WEEKLY WHEATIES #2449
WiFi Security, Technology Headlines, Fun Sites
In this newsletter:
📝 Post: Master Your WiFi: Tips and Tricks for a Faster, Safer Connection
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Technology Headlines
😎 Pick of the Week: Fun Sites
📦 Featured Product: WiFi Extender
📝 Master Your WiFi: Tips and Tricks for a Faster, Safer Connection
If you have WiFi in your home, there are a few things I think you should be aware of to make sure you’re getting the most out of your network and keeping your data safe. This includes setting it up with a proper password, but also possibly changing some settings you may not know exist, understanding boosters, and understanding channels and bands.
Security is always first and foremost. Luckily, wireless routers aren't stringent in terms of password requirements. On the other hand, that means some people may not even use a password, or if they do, they keep the default password. Simply changing the default wireless network name (known as the SSID) and default passwords are the first steps to secure your network. There are some who will say this doesn’t matter, and I think typically, you may be fine, however - even the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency suggests it.
Before going too far, though, let’s discuss one other issue that comes up with friends and family sometimes. The “I live too far away for others to access my WiFi” statement has been said to me more times than I can count. But this doesn’t take into account the hardware ability potential threats will be using. There’s a big difference in the distance your router can ‘send’ a WiFi signal versus the distance someone else's long-range WiFi antenna can pick up.
When deciding on a network name, I’ll leave that up to you. The only thing I would suggest is to use letters and numbers only. Special characters may cause issues with older devices connecting. Unlike other password requirements, for WiFi, length is the most important factor. Special characters, numbers, and case sensitivity don’t matter. For this reason, I suggest using something simple to remember that you don’t mind sharing with friends and family. My usual suggestion is a 10-digit phone number, perhaps your own.
Next, what about the differences in the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands? Older routers may only have the 2.4 band, but most newer routers will come with both. There is a difference here, and I typically suggest having both turned on, with different SSIDs but using the same password. So, what’s the difference, and when should you use which one?
In general, the 2.4 GHz band is used for a longer range (devices farther away from the router as it provides better wall penetration), home automation and smart-home devices, and older devices that may not have the 5 GHz antenna. The 5 GHz band should be used for devices that need faster download or transfer speeds, if there is less interference in the area (walls or other devices), and typically devices used for streaming or close to the router.
If you are having WiFi issues for a specific device, try it on another band. If you are having WiFi issues overall, consider turning off the 5 GHz band. Even though most people and homes have multiple devices and ‘need’ a faster speed, I’d bet 2.4 GHz is probably fine if you had to use it. Again, this is mainly for those who have issues and are troubleshooting.
There is one other tool to help troubleshoot if you are having interference issues - especially if you live close to multiple neighbors - changing the channel of your network. On the 2.5 GHz band, there are 14 channels to choose from. On the 5 GHz band, there are 45 channels to choose from. If your neighbors are using the same channel, it potentially could cause interference.
The best way to determine which channel to turn on is by using an app that analyzes all WiFi networks in your range. The desktop apps available are much more powerful but may be difficult to install and configure. Mobile apps are simple and will get you 99% of the way there. You can search your app store for “WiFi analyzer.” You shouldn’t have to pay for anything, and be careful with permissions. Essentially, you’re just looking to see settings of the WiFi networks in your immediate range. If you and your neighbor(s) networks are all using the same channel (3, for example), moving your network to channel 7 will not only help your connections, but there’s as well!
In order to change your WiFi SSID, password, bands, or channels, you need to login to the router’s admin page. Since every router is different, accessing this page is very specific to the brand and model router you use. To find the router’s address, check out this page on How to Access Router Settings. Next, Port Forward has an exhaustive list of Router Logins and Passwords you will need in order to make any changes.
A word of caution. Before moving forward, understand there are many settings here that should not be touched. Also, any changes to the WiFi will cause the router to reset, so if your device is connected via WiFi, you will lose connection temporarily. That said, I suggest accessing the router settings on a computer that is hard-wired as best you can.
All that said, hard wiring is always suggested for devices used for streaming, gaming, or security systems. This will help with any lag or buffering experienced and minimize interference on this device and others that will only work via WiFi.
Lastly, while WiFi boosters may work, there are many options to choose from (expensive and cheap - check out the Product of the Week below for more info), and reviews are mixed. A simple hack that does work well instead is using an older (or less expensive) wireless router as an extender. This does require a hard-line cable run to it, though.
Is your WiFi secure?
🗞️ ICYMI: Technology Headlines
Over the last few weeks, Bluesky has been on the verge of overtaking Threads in number of users. Bluesky is a Twitter/X alternative using its own AT protocol, not the ActivityPub protocol I talked about in Weekly Wheaties #2446. While many other social apps are spinning up, Meta introduces new facial recognition technology to protect users against fraud.
As Bitcoin continues to rise (and fall), there are second-order effects surrounding its price. The country of El Salvador's 1-Bitcoin-A-Day Strategy Hits 5,948 BTC and the software firm MicroStrategy is using Bitcoin to make money.
At their annual Ignite conference, Microsoft announced a new desktop/client device that seems to be a great option for enterprise businesses where multiple employees share the same computer. The Microsoft 365 Link will be released in 2025 and will be priced at $349. This may be bad news for other companies as HP and Dell PC Sales Are Still Struggling. To get a snapshot of the event, The Verger shared Everything Revealed in 15 Minutes.
While Google is still making their final arguments in the ad tech monopoly case, they are also working on a way to soon let you create email aliases in an effort to fight spam.
SpaceX’s Cellular Starlink Service Is Ready to Go and waiting for FCC approval as they have already patterned with T-Mobile.
😎 POTW: Fun Sites
I’ve shared the Absurd Trolley Problems site from Neal Argarwal’s site before in Weekly Wheaties #2349. But his whole site is worth a look - especially The Deep Sea.
On the other hand, I think Riley Walz’ site Walzr.com is also worth a detour with random sites and blogs. I enjoyed Routeshuffle and IMG_0001.
If social media and videos are more your thing, check out this article on Park Ranger Instagram—the Most Wholesome Corner of the Internet. Or at least give the crew over at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park a follow.
📦 Featured Product
If your home WiFi isn’t providing enough coverage, you have a few options. I always suggest running hard wire to as many places as you can, but I understand that’s not always possible. The most famous version of a ‘Whole Home Mesh System’ is from Eero. I’ve heard mixed results, both positively and negatively, so I can’t personally suggest it. If this is something you are interested in, I would first suggest starting with a less expensive TP-Link WiFi Extender. You can put this where you’d like the signal to be stronger before upgrading. A tip, though, is don’t necessarily put it exactly where you want the signal, as it may be too far away. Start by placing it halfway in between and moving it until you find the sweet spot.
