaurants now provide free public WiFi access, but there is a hidden cost because we need to be able to access it almost whenever and wherever we are.

The security dangers associated with public WiFi have been steadily increasing, and cybercriminals are utilizing this opportunity. Maintaining user security while on the go or working remotely is a growing threat for businesses today. Not to worry!

Risks of Using a Public WiFi

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks, in general, are those that exploit a lack of security on a public WiFi network. This means an attacker is hidden between you and the server you are attempting to visit while you are unaware of it. This enables the attacker to record all your traffic, which they can then exploit to steal your personal information, access your credit card information for payments, or even modify the data packets to infect your device with malware or spyware.

Non-encrypted Networks

Encryption means that the data exchanged between your computer and the wireless network is in the form of a “secret code,” making it impossible for anyone without the key to decipher the code to read it. Most routers leave the manufacturer with encryption turned off by default; it must be turned on during network configuration. The likelihood of encryption being activated is high if an IT expert sets up the network. There is, however, no surefire technique to determine whether this has occurred.

Data Capture for Account and Password

If the website or app you are connecting to does not employ an encrypted connection and instead sends login and password information in clear text, it will be easy for a hacker to intercept the transmission and steal that login information. With that information in hand, a hacker can access your personal accounts.

Ways To Stay Safe While Using a Public WiFi

Use a VPN

Previously, VPNs were either reserved for the wealthy or were mostly used by employees working remotely or on the go to access corporate networks. However, in recent years, this has altered. Many businesses provide excellent protection for the typical computer or mobile device user at an affordable price.

So what exactly is a VPN? That’s a good question, you guy at the front. Virtual Private Networks are known as VPNs. The typical internet user can benefit from a variety of great protections from a reliable VPN provider.

A virtual private network (VPN) is the best investment you can make for security and peace of mind if you frequently use public WiFi networks. With a VPN, a private VPN server and your device are connected by a secure tunnel. The website or application you are browsing is then sent by this server.

If you are wondering about what is my IP address VPN? Think no more. A VPN masks your IP address and gives you anonymity.

Use SSL Connections

You can still use encryption to safeguard at least some of your data if you can’t access the internet through a VPN by using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) connection to the websites you use. The majority of websites for banking, shopping, and other services demand identity verification before you use them to have an SSL connection.

Turn on your firewall.

A firewall is a tool for network security that keeps an eye on traffic entering or leaving your network. On the basis of a set of specified security rules, it either permits or denies traffic. The firewall will protect your device by preventing unauthorized or malicious access. A firewall is now included on the majority of computers.

Additional Security Features of VPN

Protection Against Unsecured WiFi

In most circumstances, a public WiFi hotspot you connect to is not a secure internet hotspot. When using a VPN that offers Automatic Unsecured WiFi Protection, your VPN app will automatically connect to a VPN server to encrypt and conceal your internet activity from prying eyes. This feature is also referred to as Public WiFi Protection.

Kill-Switch

Another feature that is now almost standard fare for VPNs is the kill switch for the VPN. If your VPN malfunctions, it disconnects you from the internet. This ensures that even if the VPN connection breaks, you are still constantly secured.

Server Locations

Using a VPN to mask your location and your IP address and to unblock geo-restricted content is one of its main applications. A basic set of server locations is typically provided by VPN companies, but the more choices you have, the better. Checking whether you have servers close to your starting point is also crucial.

Conclusion

It makes sense that people would seek out free public WiFi. It is simple, cost-free, and practically universally accessible.

Hackers now find it much more difficult to intercept and use your data on open WiFi networks, thanks to HTTPS and TLS. That so, you’d be surprised at how much harm an attacker can cause with just a laptop or some free software. The best answers are frequently the most straightforward. Public WiFi doesn’t pose a significant risk for internet users if you’re prepared.

Use a trustworthy VPN, protect your device settings, and exercise caution while transferring data over an unsecured WiFi network.

Also Read: WiFi: How To Improve Your Home WiFi Network

The post How To Stay Safe While Using Public WiFi? appeared first on TechReviewsCorner.

The Internet has also penetrated mobile phones, and search engines are trying to adapt to mobile systems as much as possible.

It is impossible to say for sure whether this is good or bad, since using Wi-Fi access points that allow you to access the Internet from any computer, laptop, or another gadget, you can solve various problems:

• call a taxi,
• book tickets,
• buy all kinds of goods
• order services,
• , etc.,

And at the same time, be anywhere where there is Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi access is now available in many public places.

Cafes, large and small supermarkets, parks, public transport, and even city and district governments try to attract visitors and tourists with free access, taking advantage of this modern addiction.

It is worth considering some priorities when creating or promoting your business because it is quite possible to increase income due to free Wi-Fi.

More clients

Due to the high attendance, there will be significant traffic of customers. Moreover, the search for establishments with free access points is searched through the Internet.

More often than not, higher attendance results in impressive profits. This is what every business owner expects.
So far, not everyone can connect to the Internet at home. Therefore, such customers will choose your institution because being with you, and they can simultaneously solve other essential issues that are being resolved today via the Internet.

This increases attendance and, of course, increases the number of customers of your establishment.

Word of Mouth

Using free Wi-Fi, visitors will spend more time in your establishment. Alternatively, they will want to eat or drink, and possibly more than once, which will cause unplanned purchases (especially for catering establishments).

Breaking away from the Internet, sitting in a cozy place, is not easy, so you can spend much more money than planned. They will likely advise their friends to visit you more often.

And where should they invite their friends and acquaintances? Today it is not very common to organize meetings at home. Most often, they gather in cafes or other “entertainment” establishments.

This means that everyone who was with you and used free access to the Internet will most likely invite their friends and acquaintances to a meeting with you, not somewhere else.

Competitiveness

Having free Wi-Fi will increase your competitiveness. Where prices, location, and services used to be a priority, now the importance is to connect to the network at any time.

If the institution works around the clock, more visitors will want to use the available Internet, regardless of the time of day.

In general, the issues of competitiveness are very complex. And free Internet access for customers is an integral part of your business’ competitiveness, no matter how big or small.

Internet Maps And Mobile Applications

If the enterprise is registered on various Internet maps, it will be displayed in the first lines when searching. This is achieved thanks to Wi-Fi, but rather the visitors themselves, due to the mandatory authorization, will make the institution visit.

A business registered in a mobile application is also in demand. Such widespread popularity will only benefit any business.

Gifts For Reposts on The Network

Wi-Fi can be used as an additional sales incentive. Many companies use free access to lure customers. You need to connect to the network of a particular outlet, make a report on a social network and get a small flier, which can later be exchanged for a small gift. The advertising effect works almost instantly.

Even a tiny number of reposts of people who received gifts lead to the fact that about 50% of the customers who came for him buy an additional amount of goods and the bonus.

But we are not talking about one or two dozen people. As part of such actions, there may be thousands of them. This allows you to increase sales by several times.

Portrait of The Target Audience

All available information about visitors using their social pages will make it possible to draw up a buying portrait of potential customers successfully carry out promotions, make a preliminary sales forecast. These incomplete data will not be completely accurate, but they certainly will not be superfluous.

It is essential and at the same time very difficult to collect information about your current and potential customers. And here, a beneficial opportunity is provided to see the profiles of your customers’ profiles and their friends and like-minded people. So you see profiles of both existing and potential customers! And therefore, you can make critical decisions for your business about expanding or vice versa, reducing goods and services, diversifying, and other “tricks” that lead to business growth.

The post How Free Wi-Fi Will Boost Your Business Profitability appeared first on TechReviewsCorner.

In this sense, it is important to know its basic operating characteristics and, even more importantly, to make responsible, ethical, and safe use of the Internet.

Possibly you think that everything on the Internet is free … and nothing is further from this reality. Our payment currency is our data and all the information about our behaviours on the network, such as connection times, contacts, location, interests, habits, …

Internet Security

We use the Internet in our day to day, whether to search for information, entertainment, work, learn new things, and in its most widespread use, to communicate. Social networks, blogs and web pages have taken over our devices, and their use keeps us permanently connected with our entire environment. We only need a device and an internet connection.

We share photos, documents, videos or any multimedia material. We send emails. We carry out banking operations. We keep all of this on our mobiles or personal computers. We practically carry our lives in our pockets. We usually save all our information in the cloud or a hard drive without worrying too much about our privacy. The “bad guys” know well and take advantage of getting hold of all this information for bad purposes.

Surfing the net can have serious consequences, from accessing false or malicious information, exposing ourselves to virus or malware threats or receiving spam emails.

Become an Internet Security Specialist

With the arrival of 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), we connect all kinds of devices or devices to the network and each other, making the physical world unite with the digital one, and with this, threats are multiplying.

The digital world is already here and is growing at an exponential rate. That is why it is necessary to take a series of measures to make our experience on the Internet as pleasant and safe as possible. Of course, this entails a series of actions that we are not used to and require minimum knowledge that guarantees us security and privacy.

The free antivirus that we find on the Internet is not enough. In many cases, they do not warn us of the threats, and the best option is a good subscription antivirus. This can help us a lot in this work.

But beyond an antivirus, there are other methods to protect our privacy and security, Proxy, VPN or Firewall like prywatnoscwsieci are concepts that surely you are not familiar with, but their use provides us with a high degree of security, that if, remember that there is nothing or no one who guarantees us one hundred percent security.

The post Why Do We Need To Be Internet Security Specialists? appeared first on TechReviewsCorner.

The methods that I will show you are suitable for changing the access passwords and settings on practically all devices, both the standard ones of Telecom, Fastweb, or Vodafone and the devices produced by Netgear and D-Link, etc.
Before leaving, however, a distinction must be made as in each Router, there are two passwords: the first is to access the device itself and its settings panel, the other is to connect to the wifi network to access the Internet. Don’t worry. Below we will see the solution for both cases.

If that is precisely what you were looking for, then take two minutes to read the following: you will see that the procedure is straightforward. You can do it quickly even if you have practically no knowledge of computer science. Also, keep in mind that this tutorial applies to both a classic stationary model and one of the new 5G and 4G mobile modem routers.

Log in to The Administration Panel of The Router

To do both operations, it is necessary to enter the administration panel of the Router or modem, from where you can manage all the settings of both the device itself and the network and modify its settings.

To access the modem/router settings, just:

• Connect to the Wi-FI network, or directly to the modem via cable

• Open your computer browser

• Type the Router’s IP address in the navigation bar

• Log in by entering your username and password

Although theoretically, it is straightforward as a procedure, several difficulties and problems can arise.

If you have just bought a new modem router, it is straightforward: open the instruction booklet and find all the steps, complete with the IP address of the device and the access data.

If, on the other hand, you want to change the settings of an older one. Some time ago, for which you may no longer have the instruction booklet, you may find yourself facing several problems. Let’s see what they are and how to solve them.

Connect To The Device

Let’s start from the first point because it might not be relatively straightforward. If you have installed the new ADSL, you need to connect to Wi-FI with the access credentials they gave you when they activated it.

If, on the other hand, you don’t know the Wi-FI password, you have to connect to the Router via cable. Here, though, if you’ve bought one of the new MacBooks or an ultraportable that doesn’t have a physical LAN port, you need an adapter or ask a friend to lend you the PC. Plus, you need the LAN cable, which is often included in the router package, but not always.

If, on the other hand, you have a fixed one, you have to unplug the device and bring it close to the computer to configure it. Do not worry if it is not connected to the network cable. For now, you only need the Router and be able to access its control panel to change the password.

If you can finally connect your computer and modem via cable, you will see the icon change in the connections section, and you will be able to access its settings in the same way you do it via the wireless signal. Keep in mind that you need to connect to the primary device if you have a mesh router system and not the satellite ones.

Once connected physically or via Wi-FI to the Router, you need to access the control panel by typing the IP address in a browser. If you don’t know which one is right, we’ll see how to find it below.

Find The IP Address of The Modem.

Usually, the modem addresses are reasonably standard and always the same to make access easy. Usually, it is one of these three: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.254. Not being aware of the model. However, I can’t tell you exactly what it is.

If, however, none of the three just seen works, you can search for the correct one yourself. If you have the instruction booklet, you can find it there or try to see on the Router itself if there is a sticker with written directions. Otherwise, it is necessary to connect to the modem in one of the ways you have seen before, and at this point, you will get it by following the steps below.
To find the IP address of the modem on Windows, you must:

If you have an Apple PC, things change a bit, but there is nothing complicated. To find out the IP address of the Router on Mac, click on the Wi-FI icon and open Network Preferences. Here select Advanced and click on the TCP / IP panel. Under Router, you will see the IP address.

Connect With The Router

Once the first two steps have been completed, we are ready to connect to the modem and change the password, both the device and the Wi-FI network. To access the settings panel, open the browser and type the IP address in the central search bar at the top.

Generally, after a few seconds, a login page opens where it is necessary to enter the administrator username and password. These are usually indicated in the instruction booklet. If you have lost it and cannot log in, the only alternative is to reset the modem and return it to factory settings.

Now the login credentials will be the standard from when it was first opened on.

Change The Password of The Wi-FI Network.

Once we enter the control panel, the most difficult part is over, and we can finally change all the settings we want.

Let’s start by seeing how to change the access key of your home network. When you buy or install a new modem, it is usually protected by a standard password which is always good practice to change right away. This is because it is generally straightforward to guess or impossible to remember (very long and with many random alphanumeric characters).

It is easy for external people to connect without permission and take advantage of your network in the first case. However, when it is too complicated, every time you want to secure a new device or let a friend access your home network, you have to go and find the instruction booklet.

To change the password of the Wi-FI network from the modem settings, you must:

• Go to the router settings page

• Log in as an administrator

• Select the Wireless panel or Wi-FI Network.

• Find the Network Password entry and change it

• Validate the Change with the Change or confirm button

Keep in mind that the names of the fields and the various tabs may vary slightly depending on the model of your mode, but changing the password is a procedure that remains almost always the same.

Also Read: What Is Mesh WiFi – What’s Behind It, Advantages & Disadvantages

Change The Password on The Modem.

Once connected to the Wi-FI network, everyone can easily connect to the modem and chat with the network settings. As you saw in the first step, it is straightforward to log in as an administrator if the default credentials are not changed and make the changes you want.

If you only use your Wi-FI network and, at most, trustworthy people, you can also rest assured. Still, if you allow many to use your connection, it is better to ensure and protect access to the Router by changing the device’s standard password. To change the username and password for accessing your modem, you need to re access the administration panel as if you were to change the Wi-FI. Once logged in, access the Settings, System, or Settings screen, and here select the Security or Password item. On the page that opens, you can enter the new user and password, but to make the Change, you will need to enter the current ones.

The post How To Change The Wi-Fi Modem Password appeared first on TechReviewsCorner.

Simply pull out your smartphone while you’re traveling and check your emails or upload a few photos to your own cloud: thanks to mobile internet, this is actually no longer a problem. However, not all digital end devices can surf the Internet via the cellular network. Many laptops and tablets are not cellular or they are, but there is no SIM card inserted, for example. It would be practical to connect your devices to the Internet via WLAN when you are out and about. This is exactly what you can use so-called WiFi hotspots for. Here we explain to you: What is a hotspot and how can I use it?

What exactly is a hotspot?

Technically, a hotspot is an Internet router whose online access via WLAN can also be used by others. So the answer to the question “What is a hotspot” is: A hotspot is basically a shared internet access point. We differentiate between public and private access points.

At train stations, in fast-food restaurants, and in other public places, there are often public WiFi hotspots through which we can access the Internet. However, it is not uncommon for the functionality, speed and available data volume to be restricted.
You can also set up your own hotspot with your smartphone, for example, to connect a laptop that does not have its own cellular modem to the Internet.

Theoretically, your home router also functions as a WiFi hotspot for your guests if you share your network with them and give them the access data for it. Many routers have their own “guest” function for this purpose, which you can use to restrict your WLAN access.

What costs do you have to expect when surfing on the mobile hotspot?

There are now millions of Internet hotspots around the world. Use is often free of charge: for example in hotels, restaurants, clubs, or in airports and shopping centers. Deutsche Bahn also offers free internet on many long-distance trains.

Some hotspots are provided by mobile phone providers for their customers – depending on the contract, you have to pay either a minute fee for using the hotspot, or per day of use, or a fixed monthly fee. With higher-quality contracts, however, hotspot use is often free. With special hotspot guest contracts, you can also surf at hotspots with other than your own mobile phone provider.

Also Read: Dangers Of Connecting To Public WIFI And Keys To Avoid Them

You have to pay attention to this when surfing on the hotspot

Mobile surfing at hotspots has two disadvantages compared to surfing via cellular network: On the one hand, WLAN often only has a range of a few dozen meters. Outside the door of your favorite restaurant, the internet reception is usually over. In addition, the operator of the hotspot can theoretically read what data you are exchanging via his WLAN. That is why many companies forbid their employees from unsecured surfing in a foreign WLAN with business laptops or smartphones. So speak to your employer beforehand about the following questions: What is a permitted hotspot and with which devices can I use it for what?

You can also protect yourself against unwanted reading by setting up a connection via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Another virtual network that is specially secured is set up within the WLAN network. You can read here how to do this, for example, with Android smartphones. For Apple products, there is more information here. The disadvantage: A connection via VPN is often slower than an unencrypted connection because more log data has to be exchanged with the other party or because – for example when VPN surfing abroad – more data is sent via servers in your home country.

What is a smartphone hotspot and how do I set it up?

You avoid the problems of a public hotspot by creating your own mobile hotspot. You can use your smartphone for this, for example. With your other devices such as a laptop or tablet, you can then surf the Internet via the cellular connection and the SIM card of the smartphone.
Your smartphone becomes a mobile hotspot via tethering

The function with which you turn your smartphone into a hotspot is somewhat hidden in some settings menus. By the way, the technical term for this is “tethering”. How to set up the iPhone as a hotspot is described by Apple here. For older devices with the Windows Mobile operating system, the function is called “Internet sharing”. If you cannot find anything in the menu of your mobile phone, take a look at the instructions under the keyword: What is a hotspot.

However, there are a few things to consider: If you turn on tethering, your smartphone has to do real hard work as a data node for your Internet access and the battery will discharge accordingly quickly. So keep the charger or a power bank ready.

In addition, you must of course have enough data volume on your mobile phone contract, because every byte that you load with your laptop or other end devices via the smartphone is derived from your mobile phone data volume. There are also some mobile phone contracts that even prohibit tethering. Last but not least, a large number of devices connected at the same time can lead to data congestion if the bandwidth of your smartphone WiFi is insufficient.

The post WLAN Internet Explained In An Understandable Way appeared first on TechReviewsCorner.

Our Internet at home is becoming faster and more powerful thanks to ever-better offers from Internet Service Providers (ISP). In order for fast internet to reach your television, smartphone, computer, and other devices, the WLAN must be equipped for the flood of data.

What Is Mesh WiFi?

WLAN as a distribution network for the Internet at home has established itself as the standard since the triumph of smartphones around 2010. Since then, new routers and WLAN adapters that support ever faster transmission standards have been continuously developed. Mesh WiFi, on the other hand, has nothing to do with the transmission itself, but rather with the optimal illumination of your home with WiFi.

In a classically structured home WLAN, there is a router somewhere in your apartment or house that does heavy work all by itself. It radiates the WLAN that you use to connect all of your wireless devices. This can lead to problems, especially in angled or large buildings, because areas are no longer covered with the full transmission strength. Mesh WiFi extends the range and brings the wireless connection to the Internet to every corner of your home.

Also Read: This Is How You Fix The Problem When There Is No Internet Despite WiFi

How Does Mesh WiFi Work?

There is also a router in a mesh WLAN, which establishes the Internet access and provides a WLAN. The whole point is what comes after that. The English verb “mesh” means something like “interlocking” – and with a mesh WLAN, further network components come into play after the router, which does just that.

To increase the WiFi of your router and bring it to less accessible areas of your home, you use mesh-enabled WiFi repeaters. These are connected to the router and then serve as additional WLAN sources. If you distribute these “satellites” well in your apartment or house, you will have stable and fast WiFi everywhere – and, accordingly, quick access to the Internet.

What Are The Benefits Of Mesh WiFi?

Anyone who has already dealt with the expansion of their WLAN in the past might ask what the advantages of such a mesh WLAN are. After all, the wireless network could already be expanded using access points – and repeaters are not new either. In contrast to older components of this type, however, the bandwidth of your connections does not decrease when you move away from the base station. So you surf everywhere at your full speed.

Mesh WiFi repeaters enlarge the network that is already being sent out by the router, which has several advantages.

One large WiFi instead of multiple networks

All your devices are only connected to a WLAN. Especially with devices that are in different rooms but work together, this can prevent problems compared to a solution with several coupled networks. Good examples of this are smart home components such as multi-part alarm systems as well as smart shutters, lamps, and thermostats.
It is also practical that the mesh components can communicate with one another and synchronize settings. For example, you don’t have to update each device individually.

No interruptions when changing rooms and floors thanks to roaming

If you move your smartphone from the catchment area of ​​one repeater to that of another or the router, the roaming function of the mesh WiFi hardware pays off. Your end devices switch seamlessly from one WLAN source to the next without you noticing. The internet connection is always stable.

The mesh WLAN constantly monitors which access point has the best performance available. So you always have an optimal connection, even if you move through the apartment with your smartphone or tablet.

Mesh repeaters can also be integrated via PowerLAN

Mesh WiFi repeaters, which establish their connection to the router and the rest of the network via the power grid, are particularly useful with solid walls or high radiators. This type of connection is often called PowerLAN or Powerline. Depending on the manufacturer of the components, other designations such as DLAN (D-Link) are also used.

Intelligent frequency band change thanks to band steering

WLAN-enabled devices such as smartphones and laptops usually transmit both in the fast 5 GHz and in the 2.4 GHz frequency range, which is slower but offers more range. Modern network components often master what is known as band steering. This function enables you to independently select the area for the data exchange that creates the optimal connection in each case.

Reliability: Access Points Represent Each Other

Admittedly, this advantage only really comes into play when you have integrated several access points or mesh WiFi repeaters into the network. Failure safety can be an important aspect, for example, if you are in the home office and work with critical data. The nodes of a mesh WLAN are connected to each other and form a large network. If a single one fails, the other nodes within reach can take over its task.

The Advantages Of Mesh WiFi In Brief

• The mesh WiFi consists of only one (large) network, which makes setting up a smart home easier
• Uninterrupted change of rooms and floors. Perfect for home office use
• Mesh-enabled PowerLAN adapters are available to penetrate massive walls or other WLAN barriers
• The band steering function of modern network components can increase data throughput
• Increased reliability: If access points fail, other nodes within range can take over the connection to end devices

What Are The Disadvantages Of Mesh WiFi?

• The disadvantages of mesh WiFi are limited and obvious
• The acquisition of the additional WLAN nodes is associated with increased costs
• At the same time, the additional devices consume more electricity
• Anyone who has already found it difficult to place the router in the living room or hallway for optical reasons will probably be reluctant to install additional repeaters

How Do I Go About Switching To Mesh WiFi?

When setting up your mesh WiFi, you start with the internet access point.

• If you only have a modem and no WiFi hardware at all, you have a free choice. But pay attention to the recommended properties when buying a router/base station and repeaters Do you establish the Internet connection via a WLAN router or is there already a router connected to your modem that connects your end devices to the Internet? First, check whether your router is mesh-capable.
• If you only have an old device that does not support Mesh WiFi, first check whether a software update is available before replacing the hardware. Some manufacturers provide updates for their hardware mesh support.
• If the router is already mesh-capable or you were able to upgrade the function via an update, you should check in the manufacturer’s support area which devices are suitable for expanding the mesh network.

What to look for when selecting additional mesh network components:

• If you want it to be as easy as possible when setting up the mesh network, stick with components from one provider. On the one hand, manufacturers certainly test the functionality of their repeaters most extensively in conjunction with their own routers. On the other hand, the chance that manufacturer support can help you in the event of a problem is much greater if there is no third-party hardware involved.
• Think in advance where you want to place repeaters at home and how you want to connect them to the base station or your router. Sometimes packages with multiple WiFi mesh repeaters or access points attract a special price. Maybe a mixture with powerline adapters makes sense.
• Ensures that the devices you want support band steering, roaming, and the AC WiFi standard. If the latter is the case, the devices are also dual-band capable and can distribute the data traffic to the 5 and 2.4 GHz frequency band.
• Also Read: WHAT IS WIFI 6 AND WHAT ARE ITS ADVANTAGES FOR COMPANIES AND INTERNET USERS

The post What Is Mesh WiFi – What’s Behind It, Advantages & Disadvantages appeared first on TechReviewsCorner.

Find Fault

First of all, you should determine where the problem is in your network. To find out whether your router can even establish an Internet connection, it is often enough to take a look at the device: The status LEDs should tell you directly if something is wrong with the connection and then usually flash. Depending on the model of the router, these characters are different – have a look at the manual of the device to decipher the LED signals.

A simple and tried and true method is to restart your router. Some devices have a corresponding button for this, or you can restart it via the browser user interface of your router. Alternatively, pull out the power plug for at least ten seconds. Once you have reconnected the router to the mains, you should wait a while until the device is fully operational again. You can also connect your router to the computer using a LAN cable to find out whether it is a WLAN problem.

These programs can block the internet

It doesn’t seem to be due to the router, but a connection via WLAN is still not possible? Then programs installed on your device could be the cause. If you use a firewall, antivirus software or VPN like privacyonline, you should briefly deactivate the corresponding program for network diagnostics. If the connection succeeds with the services switched off, an update or uninstalling and reinstalling the programs often helps.

Disturbance at the provider

It is possible that the problem has nothing to do with your devices and settings, but there is a fault with the provider. Before you call technical support and land in the queue, it helps to take a look at the websites. Here users can enter when their Internet or telephone connection is currently disrupted. If the messages pile up, the problem is most likely with the provider.

Unfortunately, there is only one piece of advice for this cause: wait. Until your provider has fixed the problem, you can practically do nothing. For very urgent matters, you can use LTE instead of WiFi and set up a mobile hotspot with your smartphone. However, you should have enough data volume available in your tariff for this. With a tariff with unlimited data volume, the time can be bridged well in this way.

Also Read: Does smart TV need a cable box?

The post This Is How You Fix The Problem When There Is No Internet Despite WiFi appeared first on TechReviewsCorner.

Surely everyone has seen TV reports about insecure radio networks. Reporters obviously penetrate the accounts of third parties with ease while they are surfing the net without any care. What usually looks extremely technical can actually be done quickly. It is all the more important to be aware of the dangers of hotspots.

What is a hotspot?

A hotspot is primarily a WLAN that is accessible to you. The type of access and the provider can vary. For example, numerous cafés offer free internet, which also makes them a hotspot. 

How do I get access to a hotspot?

Access to a known hotspot can vary. Most of the time, however, they are completely open WLANs, so that third parties can also surf without problems. You don’t have to sit in a café with an open WLAN in a café and buy something there. If the signal strength is sufficient, you may still have access to the network a little outside the building.

Alternatively, there are WLAN hotspots that can only be accessed with a password. For example, some operators only reveal the password to paying customers in the store and change the password at regular intervals. Alternatively, there is the option of requesting a specific code. This is possible, for example, at the Telekom hotspots.

What are the dangers of hotspots?

In most cases, the dangers of hotspots do not arise from the hotspot itself, but from third parties who are also active in this WLAN. So you have to worry less about the WLAN itself than about the people around you and your individual user behavior.

Session hijacking

In the style of car hijacking, you can look at session hijacking. Put simply, the following happens here: You are surfing on any website that does not encrypt your data (https). A cookie is set on your PC, which is used, among other things, for identification.

Third parties in the same WLAN can now “eavesdrop” on the network’s data traffic and select interesting sites in the process. Due to the lack of encryption of the website used, an attacker simply takes over your cookie and surfs as if he were you.

By the way, it doesn’t matter which website you visit. Regardless of whether it is that of your mail provider or Facebook: If the connection is not via encryption – i.e. https – third parties can easily access it in a WLAN.

How can I protect myself?

In principle, you should not log into a hotspot on your website with personal data such as your user name and password. This always bears the risk that third parties can intercept this data in the worst case.

You should also prevent access to your PC if possible. As soon as you connect to a new foreign network, you will be asked from Windows Vista what type of network this is. Do not click on one of the options thoughtlessly, but always select the “Public Network” for hotspots.

If you still have to log in to a website, always make sure that the connection is encrypted. You can recognize this by the abbreviation “https” in the browser line.

Also, avoid automatically connecting to WiFi. Numerous PCs connect based on the SSID, i.e. the name of a previously selected WLAN. The consequence: If third parties set up a hotspot with this abbreviation using a smartphone or PC, you will automatically connect to their hotspot. Criminals in particular make shameless use of this by being directed to fictitious “access pages”. For example, if you enter your classic password there, it is easy for criminals to test it in other accounts.

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5G is just the corner and was therefore one of the key topics at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2019 in Las Vegas. And like every time a new cellular standard is announced, the “end of Wi-Fi” is predicted. This was already the case with the 3G standard, which was supposed to make Wi-Fi (802.11b) redundant. But that was not exactly what happened. The whole story was repeated with 4G (LTE). Wi-Fi (802.11ac) was now available. Nothing! In the 5G context, Wi-Fi is now being phased out again, as the new cellular standard will cover both the inside and the outside of properties and buildings.

This raises the question: what will the effects of 5G have on the next generation of Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)? Do we still need them in the 5G wireless landscape?

Beyond the 5G hype

Of course, part of the 5G communication is just a marketing hype that highlights the particular positive aspects of the new technology and ignores the less beneficial ones. 5G at 4 Gbit / s is undoubtedly faster than Wi-Fi (.11ac) at 1.3 Gbit / s.

If you really want to be clear about where the development is going, forget the marketing headlines and dig a little deeper. What are the real facts that could guide us? First, the laws of physics tell us that radio waves (whether Wi-Fi or 5G) have difficulty penetrating objects such as walls or house walls. In addition, the data rate decreases with distance. Giving more “power” to the transmitter helps a little, but it also causes interference and makes the devices more expensive. In addition, the statutory maximum output power must be observed.

Technology division between Wi-Fi and 5G

Conversely, Wi-Fi utilizes an unlicensed range that is accessible to everybody for nothing out of pocket. Notwithstanding, the yield intensity of Wi-Fi is similarly low, with the goal that the radio sign stays (pretty much) inside the structure and has ideal (purported) otherworldly reuse. That implies: a similar recurrence band can be utilized in each building. Obviously, so as to get the web into the house, you need an internet service. Furthermore, that likewise requests a membership charge, which for the most part incorporates a straightforward switch. On the off chance that you need more solace, you can purchase a progressively costly switch.

5G: Speed ​​counts for the shopper

With respect to the “recurrence band point of view”, there is an innovation division between Wi-Fi and 5G. Be that as it may, is this additionally important to the end client? The end client connects extraordinary significance to a quick web get to – all over and at a sensible cost. Conversely, administrators/suppliers append significance to offering a decent Internet administration all over the place (at home and around the house) and monitoring costs. Curiously, the alleged Wi-Fi Off-Load (in which a cell arrange shifts traffic to Wi-Fi associations) obscures the line between the two advances.

A look at history can be helpful

It is fascinating to take note that the Wi-Fi world is established in the PC business, while 5G is in the more directed-broadcast communications industry. Consistently, phone administrators (presently called specialist organizations) have more partiality for 5G than for Wi-Fi. At the point when the telecom organizations began making the Internet accessible to customers, it was about “conveyance to the entryway”. What occurred inside the house was the duty of the purchaser.

Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax): Internet in each room

Better inclusion in the house is one of the key highlights of the new age of Wi-Fi, presently called Wi-Fi 6 (in view of the IEEE 802.11ax norm). The particular idea driving this new form of the Wi-Fi standard (likewise called the Wi-Fi arrange) gets the Internet to each room the house – with the principle switch at the front entryway and little satellite switches (repeaters) on each floor and in each room. Along these lines, Internet specialist organizations can ensure a strong Internet association anyplace in the house and legitimately likewise sell: All the best news!

By and by, versatile interchanges and Wi-Fi still feel like two separate universes between which you switch to and fro. Luckily, current cell phones are insightful to the point that when the Wi-Fi association doesn’t work, they naturally change to the cell arrange. Notwithstanding, there is a “drifting state” in which Wi-Fi attempts to detach, yet Wi-Fi doesn’t generally succeed, so neither Wi-Fi nor the cell association works. At that point, the arrangement is to turn Wi-Fi off physically to end this “battle”. What’s more, that is not entirely agreeable.

So wouldn’t it be better if there was a decent handover between the Wi-Fi association and the cell association so the client consistently gets the best execution at the least expensive cost?

Another perspective on

As a buyer, I for one would not mind whether I am associated by means of Wi-Fi or later on by means of 5G. The framework should basically offer the best network, regardless of whether in the home or out and about. I would then have a membership to my web at home and to my cell phone outside – however consistently with a specific curve on the cost side.

I’m discussing an alternate perspective. In this situation, a specialist co-op (whether or not it is a versatile administrator or a link administrator) offers the most excellent remote Internet get to support, both at home and out and about. There are numerous activities around there, all in the “Wi-Fi off-load” class, and on a basic level, the innovation is there. Yet, it’s not yet standard because of various contending and obsolete interests.

The customer “in that capacity” is neither intrigued by the following Wi-Fi age nor in the “following G”. He basically needs the best web association – anyplace, whenever and at the most ideal cost. From this point of view, the opportunity has already come and gone that portable administrators, hotspots, or Internet specialist organizations consider how they can offer their endorsers base the best assistance and the most productive way.

What makes a difference is that 5G and Wi-Fi 6 work together. Starting here of view, there is no “right” innovation determination or the decision between the best advances for a particular application.

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