Wi-Fi Advice

Do You Use Public Wi-Fi? This Might Make You Reconsider

Did you know that connecting to an illegitimate Wi-Fi network could compromise your social media, or worse, your online banking accounts? Nearly half of internet users have admitted they connect to Wi-Fi networks without checking their legitimacy.

We’ve all come to expect to stay connected while on-the-go. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, we want to stay connected. Public Wi-Fi is a convenient and free way to do just this – Ensuring we keep a strong network signal even when we’re not at home. But is it safe to use these public Wi-Fi networks?

A survey from last year by All About Cookies found that 1 in 4 internet users who are using public Wi-Fi networks regularly, encounter a security issue.

Why do these security issues occur? Because unsecured networks leave themselves vulnerable to cyber criminals who can sneak in using free tools and technical know-how to steal sensitive information from users.

Things like passwords, banking information and other personal data can all be used by cyber criminals for identity theft.

Despite there being many security warnings out there for using this type of Wi-Fi network, many people deem the potential security risks to be outweighed by the convenience and habit of being connected.

So what can you do to keep your information safe and secure while out and about and online?

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi?

Let’s look at a few of the security issues that come with Public Wi-Fi.

Lack of Encryption

Public Wi-Fi networks often lack encryption. This means that if you send data from your device using the internet, it is in danger of being intercepted. You should avoid sending sensitive data like passwords, banking information, even personal messages using public Wi-Fi networks.

At the point of connection, you might see a warning message stating that the Wi-Fi is unsecured, or that it uses deprecated encryption. This means that the network uses standards that are lower than industry standards. Using your device to send personal information and data on this type of weak Wi-Fi connection puts you at risk of having your online security compromised.

Fake Wi-Fi Networks

You’ve probably heard about encryption problems, but what about ‘Evil Twin’ networks? This is when an online attacker sets up a hotspot that mimics a genuine local network, luring people in so that it appears legitimate, thus tricking users into connecting. Think ‘Free Airport Wi-Fi” or something similar.

Whilst this is not common, if your unprotected device connects to this fake network, the online attacker can steal the data being transmitted – Like passwords, login details, and banking information.

While you’re unknowingly connected to this rogue network, you can be unwittingly tracked across your online journeys, with the hacker able to intercept session cookies. These are small pieces of information that websites use to remember you after you’ve visited. If a hacker or online attacker gets hold of these session cookies on an unsecured network like theirs, they can use them to impersonate you online on the websites you logged into – Like your social media accounts or online banking.

This leaves you susceptible to identity theft through having your emails or online banking being hacked. If you must connect to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, avoid using any personal information. This means not accessing your bank account, transferring money, or buying things. All of these transactions use extremely sensitive information. Basically, avoid sending any data that you wouldn’t want to be intercepted.

Can you spot a fake hotspot?

It’s tricky but there are a couple of red flags to look out for when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks which could signal that it’s not a legitimate network.

Error messages or certificate warnings – These messages could alert you to ‘Evil Twin’ hotspots, but equally there may be no signs whatsoever. Unfortunately, anyone can set up a Wi-Fi hotspot or network, and if there are no error messages or certificate warnings to report then there’s not really a discernible way you can identify what is safe and what isn’t.

If you are in a public place like a hotel or a cafe, then always ask a member of staff for the exact name of the Wi-Fi network. That way you will avoid any impersonating networks.

Also try to use networks that are password protected. These do tend to be safe than open, unsecured networks. It’s not a fail-safe guarantee, but it does help reduce the chances of online attackers and hackers lurking on the network.

Is There a Safe Way to Browse on Public Wi-Fi Networks?

Use a VPN

If you are insistent on using public Wi-Fi networks, then the best way to stay safe and minimise online security risks is to use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. Even if someone was to be monitoring your connection, the VPN stops your information being visible, acting as a secure tunnel which keeps your data private and encrypted when being sent and received.

USing a VPN means that regardless of how trustworthy the Wi-Fi network that you’re connected to is, your data is on its own virtual private network within that, keeping it hidden and safe.

When choosing a VPN, make sure you are choosing one that has good reviews and is trustworthy and safe.

Limit Sharing of Personal Information

Many public Wi-Fi networks want to gather as much information on you as possible and will ask for items of personal information when you try to log on. Things like email address, full name and home address are all things you should try to avoid sharing. Networks don’t actually need this information in order to provide you with the Wi-Fi so try entering alternatives like ‘No Thanks’ as your name and me@hotmail.com’ instead of your real email address.

Hopefully you’ll still gain access to the network, without putting yourself and your personal details at risk.

Does Your Business Provide a Public Wi-Fi Network?

If you run a business and provide a Wi-Fi network for your guests, then you may be concerned about the online safety of your customers and service users. If this blog has got you thinking about the potential risks your clients could be facing, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit.

Using our Geekabit managed Guest Portal Software for your business means you can run a Guest Wi-Fi network for your customers with a bit more security all round.

by admin6th December 2024

Broadband Hardware Home Network Home Office Home WI-Fi Network Router Security Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice

Is Your Broadband Router Open to Hackers? Survey Says Yes

Broadband Genie, the independent UK comparison service for telecoms and broadband, have published a new survey revealing some pretty shocking statistics when it comes to internet safety.

3,045 internet users were surveyed between the 1st January and 26th April this year, revealing that:

89% of respondents have never updated the firmware of their home router
86% have never changed the device’s administrator password
72% have never changed their Wi-Fi password
75% have never checked to see what or who is linked to their router
52% have never changed or updated their routers settings

Are you guilty of any of these? No shaming from us, but let’s take a little look at why ignoring these things when it comes to your router and security isn’t a great idea.

Why should I change my router from the default password?

If you leave your router set to the default password, it could allow hackers to identify which make and model of router you are using and work out the password.

Thankfully, many ISP’s supply long, randomised passwords with no real structure, making it harder to identify.

Do I need to update firmware on my router?

Many routers that come as part of a bundle directly from your ISP are thankfully set up to auto-update their firmware – Meaning you, the customer, don’t have to actually do any specific actions in order to keep your device up-to-date.

However, it’s probably a good idea to check with your broadband provider to confirm this is the case.

And don’t forget, many security and firmware updates are done at night – So don’t switch your router off overnight.

If you have purchased your router separately from an ISP bundle, then you may be required to carry out this action yourself to check for recent firmware updates. Remember that not all firmware updates are particularly accessible or easy to find, so you may need to seek support from the manufacturer.

It’s vital not to leave security vulnerabilities unpatched – And even some relatively modern pieces of kit could be susceptible to security risks.

What’s the reason behind people not changing their router password?

The survey respondents who had answered that they had never changed their router’s factory settings were then asked why they had not. The answer that 75% of those surveyed gave was that they didn’t know they needed to change it.

Your router is the single most important security device in your home network

It’s often the case that the router is the most important device in your home network when it comes to internet security.

Changing your router’s password from the default to a strong alternative protects your network, particularly if the password from your ISP is not properly randomised or ineffective.

It’s a good rule of thumb to assume that your router does not come secure out of the box. And if consumers are unaware of the risks, then clearly more awareness needs to be raised surrounding these security risks.

That’s where the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act comes in.

The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act

On the 29th April 2024, the Government brought in the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act. This includes their new Secure by Design policy, which means that device makers (retailers and manufacturers) that fail to comply can be hit with financial penalties.

Changes include:

The banning of easily guessable default passwords (like ‘admin’ or ‘12345’) so that vulnerabilities and hacking are prevented
The prompting of users to change the default password
Improved support for security issues by supplying contact details of manufacturers so that bugs and issues can be dealt with
The requirement to state how long related network products will be supported by security patches (firmware updates)

These changes don’t just apply to routers – They also cover smartphones, televisions, games consoles, internet-connected fridges and other smart home devices such as doorbells etc.

Are you confident that your router is secure?

by admin7th October 2024

Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Help Wi-Fi Issues Wi-Fi Problems Wireless Network

Why Does My Wi-Fi Randomly Stop Working?

And more importantly, how can I fix it?

There’s little more frustrating than your Wi-Fi going down. Whether you’re working from home and mid Zoom, streaming your favourite show or gaming with friends – If your Wi-Fo goes down it’s an urgent problem to solve as soon as possible.

Much like a power cut, when there’s no Wi-Fi we really feel it’s absence. And much like flicking the light switch on and off, we head straight for the hardware when we’re trying to figure out what the problem is.

What to check on your hardware when your Wi-Fi stops working

Are the router and any other units plugged in and switched on – Are the lights on?
Is every relevant cable properly connected?
Are any external antennas linked to the router fastened correctly?

Checking for disconnected cables that have been unplugged, disconnected or damaged could be a straightforward fix for your Wi-Fi woes.

If it’s an intermittent problem, then look for a ‘strangled’ cable. This is a cable that might be getting squashed underneath furniture or has perhaps been nibbled by a pet.

If you’ve checked all the cabling and hardware and things look okay – What’s next?

How to check if it’s a Wi-Fi problem when your internet connection goes down

If everything is powered-on hardware wise, then the next thing to check is your Wi-Fi and whether the signal is being broadcasted. Find a device and try to connect to your Wi-Fi.

Is your network being broadcast – Is it in the list of possible networks to connect to?
Can you connect to your network on the device?

What to do if your network is not being broadcasted or you cannot connect to the network

If one or neither of these things is happening, then the problem could be with your wireless source. You could try resetting the power on your equipment ie. turn your router off for 30 seconds and then turn back on again.

You may even need to replace your router. If yours is leased from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) then get in touch with them to see if they can either help reset it remotely or get you a replacement.

What to do if your network is being broadcasted and it says you’re connected, but you still have no internet connection

If you can see that your network is being broadcasted and you are able to connect to it, then check the signal strength in various locations (ie. where you need a connection).

What should my Wi-Fi signal strength be?

In an ideal world, your Wi-Fi signal would be above -68 dBm.

For general internet access (not voice or video calls) then you could probably manage at -72 dBm.

Anything below that level would probably cause problems, and you would likely need to be considering alternatives to solve your signal coverage issues.

These alternatives could invoice:

Additional access points
Extender / mesh extender

Be cautious with signal extenders – These should only really be used as a last resort. This is because in order to keep the wireless link between the extender and main router, they use up considerable bandwidth.

You could instead try a tri-radio router and implement multi-radio extenders or mesh nodes. This could enable you to use one channel for your network and another for end device access.

How to measure your Wi-Fi signal

To measure your Wi-Fi signal and check if you have enough coverage, there are a couple of ways to do this.

Measuring Wi-Fi signal on a laptop

If you have a laptop, you can check the stats of your wireless interface, or install a wireless measuring tool, like WinFi Lite.

Measuring Wi-Fi on a smartphone

If you have an android smartphone, you can install a wireless signal measuring app, like “WiFiman”, or if you have an Apple device, you can install the “Airport” app and use it to scan the signal strength.

Measuring Wi-Fi signal strength

Using the tools above, you will be able to not only measure your own network but also neighbouring networks and how they are affecting yours.

It’s nigh on impossible to be unaffected by an external 2.4 GHz network. If you can, try to use the 5 GHz spectrum. This network has more channels for you to use and thus a lot fewer interfering networks, even in residential areas.

Bear in mind that in locations like apartment complexes, even the 5 GHz spectrum can become congested but is still generally the better option.

An even better option would be the 6 GHz channel, but it’s likely that your devices will no longer support it in the not so distant future.

If your Wi-Fi coverage seems fine, it could be your network usage causing internet problems

If your hardware looks okay, your network is broadcasting and you can connect, and your coverage looks good, then it’s time to consider your network usage.

At the time you were experiencing internet problems, consider

How many people were connected to your network
What they were using the internet for

It’s quite likely that your router wasn’t built for the demands of multiple video conferencing calls on your work laptop, a show streaming on Netflix, plus online games being played on the iPad.

That’s a considerable amount of traffic for it to process and could cause things to get a bit unpredictable connection wise.

If this is a common usage demand, then it may be time to speak to you ISP and see if you can upgrade your router and package. Think about whether it would be worth upgrading to hardware that supports Wi-Fi 6.

You could also consider installing additional access points to help ease the burden on the main router.

Another potential solution is to skip the Wi-Fi element altogether, and plug your device into the router via an Ethernet cable. Hint: THis is also a great way of testing whether the issue lies with the internet connection itself or how the Wi-Fi signal is being transmitted.

‘I’ve tried everything and my internet still won’t work!’

Okay, we get it, by this point you would be really frustrated. You’ve checked the hardware, you’re connected and coverage is fine, network usage is low – Yet there are still network problems! What else could be causing your internet connection to be unreliable and unpredictable?

It could be wireless interference issues.

Many routers we use in our homes support only 2.4 GHz communications. The problem with using that range is that many other manufacturers use those channels for other pieces of equipment because it’s cheap and long ranging.

Things that could be interfering with your Wi-Fi signal are:

Baby monitors
Wireless video security cameras / doorbells
Microwaves
Motion detectors as part of an alarm system

These are just a few common examples, there are many others that use the 2.4 GHz band and could cause interference problems. To get a full picture of what’s going on, you could need a spectrum analyser.

There are of course other possible forms of interference as well. Where is your wireless router located? You should avoid:

Shutting it in a cupboard
Placing behind a large bit of furniture
Too much metal close by (cabinets, fridges, etc)
Mirrored windows
Painting walls with magnetic or metallic paint

We have a whole article on how to avoid interference – You can check it out here.

Could it be your naughty neighbour?

As we must consider all possible options – Could it be that your neighbour is doing naughty things to your internet connection?

Unfortunately, it is a possibility that your neighbour is deauthenticating your network. This means they are using external wireless equipment to pose as your network and then start sending deauthentication packets to your users. In other words, telling devices that are connected to your network to get off every time they leave and try to reconnect.

It’s very hard to catch this happening unless you have the proper knowledge and tools. Fortunately, some access points can detect these attacks and report them like cloud-based solution access points.

Is there anything else that could be causing my Wi-Fi problems?

So far we’ve checked:

For hardware problems
Whether your network is being broadcasted
Whether your Wi-Fi is transmitting a signal
How strong your Wi-Fi signal is / coverage
Network usage
Wireless interference
Naughty neighbours

That’s a pretty comprehensive list. If none of these are causing your internet problems, then it could be the integrity of your internet connection.

How do you check the integrity of your internet connection?

Use one of your devices to check to see if you are getting an IP address. This is something you could try first, but if you checked the connection using an Ethernet cable (for example, a desktop computer that’s connected directly to the main internet connection (router) via cable) and everything was fine then your main internet connection is unlikely to be the issue.

Things to check:

Do you have an IP address?
Can you ping your gateway?
Do you have DNS?

If you don’t have an IP address:

Have a check of your network stats and verify if you have a proper IP address. If you don’t, then try to register again to your home network. To do this you can simply just restart your router.

If that doesn’t work, then try resetting your DHCP server. Most of the time, it’s to do with the home router. If you’re not using a router, then whatever you are using – restart that.

If restarting it doesn’t work then check your DHCP configuration or give your ISP a call.

If you do have an IP address:

If you can see that you do have a proper IP address, try to ping a public site like google.com. If that fails, try to ping a well-known public IP address like 8.8.8.8.

If that works, then there may be an issue with the DNS that you have configured so you could try using public DNS servers, like 8.8.4.4 or 8.8.8.8.

If a ping to a public IP address fails, then that indicates that the problem is either in the path between your home router and the ISP or something in the ISP itself.

It’s not you, it’s them

Sometimes it’s not anything to do with any of the potential problems we’ve discussed above. Sometimes it’s a problem with your Internet Service Provider and there is simply an outage on the service that you are trying to access.

This can be for a few different reasons.

Perhaps you have been disconnected because your street or building has a problem in the distribution panel. A cable could have been cut or damaged somewhere in the network during construction or roadworks or something similar.

It could also be a problem with the ISP infrastructure. If they are experiencing issues in their client management system, then this would stop you accessing the service.

If you’ve tried all of the above and nothing has helped, then it’s probably time to give your ISP a call and see if the problem is their end of things.

Good luck!

by admin12th October 2023

4G 5G Business Wi-Fi Connectivity SME Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wireless Network

Is Poor Connectivity Costing Your SME Money?

Research commissioned by Three found that issues with poor connectivity were costing SME’s in Britain £18.77 billion per year.

Research found that small to medium sized businesses (including micro businesses) in the UK who give employees work phones are losing out on over 1 hour of work time per employee, per week. Poor connectivity leads to employees being unable to get online or complete their work effectively.

1 hour per week per employee may not sound like a big deal on the face of it, but for medium sized businesses, this equates to 250 hours of working time being lost every single week.

This loss of working time has a bigger impact on things than you may think. In partnership with YouGov and Development Economics, Three’s research found that:

The British economy is significantly impacted by loss of business revenue. The amount of economic output lost is estimated to be £7.7bn per year.
The cost of poor connectivity hits the professional and retail sectors the harders
Businesses are already facing challenging times – almost 75% of SME’s are reducing costs

Which industries are hit hardest by poor connectivity?

Two of the largest sectors in the British economy were hit the hardest with poor connectivity – Retail, and Professional Services (including legal, accounting and media businesses).

How much revenue is lost in these sectors due to poor connectivity?

Professional Services – Loss of £5.3 billion per year (annual output loss of £2.8bn to the economy)
Retail – Loss of £3.7 billion per year (annual output loss of £560m to the economy)

Connectivity isn’t the only challenge for SME’s

SME’s aren’t just facing a challenge with poor connectivity – They’re also facing challenges with the cost of living crisis and talent shortages.

SME’s are also feeling the heat of rising costs, with 71% looking at where they need to reduce spending. 32% of SME’s are looking to cut costs on things like phone contracts, which they believe they are spending too much on.

29% of SME’s (and 48% of medium sized businesses) also worry about losing employees due to not having good technology, which is cause for concern when there is also a shortage of talent in the majority of industries.

Combine all of this with poor connectivity causing problems with work effectiveness and you can see why it’s causing a bit of a headache for small and medium sized businesses.

Do SME’s need more tech support?

In order to operate, grow and thrive in business, it is absolutely vital for SME’s to have a strong online connection.

36% of SME’s believe that better mobile phone connectivity would enable them to perform better. 1 in 5 SME’s are also concerned that their business could get left behind if they don’t know how to use the latest mobile phone technology.

Unfortunately, almost 50% of SME’s feel that the tech industry uses complex language that makes it difficult to understand the latest technology, creating a barrier for these businesses without proper support and knowledge.

What can be done to provide SME’s with tech and connectivity support?

It seems that many tech schemes and concepts are aimed at larger corporate structures, failing to meet the needs of SME’s in a more cost effective way. It’s so important for tech providers to recognise the needs of SME’s and tailor their services to meet them. SME’s need simple, straightforward tech offerings with a level of service that large corporates would expect.

For a business to be able to perform and for their employees to effectively do their jobs, it all comes down to connectivity.

For most businesses, connectivity is the core of it all – Poor connectivity is simply not an option. It’s imperative for SME’s to carefully consider the options available to them when it comes to connectivity, tech and mobile. They need a simple, cost effective option that leaves them in control.

The research outlined above just goes to show how poor connectivity can really hold a business back. Research from The Federation of Small Businesses found similar results which showed that 45% of small businesses experience unreliable voice connectivity (going up to 57% in rural areas).

SME’s are a big part of the UK economy. To see growth and productivity, we need strong and reliable digital, mobile and vocal connectivity. That includes 4G and 5G accessibility for all.

Can Geekabit Help?

If you are a SME and are struggling with poor connectivity, then call in the experts. Our experienced Wi-Fi engineers can help at any stage of network deployment – From site surveys to design to installation.

We’re only a phone call away, and can help get your business properly connected.

Thinking you’re too rural? We’ve got 4G for that! Our mobile and satellite broadband options could be just the thing you’re looking for.

Get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts today.

by admin31st July 2023

Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi HaLow Wi-Fi Installation Wi-Fi Site Survey

Is Wi-Fi HaLow a Better Wireless Option than Wi-Fi 5 and 6 for IoT?

Wi-Fi HaLow has quite the list of benefits when it comes to Internet of Things applications. With high bandwidth, long range, unlicensed spectrum, low power, and less complexity than Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi HaLow could well be a better option.

What is Wi-Fi HaLow?

Image from https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-certified-halow with thanks

The Wi-Fi Alliance has coined the IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi standard as Wi-Fi HaLow, as it will be known in the wireless market. It was approved back in September 2016, and then published in the following May.

Wi-Fi HaLow is a new version of traditional Wi-Fi, offering:

Long range
Low power
Low speed

Wi-Fi HaLow is most likely to be deployed within the Internet of Things market, on things such as:

Sensors
Wearables
M2M (Machine to Machine) applications
Smart buildings
Smart cities

What are the benefits of Wi-Fi HaLow?

Wi-Fi HaLow has the ability to connect low-bandwidth devices to IP networks, including the internet. It also supports enough bandwidth to handle HD Quality video.

Perhaps one of the great things about Wi-Fi HaLow is its usefulness in rural communications as well as offloading cell phone tower traffic.

Whilst there are similar low-power standards, like 802.11af, there are differences. For example, 802.11af operates in the television white space spectrum in VHF and UHF bands, whereas Wi-Fi HaLow is easier to deploy due to operating in the unlicensed bands.

There are of course similar technologies that utilise the unlicensed spectrum, but Wi-Fi HaLow also has advantages over some of them due to them being built on proprietary standards.

The requirement of getting proprietary hardware in order to get IP connectivity to the client devices also means that some other similar technologies are more complicated to deploy than Wi-Fi HaLow.

HaLow is intended to make deploying IoT devices easier.

Why is Uptake for Wi-Fi HaLow Slow?

Despite the advantages laid out above, the uptake for Wi-Fi HaLow has been pretty slow.

If you have a look on the Product Finder section of the Wi-Fi Alliance’s website, you’ll find only 3 companies that are listed as having certified Wi-Fi HaLow products.

And if the uptake is so low, it begs the question…

So Why Use Wi-Fi HaLow?

The advantages we talked about above hint at where Wi-Fi HaLow can be used effectively.

Wi-Fi HaLow Utilises Licence-Exempt Frequencies

As you are probably aware, the majority of Wi-Fi technologies, including Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, operate at frequencies in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.

The difference with Wi-Fi HaLow is that it utilises licence-exempt frequencies that are below 1 GHz.

Wi-Fi HaLow Has Longer Range

Due to Wi-Fi HaLow having lower frequencies, it also has longer signal ranges. Not only that, but the signal itself penetrates walls and other materials better.

Due to these reasons, Wi-Fi HaLow can travel much further, even managing distances of over half a mile (0.62 miles to be precise).

Wi-Fi HaLow Devices Don’t Hog Bandwidth and Need Less Power

Wi-Fi HaLow devices can use lower power radios as they’re not hogging bandwidth with high performance. In other words, the devices wireless connectivity uses very little power which in turn means that they have a long battery life. Some devices can even last more than 5 years!

Got devices on the network that need more throughput? With Wi-Fi HaLow you can give hundreds (if not thousands) of IoT wireless devices their own band to operate in – Enabling you to reserve the higher bands for those higher throughput devices. This could in turn have a positive impact on your overall network performance.

In this way, Wi-Fi HaLow compliments traditional Wi-Fi very well by enabling your network engineers to move lower bandwidth clients off the main Wi-Fi network.

Depending on the AP capabilities and client-device specifications, Wi-Fi HaLow can still provide enough throughput for HD-quality video cameras in some scenarios, despite being designed for lower bandwidth applications.

Do We Have the Infrastructure for Wi-Fi HaLow?

In short, yes! It’s pretty straightforward to get going with Wi-Fi HaLow.

Whereas other similar technologies require proprietary controllers, hubs or gateways, Wi-Fi HaLow doesn’t need any of this.

It’s as simple as plugging a HaLow Ap into a traditional LAN and clients can connect to IP-based networks including the internet.

Alternatively, they could choose a gateway device with 4G LTE connectivity to the WAN.

Does traditional Wi-Fi support HaLow?

Currently, the HaLow band is not supported by traditional Wi-Fi like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

But, due to the longer range of HaLow, an AP deployed in the right location could mean signal coverage for an entire multi-floor office building or warehouse.

Of course, that would also depend on:

Desired data rates for clients
Transmit powers
Antennas
Interference

To take the signal even further, without using a wired connection, you can also deploy Wi-Fi HaLow in a wireless-mesh mode.

What are the Data Rates like for Wi-Fi HaLow?

Bandwidth can be increased via channel-width options on Wi-Fi HaLow devices just like traditional Wi-Fi. Between 1MHz and 16MHz there are 5 channel widths, but not all devices support all the widths.

When we talk about channels, the transmissions travel further the narrower the channel is, but at a slower data rate.

For example, for a long range over the course of 1km on just 1MHz channel, with a bit of RF attenuation, you would see a data rate of approximately 150 kbps.

With a shorter range and/ or a line of sight, you could in theory get 86.7 Mbps with 16 MHz channels and short guard intervals.

One trial carried out at sea with no radio interference achieved 2 Mbps of UDP throughput at 3 km with line of sight. With this in mind, with ideal conditions could expect a data rate of a few Mbps for approximately 1.5 km range.

How is Wi-Fi HaLow Affected by Interference?

Wi-Fi HaLow aren’t not the only unlicensed users and devices on the 900 MHz band. Historically, this band was rather crowded with cordless phones as well as amateur radio operators, although whilst they have the right to use the band they are not the primary users of the band and hence have to accept interference from other sources.

Interference when using Wi-Fi HaLow is unlikely to cause significant issues in comparison to how many Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices are using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

The competition for airtime is also a lesser concern because unlike traditional Wi-Fi devices, HaLow devices tend to deliver smaller amounts of data and less frequently.

Is Wi-Fi HaLow Secure?

Wi-Fi HaLow is just as secure as traditional Wi-Fi devices due to supporting the same WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security and Wi-Fi Enhanced Open functionality.

Some devices may also support the enterprise mode of WPA3 with 802.1X authentication. Some HaLow devices may also support the legacy WPA2 security even though it isn’t required for Wi-Fi Certified products.

Is HaLow ready for enterprise deployments?

Despite there being few Wi-Fi Halow devices on the market just yet, reports are saying that they are ready for enterprise deployments now.

Our recommendation, as with any Wi-Fi network, is to carry out a Site Survey before designing and deploying a Wi-Fi HaLow network.

For many network engineers, this is a new and unfamiliar technology so it’s imperative you do plenty of live testing and analysing to make sure the network will work effectively. This is especially important if you are going to be using Wi-Fi HaLow to serve higher bandwidth clients or over long distances.

by admin3rd July 2023

4G Router 4G Wi-Fi 5G Router 5G Wi-Fi Mobile COnnectivity Router Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Product Feature

Launch of UniFi Mobile Router

As regular installers of Ubiquiti kit since 2013, we’re excited to see the pending launch of their UniFI Mobile Router.

No signs yet that it is available in the UK, but as we work with Teltonika and Robustel 4G and 5G routers on a weekly basis, this has the potential to be a game changer in the market place for mobile connectivity Installers.

Enterprise clients will be looking to maintain the same manufacturer and one family of products wherever possible, and Ubiquiti will know this is a corner of the market they can easily win at.

by admin20th December 2022

Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 7 Wi-Fi 8 Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Standards

What Can We Expect from Wi-Fi 8?

Towards the end of November, there was an IEEE 802.11 conference in Thailand taking a look at what will eventually come to pass as what we will know as Wi-Fi 8.

As with all things tech, things move at a quick pace as standards and technology advance. These meetings and conferences are important to discuss these advancements and how they affect and consolidate the next standard.

They are a great opportunity for members of the IEEE to not only raise questions but be a part of technical proposals, as well as see what is coming up next in the world of Wi-Fi.

New developments have the potential to affect things like certification and products, so it’s really useful to get insider knowledge.

So what happened at this latest meeting and what will it mean for Wi-Fi 8?

You might be thinking, wait – Do we even have Wi-Fi 7 yet? The Wi-Fi 7 certification program is expected to be rolled out in 2023. But as always, there is always the next standard waiting in the wings! Things are advancing all the time and the next tech development is always on the horizon.

Currently, we’re waiting for the 802.11be standards to be finalised. The latest IEEE meeting had a look at this with a view to getting some of the more intricate details all ironed out ready.

The specifications for Wi-Fi 8 will likely be determined by the UHR (ultra high reliability) study group that studies various proposals.

Will mainstream Wi-Fi use the 60 GHz spectrum in the future?

There will have been various technical presentations as a part of the IEEE meeting, with different contributors vying for different approaches to the next standard of Wi-Fi.

An interesting potential consideration for Wi-Fi 8 was the use of the 60 GHz spectrum within mainstream Wi-Fi. WiGig, based within IEEE 802.11ad/ay, isn’t a popular choice within mainstream Wi-Fi when it comes to products.

There are contributors that want to change this for the next gen standards, particularly in terms of integrating AR/XR/VR and the like on the 60 GHz band.

Not everyone was pro this idea, with other contributors raising the fact that the 60 GHz band had been lacking in success. Instead, they want the UHR to study another area of the spectrum – sub-7 GHz – And look for Wi-Fi improvements there.

Of course, these meetings are the prime place for these discussions, with a view to identifying the best course of action for the next generation of Wi-Fi standard, and where the most enhancements can be found.

The outcome of these discussions within the IEEE 802.11be meetings and the UHR studies will ultimately shape what we will come to know as Wi-Fi 8. Nothing has been finalised yet, but watch this space!

by admin11th December 2022

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Is the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro Any Good?

Now that the deliveries have started to drop, the reviews are beginning to come in for the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – And so far they’re rather mixed opinions. So is it any good or not?

Dubbed as the router for working-from-home and a valid step up from its predecessor – Is the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro the right mesh router for you?

If you read our recent blog on this, you’ll already know that this latest Wi-Fi device from Google brings together Wi-Fi 6E, Thread and Matter functionality. (Wondering what Matter is when it comes to Wi-Fi? Read this). The Nest Wi-Fi Pro enables you to control your smart home devices through this mesh router.

Wasn’t Google Nest already a mesh network? Yes. Back in 2016, Google launched it’s first mesh Wi-Fi system, followed by Nest Wi-Fi in 2019. This device topped many lists looking at the best mesh routers – Will the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro follow in its footsteps?

They don’t come cheap – This latest addition to Google’s collection of Wi-Fi devices is more expensive than those before it. Which would make sense if it’s offering upgraded functionality. But is it worth the upgrade and the price? Let’s take a look.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – The Pros

We’ll start with all the most positive things that make this new Wi-Fi device worthy of consideration for your home network.

Why Does Wi-Fi 6E Compatibility Make a Difference for the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro?

Perhaps the biggest upgrade from previous products is adding in Wi-Fi 6E functionality for the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro. What does this actually mean? Let’s get technical for a second. The previous Nest device was compatible only with Wi-Fi 5, aka 802.11ac. This means that the router could only use the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. With added Wi-Fi 6E functionality, the Nest Wi-Fi Pro can use the 6GHz band, giving you access to faster, more reliable internet.

With the ability to access all 3 radio bands at the same time, the Nest Wi-Fi Pro can provide a combined maximum speed of 5.4 Gbps.

Unsurprisingly the addition of Wi-Fi 6E compatibility means the Nest Wi-Fi Pro will offer faster speeds for other Google products to make the most of – Think the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro and the imminent Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

It’s safe to say that Google are taking this new Wi-Fi standard and running with it, bringing the consumer a faster, more reliable internet connection.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro Offers Sizeable Coverage With Scope to Branch Out

Even the largest of homes can secure a strong Wi-Fi signal with Google Nest Wi-Fi and Nest Wi-Fi Pro. With just the one unit you can gain coverage across 120 metres squared, and with the option to have a total of 5 units that’s 600 metres squared of coverage. This is what helps set Google’s Nest Wi-Fi mesh products apart from the rest. (Google doesn’t recommend exceeding 5 units so as to avoid any Wi-Fi interference).

So whether you are living in a cosy flat or expansive mansion, the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro has got you covered. What’s more, if you move into a larger property, it’s easy to add in another unit to scale up the coverage in your new home.

How Many Connected Devices Can Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro Support?

The number of connected devices supported on the Google Nest WI-Fi Pro has increased to 300 (up from 200 on the previous Nest product).

Why on earth would you need to support 300 devices on your network? Well that really depends on how large your home is and how many people live there. It’s not just about personal devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones. With the prevalence of the smart home, which this particular product is great for, comes the increase in smart home devices. Think smart light bulbs, smart speakers and any other connected devices you want to control remotely.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro has the capacity to handle these with ease, whereas a more traditional router might meet its limit rather quickly if you’re building a smart home. Furthermore, this device has the ability to prioritise connected devices so you get the connection where you need it most. With MU-MIMO technology, the Nest Wi-Fi Pro units can also communicate with multiple devices at the same time.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro and Parental Controls

If you have children that use the internet, you’ll know only too well how important it is to have parental control over the Wi-Fi.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro has parental control software built in for free. This means you can:

Put your children on a Wi-Fi schedule e.g. no internet at meal times or after 8pm
Use Google SafeSearch technology to block content that is deemed unsafe
Edit control settings via the Family W-Fi menu in the app

The fact that this is built in at no extra charge helps set the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro apart from its competitors. For example, Orbi mesh routers from Netgear charge a subscription fee in order to set internet time limits and restrictions.

It’s worth noting that this feature is also available on Google’s previous Nest Wi-Fi product as well.

Matter and Thread Compatibility on the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro

Google is really looking ahead with their latest product by including Matter support with this device. Technically it won’t be available from launch, but as we start to see an increase in more Matter-enabled devices creeping into our smart homes, it will make adding new products easier in the future.

Like Matter, Thread is another network function being spoken about more and more. So it makes sense that the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro also has a Thread border router built in. We could go into much more detail about Thread but we’ll save that for another time. For now, Thread offers a lower power mesh to your home network, so the ability to connect Thread smart devices in the future will be appealing to many.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro: Pros on Price

If you are looking for a simple, stand-alone Wi-Fi 6E router, then a single Nest Wi-Fi Pro unit is probably the cheapest option at a cost of £190. Other competitive alternatives are almost double this price.

Even if you are looking at getting the pack of three units at £380, then it seems worth the money as you’re getting three units for roughly double the cost of one. That seems like pretty decent value to us.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – The Cons

So we’ve gone through the reasons why you might want to rush out and upgrade to this latest Wi-Fi product. But what could cause you to pause that thought? Let’s see.

What’s the Design Like on the Google Nest Wi-FI Pro?

The aim of many modern Wi-Fi products is to make them less ugly. The less you are wanting to hide them away in a cupboard, the better these routers will actually work! But as with all things design wise, this can be hugely subjective. What appeals to the eye of one consumer might cause another one to immediately look away.

For a mesh network to be effective, the units need to be spread about the home if you want to get the best Wi-Fi coverage. The previous Nest Wi-FI units have a soft, matte finish which some would argue makes it easier to blend in with other decor and not stand out too much.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro however, has a glossy finish that very much says ‘look at me’ – These are not meant to be hidden away! If you like the look of them and don’t mind making them a feature in your rooms then it’s all good. If you were hoping to let them lurk in a corner out of sight, that might be harder to do with these new units.

It’s also worth noting that these Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro units don’t come with any mounting hardware, so if you were hoping to mount them to the wall or ceiling that might be rather difficult. On the plus side, they do have a rubber base so they’re unlikely to move around wherever you do place them.

Does the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro have Ethernet Ports?

We’ve just talked about the aesthetics of the Nest Wi-Fi Pro, and the lack of Ethernet ports fits into this. The design is minimalistic, hence why there are only two ethernet ports on these units. Of course, you could just add in a switch if you need more, but if you are picking the Nest Wi-Fi Pro based on it’s looks, then adding in a switch and hard wire might detract from the image you are looking for.

This might not be a problem for many homes – Not many products need to be wired to the router and this device will be much faster than what has come before. However, if you have a security camera for example, you might find that it needs to be hardwired to the router via a hub.

The ports only support gigabit speeds which is a bit of a shame. 2.5GbE is becoming more common in order to offer the best possible speeds between wired and wireless.

If you really need a router with plenty of Ethernet ports, then the Nest Wi-Fi Pro possibly isn’t the one for you – But worry not, there are other mesh routers available.

What about Wi-Fi 7?

We know, we know, we’re only just getting to grips with the latest wireless standard Wi-Fi 6E. But Wi-Fi 7 is hot on its heels (as with all new technological developments – There is always something waiting in the wings).

Wi-Fi 7 is set to arrive at the start of next year, offering consumers even faster internet speeds up to a possible maximum data rate of 5.8 Gbps. That’s more than double what Wi-Fi 6E has to offer! Amazingly, Wi-Fi 7 is set to feel like you’re using an Ethernet connection in terms of speed. That’s pretty impressive.

So whilst the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro future proofs your network in terms of Matter and Thread, it won’t be compatible with Wi-Fi 7. The next Google development will likely take a few more years, so if you’ve already got a new router or your current Google Nest Wi-Fi is working well for your home then it might be worth waiting for the next Nest Wi-Fi Pro after this one.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro isn’t Backward Compatible

We all feel a bit more secure in making an upgrade if we know that the new device is backward compatible. We know that our other, older devices are safe and will still be able to function. This was true of the previous upgrade from Google Wi-Fi to Google Nest Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, the latest upgrade to Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro will not be backward compatible, which means that your current/previous units (routers or points for example) won’t be compatible with this new one so you won’t be able to combine the two.

Whilst this may feel quite frustrating, if you’re considering buying a new mesh router anyway then this could be an ideal opportunity to replace what you’ve got to a completely new network that will offer you faster and more reliable internet as well as future proofing it for imminent Wi-Fi standard updates like Matter and Thread.

Alternatively, the fact that you can’t link older products with the new might prompt you to buy a new mesh system altogether – Perhaps an Amazon offering to fit with your Alexa!

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – The Verdict?

As we’ve discussed above, there are many pros and cons to consider when thinking about purchasing the latest Google Wi-Fi device. The final verdict really comes down to you and what your network demands are.

Will this mesh network device work for you and your home?

by admin7th November 2022

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Wi-Fi Smart Home Standards: What is Matter?

Last week we blogged about Google launching their Nest Wi-Fi Pro – And we mentioned that this new device would be Matter compatible.

If you keep up with all the latest gadgets and gizmos and pride yourself on your smart home then you’ll have probably been hearing quite a bit about Matter. Especially from the likes of Google, Amazon and Apple.

If you’re keen to keep your smart home updated with up to date tech and new features, then you might be eager to upgrade to Matter compatible devices.

But what exactly is Matter when it comes to Wi-Fi? And do you need to be rushing out to buy the latest smart home tech to future-proof your devices?

What is Matter in Wi-Fi?

Essentially, the aim of Matter is to provide a protocol that offers interoperability across different ecosystems, offering standard data models for smart home devices.

If you’re reading this, then it’s likely you have a smart home or are intending to ‘smarten up’ your home with some of the latest gadgets. Think smart bulbs for your lighting, heating controls, TV, music, etc. You’ll also likely have a Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit – Which means when you buy smart home devices, you’re checking if they’re specifically compatible to your smart assistant. Is this smart bulb compatible with Alexa?

In essence, this newly-launched networking protocol – Matter – will ensure that all your smart home accessories work across all the smart home platforms. Or major ones at least. Instead of having to check if something is compatible with Google Home, all you’ll need to do is check for the Matter label.

You do need to bear in mind however that depending on the platform of your choice, you may need to wait for software updates to enable Matter.

But what actually is it? What is Matter? Matter is an IP based technology, formerly known as Project Chip (Project Connected Home Over IP). Using Matter, it’s possible to create a mesh network which doesn’t need to connect to the cloud. This means that whether or not your smart accessories connect to the internet or have a hub, if you are physically there in the home then you should be able to ‘turn the lights on’ with Matter and it work with as little as your phone.

Where we have connective technologies such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Matter operates as an application layer on top. This makes mesh functions possible.

Is Matter a big deal for Wi-Fi and smart homes?

As we intimated above, when you’re shopping for a smart home device or accessory it can all seem a little bit fractured. Does Alexa support this device? Is this accessory compatible with Google Home?

Whilst many devices and accessories cross over and work with various platforms, that isn’t always the case and we definitely need to be checking compatibility before making a purchase.

When you’re shopping for a smart home platform, device or accessory, the ones you want might not all marry up. You might love the features of one platform, but not be as impressed by the accessories on offer and the specs of compatible devices available. And that can feel pretty frustrating.

This is where Matter will be really handy for the smart home industry as a whole – For you as a consumer as well as the smart home manufacturer.

Matter will mean that you will have a wider range of product options, as well as more reliable connectivity within your home. And that’s a huge thing.

If you have a smart home, you will likely have smart devices and accessories located all over the house in different rooms – Maybe even outside! If these locations don’t have a strong, reliable signal then you’ll find your devices ‘dropping out’. If you have a home jam-packed full of smart devices then you could even find that your router is overloaded and the Wi-Fi doesn’t work as effectively. Although this is unlikely with Wi-Fi 6, you don’t want a smart home full of devices that can’t work effectively due to the Wi-Fi.

But accessories using Matter, particularly on a Thread network, helps reduce these connectivity problems.

Which manufacturers will be compatible with Matter in the UK?

The body behind the Matter standard is the CSA (Connectivity Standards Alliance). Amongst the members of this alliance, you will find the big players of the smart home world like Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung.

Google seems to be leading the way when it comes to Matter compatibility here in the UK. As we mentioned in last week’s blog, Google is already launching their Matter compatible device through the Nest Wi-Fi Pro.

We fully expect others to fully suit very soon, with the tech world eagerly awaiting the necessary software updates by the end of this year.

Next year we will start to see the tech world pick up the pace with device development to match the Matter spec, with the launching of more and more Matter compatible accessories.

If you can’t envisage your home without it’s smart element and worry about Wi-Fi coverage disrupting your smart home functionality, then Matter could give you the peace of mind you’re looking for to keep those concerns of operating things without internet at bay.

Whilst Matter compatibility would future-proof your devices, if you’re happy to choose current devices and accessories that are compatible only with your chosen platform then they will continue to work just the same even once Matter is available.

We’re excited to see what Matter will have to offer the smart home industry!

by admin31st October 2022

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How Can I Test My Broadband Speed?

Are you paying for 70Mbps but only getting 1Mbps? If you’ve checked your router and everything seems in order there, then you might want to be reliably checking your broadband speed as well as your Wi-Fi.

When you obtain broadband from an Internet Service Provider (ISP), they are responsible for getting their broadband service to your home as far as the router. That’s where their responsibility ends. After that, your Wi-Fi is up to you.

A speed checker won’t check the speed of your Wi-Fi inside your home, but rather the broadband speed that is delivered to your premises before going through your router.

It’s worth remembering that you will often be offered broadband speeds of ‘up to’ a certain Mbps – That means that roughly 10% of customers will get that speed, but many more will get lower.

What is broadband speed affected by?

There are lots of factors that affect broadband speed.

The distance the property is from the exchange
The wiring (quality, number of joints)
Router quality
Time of day broadband is being used (How many people are vying for bandwidth at the same time)

When you are measuring broadband speed, it can also be affected by the router and the computer being used to test.

The best way to get an accurate measure of your broadband speed is by connecting a device to the router using an Ethernet cable. Internet connections via Ethernet cable are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, so will give you a more reliable measure of broadband speed.

To test your broadband speed, turn off the Wi-Fi on your device and then plug it directly into the router using an Ethernet cable.

Remember that your ISP can’t do anything about your internet speed from your router onwards. By measuring the speed through an Ethernet cable, you can see how fast it’s coming in at. You are likely to measure a much lower speed using a device on the Wi-Fi. If the speed you measure via Ethernet cable is close to your Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC) speed, then you’re doing alright. But you can’t expect to get the same speeds on a device using the Wi-Fi like your tablet or phone.

How can I test my own broadband speed?

There are two types of speed tests you can do – Casual and Serious.

How to Do a Casual Broadband Speed Test

Go to any broadband speed checker on your browser – You can find them on Google. You can run the test directly through your browser.

How to Do a Serious Broadband Speed Test

This one is a bit more involved.

Turn off your PC / laptops Wi-Fi connection
Connect the PC / laptop to the router using an Ethernet cable
Turn off any other devices that are using the internet connection (e.g. TV’s, smartphones etc
Restart your router
Restart your PC / laptop and keep any unnecessary programmes closed down (that includes anti-virus software)
Open a clean browser window and go to your chosen broadband speed tester

What results should I be getting?

To check if the results seem reliable, you can use different browsers and see if there is a difference, for example, between Edge and Chrome. If you are getting approximately the following speeds on the below connections, then you don’t have any major problems.

ADSL connection – 7Mbps

ADSL2 connection – 12-16Mbps

FTTC connection – 30Mbps

Cable connection – 50Mbps

Mobile broadband connection – 20Mbps

Remember that the results can vary and can be affected by:

The server
The local exchange
The internet itself
And more!

It may also be worth testing the speed at varying times of day and see what you find.

How do I know which broadband speed checker to use?

For the best results, you should use a local service with the lowest latency or ‘ping’ rate.

According to the Guardian, the three best speed checkers were:

I’ve tested my broadband speed and it looks fine – So why am I having issues?

Maybe you’ve got a Wi-Fi problem rather than a broadband speed problem.

If your device works better when it’s closer to the router, then perhaps the problem is the signal strength, and getting that signal to where you are wanting to use your device most.

If your Wi-Fi is just slow in general, it could be that your router is the problem. If your ISP won’t upgrade the one you currently have, then maybe you could replace it with an alternative and upgrade it?

The problem could even be your device itself! See if a friend or family member has a different / newer device that you could test on your Wi-Fi and see if you encounter the same problems.

Who can help with broadband speed tests and Wi-Fi issues?

If all of the above feels a bit confusing or if you’ve carried out the test but don’t understand the results then don’t panic! Here at Geekabit, our Wi-Fi experts are currently developing our own best-in-class solution for supporting people who wish to record and verify their internet speeds. Coming soon!

by admin10th October 2022