Latest news with #WiFi
Gizmodo
3 hours ago
- Gizmodo
With Nearly Free TP-Link USB Adapter Deal, You'll Never Be Left Without Fast and Reliable WiFi Again
Upgrade devices are readily available for your laptop or desktop's storage, RAM memory, and even processor. Modem speed, however, is a less-common find despite being the connection you use more than any other. That's why this Amazon deal on the TP-Link AC1300 Archer T3U USB WiFi Adapter is so great. It's just $20 after a 20% markdown, it's tiny enough to take anywhere, and you don't have to open up your computer's case or lid. The Archer T3U works with laptops and desktops, PCs and Macs, and it can provide a much-needed speed boost to an older unit or provide an inexpensive solution to dead spots in your home or office. It's a USB 3.0 device, which is 10x faster than USB 2.0, and it can hit impressive speeds on the 5GHz WiFi band while also being compatible with the 2.4G band. See at Amazon The Archer T3U is a sure way to juice up the online speed of an older computer. It's capable of speeds up to 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band, and 400 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It uses the 802.11ac standard connection, giving it a huge advantage over the older 802.11n version — it can be as much as 3x faster. The USB 3.0 connection adds another boost of speed and reliability to the Wi-Fi connection, transforming a glitchy old hookup into one that's fast enough and smooth enough to handle HD streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads. Another bit of helpful tech is the Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) support provided by the Archer T3U, which comes up big when you have multiple devices connecting at the same time to a compatible MU-MIMO router. That's especially useful when you're home and either jumping onto a crowded network, in a room that has poor connectivity, or both. There's an easy and intuitive user interface that helps you install the Archer T3U on your PC or Mac, and because it's a simple dongle that you plug into a USB port, there's no need for tools or opening your computer as you would need to do in order to install more RAM or swap out a processor or hard drive. The device itself is just 0.78 by 0.41 by 1.59 inches in size, so it's easy to slip into a bag or your pocket to take on the road. It's a pretty simple rule to live by: If you can upgrade your computer's internet speed for just $20 and do it without having to perform major surgery best left to an IT professional, do it. That's the offer you currently have on the table from Amazon as long is this limited-time $20 deal on the TP-Link AC1300 Archer T3U USB WiFi Adapter is still running. See at Amazon
Fox News
4 hours ago
- Fox News
Is your home Wi-Fi really safe? Think again
Most people assume their home Wi-Fi is secure. If it has a password, it must be safe. Right? Unfortunately, that confidence is often misplaced. As remote work becomes more common and smart devices flood our homes, the reliability and security of our home networks matter more than ever. Every smart speaker, connected light bulb and video call adds to the load. Yet, most of us rarely check if our network is properly protected. Hackers can target unsecured devices. Internet service providers are quietly watching your online habits. Many of your devices may be leaking unencrypted data without you even realizing it. Even websites that use HTTPS don't fully protect your privacy. Your ISP can still see which domains you visit. It's time to question just how safe your home setup really is. Most people believe that a Wi-Fi password is enough to protect their home network. But that's far from the full story. In reality, many home routers are vulnerable right out of the box. For example: A recent real-world case uncovered by GreyNoise researchers proves how serious these weaknesses can be. Security researchers uncovered a botnet called "AyySSHush" that compromised more than 9,000 ASUS routers and also targeted models from Cisco, D-Link and Linksys. The attack exploited: The campaign was sophisticated enough that experts suspect a nation-state was behind it. It's not just routers that are at risk. Smart home devices like cameras, doorbells and plugs are often forgotten once installed: Beyond that, your internet provider can track your activity, even on encrypted HTTPS sites. ISPs know which domains you visit and often use that data to build advertising profiles or sell it to third parties. And it doesn't take advanced tools to eavesdrop. Cheap Wi-Fi sniffers can intercept unencrypted traffic from nearby, while more sophisticated attacks can reroute your traffic entirely without you realizing it. To reduce your exposure, take these steps: These simple changes can go a long way toward turning the illusion of Wi-Fi security into the real thing. Antivirus software is useful for blocking known threats and keeping malware off your devices. Firewalls help manage incoming and outgoing connections. However, neither of these tools protects your connection to the internet itself. A type of attack known as DNS hijacking can reroute your traffic to fake websites even if your device has antivirus protection. On public Wi-Fi, your data can be intercepted if it is not encrypted. Your internet provider can still see everything you do online unless your traffic is hidden. These tools protect your device, but they do not protect your connection. That leaves a big gap in your defenses. Security should start from the moment your data leaves your device. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) solves that connection problem. It creates a private, encrypted tunnel between your device and the websites or apps you use. Everything that travels through that tunnel is hidden from outsiders - even your internet provider. With a VPN: That said, VPNs aren't magic. They won't stop phishing scams or block all malware. You still need a strong antivirus and smart digital habits. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at But when it comes to keeping your internet activity private and your connection secure, a VPN fills the gap that antivirus and firewalls leave wide open. Not every VPN offers the same level of security or privacy. Free VPNs might log your activity or sell your data. For true privacy, look for a VPN that does not keep logs, uses strong encryption, and offers high-speed servers. The VPN should support multiple devices under one account, and ideally, the company should be based in a country with strong privacy laws. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Your home Wi-Fi may seem secure, but appearances can be deceiving. Weak router settings, tracking by ISPs and smart devices with poor security all put your personal information at risk. Antivirus software and firewalls cannot fix all of these problems. A VPN offers a powerful layer of protection by encrypting your traffic, hiding your activity, and making your connection truly private. But remember, true digital security comes from layers, VPNs, antivirus, strong passwords, updated firmware and secure DNS, all play a role. Should manufacturers be held accountable for keeping routers secure against cyber threats? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai RTA completes free Wi-Fi rollout on 259 intercity buses
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the installation of free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet of 259 intercity buses. The rollout, conducted in partnership with telecommunications company e&, now provides passengers with internet access on routes connecting Dubai to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. The service allows passengers to connect smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the internet throughout their journey, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. Commuters can now maintain work connections, handle personal matters, and browse online whilst travelling between emirates. The Wi-Fi initiative represents part of RTA's wider digital transformation programme across its transport services. The authority aims to serve all community segments through these technological upgrades. The rollout supports the UAE Digital Government Strategy and demonstrates RTA's focus on improving daily transport experiences. The service enhancement contributes to Dubai's goal of becoming the world's smartest and happiest city by making bus travel more productive and enjoyable for passengers. RTA and e& will monitor the Wi-Fi service through ongoing assessments. The evaluation process will determine potential expansions and feature improvements to maintain high-quality connectivity standards. The telecommunications partnership may extend the Wi-Fi service to Dubai's marine transport network in future phases. This expansion would provide connectivity across multiple transport modes for the emirate's passengers.
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
What Happens When You Max Out Your Internet? I Tested Mine to Find Out
Even if you're paying for the fastest speeds possible, you may still find yourself struggling with slow internet from time to time. At least I did. I have a fiber-to-the-home internet service with speeds up to 1Gbps. That's pretty fast -- and should be plenty of speed to go around for a family with typical internet usage like mine. For all the speeds I'm paying for, my internet connection lags or slows far too often. The reason for the discrepancy between "advertised" speeds (that 1Gbps, for example) and "actual" speeds is because of the way Wi-Fi works. The speeds your internet service provider sends to your home are rarely what you actually experience inside the house. Using Wi-Fi, you wirelessly connect numerous devices to your network -- all performing bandwidth-heavy tasks, such as streaming and online gaming -- which will slow your speeds. An Ethernet connection can drastically improve speeds to a specific device, since a direct connection is always much faster than a wireless one, but it's impractical to use an Ethernet connection for all of your most-used devices. If you notice that your internet connection is strained or lagging, there may not be enough bandwidth to go around for all of your devices. Maybe you've noticed intermittent drops in video quality on your TV while browsing TikTok videos on your phone. Or your online game lags when someone in the other room jumps on a video call. After experiencing the same issue, I decided to run a few informal tests to see how my home internet would hold up to everyday activities. Streaming slowed my network as expected, but downloading a large file took a significant bite out of my connection, more than I thought it would. Here's what I found out. As I suspected, streaming brought my speeds down, but downloading a video game cut into my connection the most. Screenshot by David Anders/CNET I put my internet connection to the test When I disconnected all devices (around 30) from my network (except the one I used to run a speed test), Wi-Fi download speeds averaged around 590Mbps over three consecutive tests. Not a great start. Once I reconnected everything, average speeds dipped by around 8% to 545Mbps. Nothing was actively streaming, but a few Wi-Fi cameras, a smart doorbell and a smart speaker or two were standing by for action. Locating local internet providers Next, I kept all devices online while Netflix ran on one TV and YouTube on another, each at 4K resolution. My speeds averaged 509Mbps, roughly a 15% drop. Unimpressed, I set up various kinds of streaming (4K videos, music on a computer and smart speaker, live camera feed on a tablet) on 10 devices at once. The drop was more extreme this time, down to 468Mbps, cutting my Wi-Fi speed by nearly a quarter. I then stopped the streams and tested speeds while gaming online and downloading a video game. The gameplay itself had little effect on my speeds, but downloading a game approximately 18.5GB in size battered my connection, dropping my Wi-Fi speed by roughly 42% to 339Mbps -- the most of any activity I tested. My home experiment wasn't in a controlled environment, and a number of factors could have affected the results. Still, my Wi-Fi speeds took a hit with each increase in device activity. What's hogging my bandwidth? Idle activity, even across 30 devices, had little impact on my Wi-Fi speeds, less than a 10% dropoff. On the other hand, streaming -- which is a form of downloading, even though you aren't saving a file -- begged for a bit more bandwidth. The higher the resolution, the more the stream will tax your internet connection. Streaming applies to more than what you're watching on TV, too. Swiping from video to video on social media is also demanding of your network, especially considering that many content creators are using 1440p resolution. In my home, an Instagram and Snapchat-frequenting iPhone is the second most data-consuming device. Straight downloading, particularly if it's a large file like a movie or video game, can also knock your network down a notch until the download is complete. It certainly did mine. How can you improve your connections? Bandwidth hogs will likely slow your Wi-Fi speeds, similar to how they slowed mine. There are a few ways you can prevent your devices from sucking so much speed out of your connection. Most of them involve your router and its settings. Let's revisit the initial speed of my internet (590Mbps), before any strenuous activities. Your router is the Wi-Fi headquarters While 590Mbps isn't slow by any means, it's almost half the speeds that I'm actually paying for. There could be a few reasons for that, namely the location of my router, how upgraded my router is, or other network congestion factors. When bracing your internet connection for bandwidth-hogging activities like streaming and downloading, start with the source of your Wi-Fi, the router. Depending on the type of router you have, there may be ways to improve connectivity to individual devices and your overall Wi-Fi performance. Some of these include: Activating QoS settings Changing the band and channel Keeping your network secure Upgrading your equipment Newer routers may offer a QoS, or quality of service, setting that prioritizes bandwidth to certain devices when needed. Some, like the routers designed for gaming, allow you to select the individual devices, such as a computer or console, to receive bandwidth priority. Additionally, most routers are dual-band, meaning they have separate frequencies used for Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz and 5 GHz, which will help reduce signal interference. You'll get a bit more range from 2.4GHz, but more speed from 5GHz. Make sure your low-demand devices, such as Wi-Fi cameras, video doorbells, smart light bulbs, etc. are riding on that 2.4GHz band, preferably on channels 1, 6 or 11. Save the 5GHz for more demanding devices and activities. If you have a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 router and compatible devices, you can take advantage of the ultra-wide 6GHz band for more throughput, lower latency and a more reliable connection overall. Asus/CNET The best routers will perform QoS and band designation automatically, but you may need to coordinate the Wi-Fi traffic manually. Most will allow you to adjust the settings via an app, but you can also access your router's settings by entering the router's IP address in your web browser. While you're in your router's settings, take some time to ensure your network is secure. It's possible that someone else's devices are leeching off your network and slowing your speeds. If you still aren't getting the speeds you need or expect, it may be time to upgrade your router. For those renting equipment from their provider, a quick call to customer service may be all it takes to get a newer, more capable router. Otherwise, consider purchasing a new router or adding Wi-Fi extenders to your network to improve whole-home coverage. Other ways to improve your Wi-Fi speeds If your router is optimized for peak performance but your speeds still fall short of your devices' demand, you may be able to boost your Wi-Fi speeds by: Using an Ethernet connection Moving closer to your router Limiting connected devices Upgrading your internet service We've seen firsthand the impact that using Ethernet versus Wi-Fi can have on speeds and connection quality. Using a wired Ethernet connection will improve performance on the plugged-in device and free up some space on your Wi-Fi network, allowing for more bandwidth to other devices. If you can't plug in, try moving closer to the router, if possible. Routers have a limited range, so you'll want to place it strategically and stay well within the range for the best results. Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh Wi-Fi system can boost your router's range. Every connected device in your router's range will tug at the Wi-Fi, so you may also want to consider limiting the number of connected devices. I'm not suggesting that you disconnect your tablet for the sake of your streaming stick, but your robot vacuum and smart pet camera probably don't need to stay online 24/7. Pausing the Wi-Fi connection on individual devices or scheduling time offline can help free up bandwidth for other devices. David Anders You should be able to toggle devices on and off your Wi-Fi network from your router's app. Most will also allow you to create a schedule for individual devices. You could schedule your pet cam to stay connected while you're away and automatically turn off when you're set to return, for example. On a similar note, many devices perform automatic updates, which could randomly strain your network. Turning off automatic updates will help prevent this issue, but if you do this, consistently check for updates and perform them manually; they often contain necessary security patches. Finally, switching your internet plan or provider will help ensure there's enough speed for all your devices. If available, consider upgrading not only to a faster plan but also to a more capable connection type. Cable is often faster than fixed wireless, and fiber is typically faster and more reliable than cable. My final thoughts Given the many ways you can improve your Wi-Fi connection, there's no need to settle for poor performance that can't keep up with all your devices. If one attempt doesn't solve the issue, try another until you're satisfied with the connection quality, capability and range. For more tips on how to improve your home internet connection, be sure to check out the CNET Home Internet page.
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
Use These 7 Methods to Find Hidden Cameras in Your Airbnb Rental
Hidden cameras and spying have become rampant in recent years. We've seen it happening in Texas and California, with one host secretly saving over 2,000 images of guests and read reports of instances where couples have found themselves vacationing in a romantic Airbnb only to discover that someone is watching them via voyeur cams. There are also Reddit discussion boards where vacationers are sharing tales of it happening to them. It's a proven international problem, too, with stories ranging from Ireland to Malaysia. However, if you're preparing for a vacation this summer, don't let the idea of being spied upon ruin your vacation. For one thing, you can instantly report cameras to Airbnb, which guarantees you an automatic relocation if you do happen to spot any. And spotting them will be significantly easier once you check out our guide on how to catch hidden cameras around your rental. Read on to learn more. A guest-friendly router may deserve a closer look. Netgear 1. Check out the local Wi-Fi network Most Airbnbs offer some kind of guest Wi-Fi. Log into it and hop into your settings to view the Wi-Fi network and see if you can find all the connected devices. Use the provided login and on-board router passwords or app to look for a section about connected or attached devices. Or if these options aren't available, you can try out a third-party app like the Wireless Network Watcher. (Note for the techies, the arp -a command line won't work here, because it displays only your own computer's cache of connected device info, and the Airbnb owner probably didn't leave their laptop behind.) Now look for any unexpected online devices that don't match up with any of the technology in the house. You may think that voyeurs would avoid connecting their hidden cams to local Wi-Fi networks, but that's giving them too much credit. Watch for surprise online devices and see if you can track them down or tell what they are. 2. Bring up your Bluetooth If cameras aren't connected to Wi-Fi, you can still pick them up with your Bluetooth. Just set your Bluetooth to its pairing mode and see what devices it can pick up. Disregard TVs and smart home technology and focus on mystery devices that you can't otherwise identify. Seeing strange devices on Bluetooth when you're at an Airbnb? They may be worth a closer look. CNET If these devices have strange names, look them up to see if they're a camera product number or similar identifier. Give your Bluetooth a couple of minutes to pick up all available devices and walk from room to room with your phone to see if any surprises pop up. 3. Do a pass with a flashlight Even the sneakiest cam still needs a lens to watch from, and where there's a lens there can be a reflection (as well as LED indicator lights). So one of the most effective ways to look for hidden cams is to shut down all the lights in a room, switch on the flashlight mode on your phone and do a careful sweep. Watch for any unexpected glints or flickers of light in strange places that could be a tiny camera lens. It sounds a little weird, but this old-fashioned method of spotting cams is still one of the most effective. To save a whole lot of time and patience on this step, focus on rooms where spy cams are more likely to be, basically any room where you'd take your clothes off. Look for spots and angles that offer a high, wide field of view -- there's a reason that smoke detectors are such a popular hiding spot. Other popular spots include plants, books and lamps. Your own eyes and a camera flashlight can do a lot of good work if you're worried about hidden cameras. Freemixer/Getty Images 4. Scan for infrared eyes Many cams use infrared/IR connections for simple controls, especially if they aren't on a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. That's the same kind of connection that old-fashioned TV remotes use. Human eyes can't see infrared light, but the front-facing camera on many smartphones doesn't have an infrared filter, or at least not a perfect one. That means you can use your phone cam in a dark room to scan the area, then review the footage to see if you can spot any unexpected dots of whitish light that could mean a device is hiding somewhere. Apps can help you take a closer look at your Airbnb, but we suggest using them with other methods. CNET 5. Use a camera-spotting app A slew of apps can help you with the above steps. They're far from perfect, but they may be able to save you a bit of time if you're serious about scanning your Airbnb. There are apps that attempt to sense unexpected magnetic fields, catch reflections when scanning a room and some that even combine multiple options. These apps are typically free or cheap, but we suggest not relying on them entirely when your own naked eye can do so well. 6. Inspect the vents People have found hidden cameras in all kinds of places, but we suggest getting up close and personal to any wall vents. Vents can often hide the signs of an infrared light or reflection unless you're at just the right angle. So along with smoke detectors, put these up-high vents on the top of your list if you're worried. Thermal cameras are only for the most serious when scanning Airbnbs. CNET 7. Bring out an infrared scanner If you're feeling especially anxious about hidden cams and don't mind investing some dollars, an infrared or heat scanner is one of your best options. These scanners work by detecting heat signatures at close range, and the more affordable, consumer-friendly versions cost around $150 to $200. These sensors can detect the small heat signatures produced by hidden cameras. You can use them close to walls, mirrors, shelves and anywhere else you want a close scan to watch for unexpected electronics. It's more time-consuming than our other methods, but nothing else offers such a complete look. Bonus tip: Be careful plugging your devices in Satechi's 145W 4-port USB-C travel charger Satechi Finally, be wary of any included chargers, ports or charging stations in your Airbnb. They're usually harmless and included for convenience, but sometimes they can house malware that could seep into your phone or laptop. The last thing you want is a virus that can take control of your own camera or hold files hostage. When using an Airbnb, stick with your own travel chargers whenever possible and plug directly into power outlets when they are available. OK, what about security cameras outside the Airbnb? Currently, Airbnb is banning only cameras indoors on participating properties. So having an outdoor security camera or a video doorbell is still entirely legal and a common choice for Airbnb owners worried about illegal house parties or uninvited strangers. There's not really anything you can do about the presence of these outside cameras. You can complain that they make you feel uncomfortable, but they probably aren't going anywhere. However, be wary if any outdoor cams are pointed toward windows so they can see indoors, which is a legal issue just like an indoor spy cam. Since you're finished, now is the perfect time to review the spots to never install your own home security cam, the best places to put a security camera, and if it's legal to record video or audio in your own home.
