Home Networking

What Is a Home Network? (The Big Picture)

Think of the internet as a highway system and your home network as your private driveway. Here's what that means for you.

Router vs Modem vs Switch - What Each One Actually Does

Three boxes, three jobs. Here's what each one does and whether you need all of them.

Wired vs Mesh Wi-Fi - Should You Wire Your House?

Ethernet cables are faster but you need to run them through walls. Mesh Wi-Fi is easier but costs more. Here's how to decide.

How to Set Up Separate 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Networks

Stop your smart bulb from falling off the network. A gentle, step-by-step guide to splitting your Wi-Fi bands so every device connects to the right one.

Where to Put Your Router - And Why Every Spot You've Tried Is Probably Wrong

Your router's position matters more than its price. Move it to the right spot and your Wi-Fi problems might disappear without spending a cent.

How to Run a Proper Speed Test - Most People Do It Wrong

That speed test result you're looking at? It's probably lying to you. Here's how to get the real numbers.

The 5 Router Settings You Should Change Right Now

Your router came with a thousand settings. Most you can ignore. These five will keep you safe and save you headaches.

3 Router Settings That Make Your Wi-Fi Faster

Your router can do more than it's doing. These three settings take five minutes and will make your internet feel faster - especially when the whole family is online.

What Ethernet Actually Is - And Why You Want It

Wi-Fi is convenient. Ethernet is better. Here's what it is, how it works, and why running one cable can make a big improvement.

Mesh Wi-Fi Explained - When You Need It, When You Don't

Mesh systems are popular, but most people don't need one. Here's how to tell if you're the exception.

Home Network Security - What Actually Matters

Forget what you've seen in movies. The real threats to your home network are simpler than you think, and the fixes are even simpler.

How to Buy a Router - What Actually Matters

Router boxes are covered in nonsense like 'AX5400' and 'beamforming.' Here's what to actually look for at every budget.

Internet Plans - What to Look For (And What to Ignore)

ISPs make choosing a plan as confusing as possible on purpose. Here's what actually matters - and what's just marketing.

Powerline Adapters - When Wi-Fi Won't Reach and You Can't Run a Cable

Your home's electrical wiring can carry internet signals. It sounds like magic. It mostly works.

When to Call Your ISP - And What to Say When You Do

90% of internet problems are not the ISP's fault. Here's how to check before you call, and what to say if you actually need to.

VPNs - What They Actually Do (And Don't Do)

Adverts say VPNs make you anonymous and secure. Most of that is exaggerated. Here's what a VPN is good for and when it's a waste of money.

Wi-Fi 2.4 vs 5 vs 6 GHz Explained Simply

Why does your phone use one Wi-Fi band and your smart lightbulb another? And what's this new 6 GHz everyone's talking about?