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Hybrid and Work From Home Employees

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Securing the New Home Office Edge

Many organizations have opted to permanently move to home-based workforces for at least part of their labor force and, consequently, they must be able to support a hybrid work environment for the foreseeable future.

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Featured: Performance Improvement

How to Improve the WiFi Performance of Your Windows Laptop With a USB Adapter

A USB WiFi adapter. It’s the easiest, most cost-effective way to upgrade your older Windows laptop, and it can make a world of difference for your Internet connection.

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", "articleURL" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/6-ways-to-boost-your-home-network-security-part-1.html" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "main", "components" : [ { "id" : "981abb00b5e2518e3d77377971", "name" : "Breadcrumbs", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.breadcrumbs", "data" : { "border" : true, "lvl1Link" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/resource-center.html", "lvl2Text" : "6 Ways to Boost Your Home Network Security Part 1", "lvl1Text" : "Resource Center" } }, { "id" : "73af16fb835eacab18f35a7a28", "name" : "Article Main", "type_id" : "commerce_layouts.article2Col", "data" : { "layoutOptions" : "75% | 25%", "fullWidth" : false, "orderMobile" : "Col 1 First, Col 2 Second", "borderBetween" : "Include Border" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "2e3d058d97b01f9e7dc2fa2254", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h1><strong style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">6 Ways to Boost Your&nbsp;Home Network Security (Part 1)</strong></h1><p>5 minute read</p>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 2", "theme" : "Dark Text" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "3a3f681ed8c4ef917e5118b448", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/cybersecurity-resource-article-1000x750.png", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "woman verifying security on cell phone and laptop" } }, { "id" : "e2790d9da3b7827686c5bb8ff0", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "a533ffd39a17b14c2275bd086d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16px", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>With a growing number of people <a style=\"color: black;\" data-link-label=\"working from home\" data-link-type=\"external\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www.linksys.com/securing-new-home-office-edge.html\">working from home</a>, using the internet, and connecting more devices than ever before, the number of opportunities for cybercrimes continue to rise. In 2021, the cost of cybercrime globally topped $6 trillion, with 70% in the US alone. Protecting your home network and all of your connected devices is absolutely essential in safeguarding sensitive information and keeping it out of the hands of data miners and cybercriminals. In this article, we're going to cover some best practices for home network security.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "c1a5126765faaf16f85e6cbf6e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "84d17cfe6fe792ff615d73ee09", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>Cyber attacks are on the rise</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>With a 15.1% increase in the number of cyberattacks and data breaches in the last year and damages estimated at $6.9 billion in the US and $6 trillion globally, organizations in both the public and private sectors have been struggling to keep up with a growing number of sophisticated schemes used by hackers and data miners – including social engineering (of which phishing is a common type of attack), <a href=\"https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/ransomware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"ransomware\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">ransomware</a>, malware (think viruses, or Trojans), and distributed <span style=\"color: black;\">denial-of-service</span> (DDoS) attacks. Many of these organizations have been investigating and attempting to implement new ways to create safer, more secure networks at the office and at home for their employees, as existing methods are fast becoming obsolete.</p><p><br></p><p>Consumers are feeling the pressure too, as these cybercriminals target not only organizations, but also individuals from whom they can steal sensitive information such as passwords, financial data, medical records, and the like, as selling such types of information on the dark web is most lucrative for them. The statistics are alarming – today, 59% of Americans have been a victim of a cybercrime – that's 152 million people (Harris Poll, 2022). A recent study also reported that <a href=\"https://now.symassets.com/content/dam/norton/campaign/NortonReport/2021/2021_NortonLifeLock_Cyber_Safety_Insights_Report_Global_Results.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"one in three\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">one in three</a> people have fallen victim to a cybercrime in the last year alone (Norton, 2021).</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "a2fb734c09fca5eb5b218267f3", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "9af8ccd75e5660043a20e8076f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>Securing your home network</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Securing your home network and practicing healthy online habits are important steps to safeguarding your personal data and connected devices. In addition to securing your router, take note of any access points, extenders, or <a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/what-is-a-modem.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"modems\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">modems</a> that you use, as well as what is referred to as \"endpoints,\" such as smart TVs, laptops, mobile phones, and IoT/smart devices like connected security cameras, doorbells, fitness trackers, washing machines, and speakers.</p><p><br></p><p>Here are 6 ways you can boost your home network security.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "e6dd792ae7b8c21dee3fb5dbd4", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "fb2257bdc5f25eafd0d8d1b4e2", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>&nbsp;1. Use strong passwords and multi-factor <span style=\"color: black;\">authentication</span> (MFA) whenever possible.</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Make sure you have a strong, unique password on your router (and a unique SSID changed from the default one out of the box) and each of your connected devices (anything with a web interface). Never reuse a password. Change them regularly. You might consider using a password manager so you don't have to commit them all to memory – <a href=\"https://www.wired.com/story/best-password-managers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"here\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">here</a> are a few recommendations.</p><p><br></p><p>Don't overlook older devices that are still connected to your network – these devices can easily become your weakest link and hackers actively look for these. If you don't use them anymore, disconnect them. And if they're over 7 years old, they won't have the same security measures new devices have, and it might not be worth keeping them around due to the increased risk.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>What's in a strong password?</strong></p><p><br></p><p>A strong password contains a mix of lowercase and uppercase characters, numbers, and symbols. It's longer than 12 characters and does not use dictionary words or keyword patterns. Note that length trumps complexity.</p><p><br></p><p>What's in a weak password? According to Symantec, the top password attackers used to access IoT devices in 2018 was “123456,” which was used in one-quarter of all attacks.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "9a5a5ded1be611659b3ca964cc", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "1b9dd98e87b36010824d2a6ca6", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>2. Update your software often so your firmware and firewall are up-to-date.</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>This includes being on the latest OS, web browsers, and security software. Don't forget to keep mobile phones updated too. As we have more and more devices connected to our Wi-Fi, it is important to check when our devices were last updated.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>How to check</strong></p><p><br></p><p>To check if you have the latest version of software, check the settings tab of your device. There is typically a security tab or a dedicated \"updates\" tab. If you cannot find it, then a quick online search should be able to help you to know where to find the information and which version is the latest.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "efff17e09b9f79a9047a5fb540", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "7eccf65d1821fa77cde67fd3ad", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>3. Use anti-malware or anti-virus software, and endpoint security software.</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Run regular system scans with a security suite that offers anti-virus, anti-phishing, safe browsing, host-based intrusion prevention, and ensure your router supports basic firewall capabilities.</p><p><br></p><p>We suggest you explore several options for anti-malware and and safe browsing software, making sure that they suit your needs and provide a way for you to track – and act on – any suspicious activity.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "aabc12146dae4db1dd9029840f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "fd3a4595710ebb184c4ece1e4c", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>4. Use a personally-owned router, not an ISP-provided router.</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p><a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/benefits-to-replacing-isp-router.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"Using your own router\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">Using your own router</a> maximizes administrative control over the routing and wireless features of your home network. ISP-provided routers may have oversimplified features and less options for firewall, security management, or performance. In addition, you might save money on any rental fees from your ISP.</p><p><br></p><p>If you're looking for a new router, you might want to check out <a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/for-home/products/wifi-routers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"Linksys routers\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">Linksys routers</a>. Make sure you choose one that suits your device and speed requirements. For greater coverage with multiple nodes, consider a <a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/for-home/products/whole-home-mesh-wifi/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"mesh router system\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">mesh router system</a>, available in 1, 2, and 3-packs. If you've got a work-from-home (WFH) setup and are curious about an enterprise solution, check out <a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/homewrk-for-business.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"HomeWRK\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">HomeWRK</a>. If you're unsure which type to buy, <a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/whole-home-mesh-wifi.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"here's\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">here's</a> some more info on mesh WiFi.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "2533bf629c332070dec69313f6", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "82071e3c766553e591402d62c3", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>5. Get a router that has WPA3 security in place of one that only has WPA2.</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p><a style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\" data-link-label=\"WPA3\" data-link-type=\"external\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/security\">WPA3</a>, also known as Wi-Fi Protected Access 3, is the most secure, and most up-to-date encryption protocol of a security certification program made by the <a style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\" data-link-label=\"Wi-Fi Alliance\" data-link-type=\"external\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www.wi-fi.org/who-we-are\">Wi-Fi Alliance</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>In basic terms, it scrambles the data signal between devices.</p><p><br></p><p>If you have devices that are not compatible with this standard, opt for WPA2. Make sure WPA3/WPA2 security is turned on for your router on both standard and guest networks.</p><p><br></p><p><a style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\" data-link-label=\"Here's\" data-link-type=\"external\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www.netspotapp.com/blog/wifi-security/what-is-wpa3.html\">Here's</a> some more info about WPA3.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "792b22d93570d4d996bfe30b2b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "73c862b04ec7436ebc165d0ebf", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">6. Create a separate network for guests.</span></h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Have your house guests and IoT/smart devices on the guest network. Many IoT devices use basic firmware and lack security protection which leaves your entire network vulnerable to added risks. Using the guest network for these devices adds a layer of protection, keeping your primary network safe even if your guest network gets attacked.</p><p><br></p><p><strong style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">How to set it up</strong></p><p><br></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">To set up a guest network, either use the manufacturer's mobile app or go to your WiFi settings by copying and pasting your IP address into the search bar of your browser and logging in with your router’s name and password. Find the section with your guest network settings and change the name and password. You can also consider using a QR code (set one up </span><a href=\"https://qifi.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"here\" style=\"color: rgb(5, 99, 193);\">here</a><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">) for your guests, so they don't need to remember a long-winded password to join your guest network.</span></p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "49ab10d0196b187106d3fb7045", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "993cc18cc395b1c1460aae0ccb", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>Conclusion</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>The challenge we face is not easy. The methods hackers and data miners use are ever-changing, and nothing is secure indefinitely. As cybersecurity expert Nick Espinosa said, \"everything is vulnerable in some way, and if there is a vulnerability, it <em>will</em> be exploited–no exceptions.\"</p><p><br></p><p>Cybersecurity isn't as simple as buying software or hardware and leaving everything to it, and it's no longer something we consider optional. Just as we secure the front doors of our homes, it is important to protect our online presence. With continued innovation in the IoT space, with connected doorbells, washing machines, LED lights, heating/cooling systems, and more, there is also a growing pool of opportunities for exploitation. And if you're part of the growing remote workforce, you might be particularly focused on digital safety, as you determine appropriate security protocols for work-from-home setups. It's a new reality we all need to adjust to.</p><p><br></p><p>What we <em>can</em> do – is to stay educated on online risks, while maintaining a strong security protocol at home. Ensure family members are also practicing good cyberhygiene. You can use this article as a checklist to get started. And stay tuned - we'll have a few more tips to share soon!</p><p><br></p><p>If you're looking for a new home WiFi router, check out our latest products <a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/for-home/products/wifi-routers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"here\">here</a>. If you prefer mesh WiFi for wider coverage, here are our <a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/for-home/products/whole-home-mesh-wifi/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"mesh router systems\">mesh router systems</a>, available in 1, 2, and 3-packs. If you've got a work-from-home setup and are curious about an enterprise solution, check out <a href=\"https://www.linksys.com/homewrk-for-business.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"HomeWRK\">HomeWRK</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "8d78deed0baf0b51e693c6fa62", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "09fe37d261885c9848d296b76b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>Resources</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<ol><li>UpCity, 2022. <a href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2022/06/03/alarming-cyber-statistics-for-mid-year-2022-that-you-need-to-know/?sh=1f2a67997864\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2022/06/03/alarming-cyber-statistics-for-mid-year-2022-that-you-need-to-know/?sh=1f2a67997864\">https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2022/06/03/alarming-cyber-statistics-for-mid-year-2022-that-you-need-to-know/?sh=1f2a67997864</a></li><li>FBI Internet Crime Report 2021. <a href=\"https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2021_IC3Report.pdf\" target=\"_self\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2021_IC3Report.pdf\">https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2021_IC3Report.pdf</a></li><li><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 30, 32);\">Cybersecurity Ventures, 2020. </span><a href=\"https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damages-6-trillion-by-2021/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damages-6-trillion-by-2021/\">https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damages-6-trillion-by-2021/</a></li><li>\"State of Cybersecurity Resilience 2021,\" Accenture, 2021. <a href=\"https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/PDF-165/Accenture-State-Of-Cybersecurity-2021.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/PDF-165/Accenture-State-Of-Cybersecurity-2021.pdf\">https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/PDF-165/Accenture-State-Of-Cybersecurity-2021.pdf</a></li></ol>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "c0007a4cb18cb56e3152aee0bb", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32px", "spacerSize" : "32px" } } ] }, { "id" : "column2", "components" : [ { "id" : "81bb64544a3859b36070b63f11", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.shopStory", "data" : { "navHeadline" : "RELATED PRODUCTS", "bgColor" : "Transparent", "swipeMobile" : false, "theme" : "Dark Text", "useCustomBgColor" : false }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "bb3a44af509f333ae642c4ecae", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MX4200", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "b875861fb3755baa2b1fddf79f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MR5500", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "d8840c622961c98508d90191b8", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MX8502", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } } ] } ] } ] } ] }, { "id" : "084df546567efc0f1942930906", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } } ] } ] }
{ "id" : "wifi-router", "name" : "What is a WiFi Router or Wireless Router?", "type_id" : "resourceArticle", "data" : { "articleImage" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/wifi-router/what-is-a-wifi-router.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "articleTitleOverride" : "What Is a WiFi Router or Wireless Router?", "alt" : "Illustration of a WiFi router.", "articleDescOverride" : "Whether you're powering through an online battlefield on Xbox Live or chatting with a friend over Skype, your WiFi router is the gatekeeper to your wireless connection." }, "custom" : { "articleImage" : "https://www.linksys.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-Linksys-Shared-Library/default/dw5188e350/images/Articles/wifi-router/what-is-a-wifi-router.jpg", "articleImageAlt" : "Illustration of a WiFi router.", "articleTitle" : "What Is a WiFi Router or Wireless Router?", "articleDesc" : "Whether you're powering through an online battlefield on Xbox Live or chatting with a friend over Skype, your WiFi router is the gatekeeper to your wireless connection.", "articleURL" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/wifi-router.html" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "main", "components" : [ { "id" : "14115cfa341559c8302f0c6379", "name" : "Breadcrumbs", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.breadcrumbs", "data" : { "border" : true, "lvl1Link" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/resource-center.html", "lvl2Text" : "What Is a WiFi Router or Wireless Router?", "lvl1Text" : "Resource Center" } }, { "id" : "7ae97f57f7dd5b538c7e7cad96", "name" : "Article Main", "type_id" : "commerce_layouts.article2Col", "data" : { "layoutOptions" : "75% | 25%", "fullWidth" : false, "orderMobile" : "Col 1 First, Col 2 Second", "borderBetween" : "Include Border" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "0f7feab277c0e2bf89fbaaf1db", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "0", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h1>What Is a WiFi Router or Wireless Router?</h1>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 2", "theme" : "Dark Text" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns", "components" : [ { "id" : "3cc4e9371208e4eaa8ab5399c2", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/wifi-router/what-is-a-wifi-router.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "WiFi Router illustration" } }, { "id" : "8a8c40b56575706657f8a77f46", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { } }, { "id" : "13516117dd84a637ed16873713", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { } } ] } ] }, { "id" : "0cec2d77da276172be3e84b25c", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "7505bb6e6f57cd814737c98003", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Whether you're powering through an online battlefield on Xbox Live or chatting with a friend over Skype, your WiFi router is the gatekeeper to your wireless connection. It takes the wired Internet connection coming from your modem and transforms it into a wireless signal.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "c2c6ca9b2b3e4ce1aa0bd2d497", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "83041946da60e473684aed4f55", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Is Your Router Out of Date?</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Most households have <a data-category-catalog-id=\"storefront-linksysUS\" data-category-id=\"wifi-routers\" data-link-label=\"WiFi Routers\" data-link-type=\"category\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https://www.linksys.com/ch/for-home/products/wifi-routers/\">wireless routers</a> that are a few years old. With each passing year, more connected devices join your home WiFi network, putting more stress on that outdated router. It’s important to know what to look for in getting the best wifi router for your home, because like most people, you’re probably due for an upgrade. In fact, you should replace your router every two years to stay current with advances in wireless technology.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "345857862daf25b2cd444efb3d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "d376ac2ffe8f2cebd664791d57", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Single, Dual, and Tri-Band WiFi Routers</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns", "components" : [ { "id" : "60208c0cdcbe3a302f29ffd41d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/wifi-router/linksys-li-EA9300-2.png", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 400, "width" : 640 } }, "photoAlign" : "Left", "alt" : "Single, Dual, and Tri-Band Wi-Fi Routers." } }, { "id" : "471a78bd2cdaea9a27c9565776", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "38f76b7f98114ab0db2ec3c261", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { } } ] } ] }, { "id" : "1e9a1009c85cc7bf1502928422", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "a2bd4006f2c5c4190c613ec44f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>WiFi travels through your router on radio bands that act like invisible highways. Each band is a different lane, keeping data on separate routes to avoid congestion. Because certain devices demand more bandwidth than others, your router’s efficiency depends on the number of bands it has—single, dual, or tri-band. A three lane highway (or tri-band router) has one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz channels to support more simultaneous users—a huge plus for families, who average eight devices per household and have high bandwidth activities.</p><p><br></p><p>How you use your wireless router also helps determine what router best suits you. For instance, a tri-band router is a great choice if you're a movie streaming buff with a number of TVs, you have a gamer in the house, or you work at home and want your own dedicated band. On the flip side, if you’re a light Internet user who primarily emails or browses Facebook, a dual-band router will work just fine.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "d4e998846d7c79037cb028a06a", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "70e670bad2bc28df4b55f6dc36", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Understanding WiFi Standards: Wireless-N (WiFi 4) to Next-Gen AC (WiFi 5)</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Routers lead the pack when it comes to deploying the latest WiFi standards, and their client devices (your phone or tablet, for example) typically start incorporating the new technology six to twelve months later. For this reason, it’s best to future proof your home wireless network with the most current standards to make sure it can support the hottest products when they hit the market.</p><p><br></p><p>In 1999, Linksys pioneered WiFi technology with the release of the WRT54G router, but since then, WiFi standards have undergone a complex evolution.</p><p><br></p><p>In 2012, WiFi significantly improved with the emergence of the 802.11ac or WiFi 5 standard, which packed almost triple the speed of its predecessor, 802.11n.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "84a587989cf8c972ee3cacdac9", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "3e02d2bec966f3059b1307082e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "16", "spacerSize" : "16" } }, { "id" : "478be4ea4fd4348a4079c4febf", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Features to Consider When Shopping for the Best WiFi Router</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p><strong>Router Speed:</strong></p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns", "components" : [ { "id" : "2fbbbf52c0ae10e2f68dac9617", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/wifi-router/linksys-li-WRT3200ACM-4.png", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 371, "width" : 650 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing the difference of internet speed." } } ] } ] }, { "id" : "0fc7402bd709b4e462f777dd17", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "6ce11a29c81fe4c14074710894", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Today's high-performing devices demand speed, and plenty of it. Without sufficient speeds, your HD movies won’t have crisp resolution, and your games will pause due to buffering. Thankfully, the best wifi routers have become much faster in recent years:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Routers using the 802.11n standard released in 2007 transmit about 450 megabits per second (Mbps).</li><li>With the introduction of 802.11ac in 2012, WiFi was sped up considerably, running as fast as 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Antennas:</strong></p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns", "components" : [ { "id" : "2762586c0eb10dc3f1fa06ead6", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] } ] } ] }, { "id" : "56d7986c6e7d2385f46d530183", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/wifi-router/linksys-li-WRT004ANT-1.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 500, "width" : 982 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing Wi-Fi antennas." } }, { "id" : "c2dc452d81147ea1e4b361cdac", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>When comparing routers, you'll see that some models have antennas protruding from the case, while others do not. Routers with internal antennas look more elegant on a bookcase or table, but those with external antennas can give you stronger signals. If you have multiple antennas, you can adjust them to better deliver coverage to each floor of your home, from the basement to the upstairs bedrooms.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Network Management Apps:</strong></p><p>Some routers come equipped with mobile app compatibility, allowing you to remotely check in on your home Wifi network settings. From your smartphone or tablet, you can prioritize WiFi between devices, monitor your speeds, restrict sensitive content from the kids, or access home security cameras while you're at work.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>QoS (or Media Prioritization):</strong></p><p>Quality of Service or QoS is a feature found in advanced routers that gives you the ability to prioritize certain kinds of WiFi traffic. With so many connected devices in your home like smart plugs, mobile smart phones and notebook computers, your wireless signal can get stretched thin. By utilizing the QoS feature in your router, you can ensure the router will allocate the appropriate bandwidth to your favorite devices.[1] For example, you can set the QoS option in the router's admin panel to give priority to online games or video streaming. This means that if someone downloads a file while you're playing an online game, your game won’t lag because it’s been assigned first priority.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Beamforming:</strong></p><p>Beamforming is another advanced option on modern routers that can significantly improve signal strength and speed. Beamforming (or spatial filtering) gives the router the ability to focus the signal toward specific devices in your home instead of blanketing the entire home with the same signal strength. The router finds the location of your device to determine where to focus the WiFi signal.[2] Beamforming increases WiFi signal speed and strength, improving your overall connected experience. Not all WiFi routers support Beamforming, so do review the specifications to ensure this feature is included.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Ethernet Ports:</strong></p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns", "components" : [ { "id" : "52527162376fcfcd118816469b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { } } ] } ] }, { "id" : "bb243ef9d2d16814654da558e7", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/wifi-router/linksys-li-EA9500-3.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 415, "width" : 982 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image of a Wi-Fi router. " } }, { "id" : "635bef9a7c2c846b4afffae9d7", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>WiFi routers aren't limited to wireless connections, they also have Ethernet ports, which can connect your computer or other devices to your home network with an Ethernet cable. An Ethernet port and cable look like a common telephone cable, but with wider ports and connectors.[3] When would you want to use the Ethernet port on your WiFi router? You can free-up your WiFi bandwidth for other truly wireless devices like your notebook computer, smart phone, or tablet, which travel from place to place with you as you move about your home. Think about those devices that are not portable as possible candidates for hardwiring to the Ethernet port. This could include your desktop PC, game console, cable TV console or a smart TV. To do that, simply plug your device directly into the router using an Ethernet port and cable. Older routers with Fast Ethernet support speeds up to 100 Mbps, but modern routers support Gigabit Ethernet, which is ten times faster at 1000 Mbps.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>eSata:</strong></p><p><br></p><p>When it comes to transferring large amounts of data, the need for speed often surpasses even Ethernet’s capabilities. Transferring a terabyte of backup files from an external drive, for example, can take more than two and a half hours at 1000 Mbps. This is where eSATA external drives come in handy. eSATA stands for External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, which allows an eSATA external hard drive to transfer data much faster than Ethernet or WiFi.[4] Routers that support eSATA hard drives give you the option to connect your external storage device directly to the router, making backups accessible to everyone in your home at speeds up to 6 Gbps—much faster than using USB 2.0 or Firewire.&nbsp;</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "d4ccf8e4f4093cdde8224b7f92", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "19a183128a2b41162ad453771e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Placing Your Wireless Router</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>To ensure your devices are getting the most out of those WiFi signals, place your router in a central, elevated position, like a desktop or a shelf. Avoid thick concrete walls, metal objects, and HVAC equipment wherever possible, and keep the space clutter-free—large objects and other electronics inhibit the router's range. If you have a large home with a lot of square feet where devices stray far from the router, consider adding a <a data-category-catalog-id=\"storefront-linksysUS\" data-category-id=\"wifi-range-extenders\" data-link-label=\"WiFi Range Extenders\" data-link-type=\"category\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https://www.linksys.com/ch/search/?cgid=wifi-range-extenders\">WiFi extender</a>&nbsp;to amplify your signal across a long range.</p><p><br></p><p>If you still aren't getting the speeds you’re looking for, your Internet package may be the culprit. There's no point investing in upgraded home WiFi networking equipment like routers and modems if your broadband speed isn't up to par.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "bd1635c2a557fc3a40330109dd", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } } ] }, { "id" : "column2", "components" : [ { "id" : "1f765dca6012d5a45113d750c0", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.shopStory", "data" : { "navHeadline" : "RELATED PRODUCTS", "bgColor" : "Transparent", "swipeMobile" : false, "theme" : "Dark Text", "useCustomBgColor" : false }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "3bce68a9ef9fc7b3389432eb28", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MR5500", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } } ] } ] }, { "id" : "a47bc0ee84d55e33dd92803f59", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MX2001", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "4ea9d4394cb7dd204d33ffd6c0", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MR7500", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "880e6a09dadde770faa8b3449e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MR7500", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } } ] } ] }, { "id" : "002848729832d4dbbd4f4a8e95", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } } ] } ] }
{ "id" : "whole-home-mesh-wifi", "name" : "What Is Whole Home Wifi and Mesh WiFi?", "type_id" : "resourceArticle", "data" : { "articleImage" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/Home_CLP_Resource1_Whole-Home-WiFi_Image_1000x750.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "articleTitleOverride" : "What Is Whole Home WiFi and Mesh WiFi?", "alt" : "Illustration of Whole Home WiFi and Mesh WiFi", "articleDescOverride" : "Whole Home WiFi systems consist of a main router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, placed around your house for full WiFi coverage." }, "custom" : { "articleImage" : "https://www.linksys.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-Linksys-Shared-Library/default/dwd92369ba/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/Home_CLP_Resource1_Whole-Home-WiFi_Image_1000x750.jpg", "articleImageAlt" : "Illustration of Whole Home WiFi and Mesh WiFi", "articleTitle" : "What Is Whole Home WiFi and Mesh WiFi?", "articleDesc" : "Whole Home WiFi systems consist of a main router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, placed around your house for full WiFi coverage.", "articleURL" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/whole-home-mesh-wifi.html" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "main", "components" : [ { "id" : "6afc870dec3b20d784bc31ffa8", "name" : "Breadcrumbs", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.breadcrumbs", "data" : { "border" : true, "lvl1Link" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/resource-center.html", "lvl2Text" : "What Is Whole Home WiFi and Mesh WiFi?", "lvl1Text" : "Resource Center" } }, { "id" : "44dea94c02713472bd68f58235", "name" : "Article Main", "type_id" : "commerce_layouts.article2Col", "data" : { "layoutOptions" : "75% | 25%", "fullWidth" : false, "orderMobile" : "Col 1 First, Col 2 Second", "borderBetween" : "Include Border" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "c80224e9a4675c1ad8d2f18ab5", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "0", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h1>What Is Whole Home WiFi and Mesh WiFi?</h1>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 2", "theme" : "Dark Text" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "07c1a5a8f29eb3d2e05387a02d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/Home_CLP_Resource1_Whole-Home-WiFi_Image_1000x750.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing Wi-Fi in spots of home." } }, { "id" : "52ab95616acd54d93979f5d53e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "1e1ca55f592ce5afed05198a5a", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "5ed914952449083af158938c4c", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Mesh WiFi or Whole Home WiFi systems consist of a main router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, placed around your house for full WiFi coverage. They are all part of a single wireless network and share the same SSID and password, unlike traditional WiFi routers.[1]</p><p><br></p><p>Picture this: You’ve just set up your home network with the latest WiFi hardware and a 100 Mbps Internet connection. But for some reason, you still encounter buffering when you try to stream video in the bedroom. You called your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and everything checks out, so what’s the deal? Chances are, your WiFi isn’t set up efficiently for a mesh WiFi system.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "73496d583ce9e9850a09f25031", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "30a92e8f495bab14be63ab8c4c", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/slow-wifi-obstructions.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 631, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "Image of person using laptop in home." } }, { "id" : "7e958d314f65ceb4aaa93862b6", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "a5e886e102afe31c08c42f3380", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>What’s Slowing Down Your Network?</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>The weakened signal or WiFi dead spots could be the result of physical obstructions. Simple things like the floor, doors, and walls of your home can come between you and your router, especially if they’re made of metal, brick, or concrete. Or perhaps the distance is simply too great in a large home, and your traditional router is only capable of reaching as far as the kitchen, but not to the backyard, the garage, or a distant bedroom. Interference from other devices could also be the culprit, whether it’s your microwave, cordless phone, or baby monitor. If you live in close quarters with other WiFi networks and devices—such as in an apartment complex—this problem increases tenfold. Think of it like a room full of people who are all speaking at once—nobody’s going to be heard very well.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "d3cafa09ef987e0d920baf76b1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "bcb64a1e6056e3c493feeaced7", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/blanket-wifi-house-signal.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 631, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing people on Wi-Fi in home. " } }, { "id" : "44f19a2b504363a1df2cb5d4b9", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "6bc0a5b538a92ee504c4f09370", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Blanketing Your Home with WiFi</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>A better solution is WiFi that works <em>with&nbsp;</em>your home design, instead of against it. Think of a standard router like a speaker. You could be playing music loudly in the front of your home, but the office in the back will only hear a faint echo. A standard router works the same way—you can only move so far from it before the signal starts to wane, and eventually it’s going to cut out altogether.</p><p><br></p><p>Instead, why not install a “speaker” in each room of the house? That’s how whole home WiFi or mesh networks work, with multiple nodes installed around your home so you’ve got solid WiFi coverage from one end to the other.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "2d4e8c62b094d086871487694b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "509a7b34a087b97878ef917181", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/modular-expansion-wifi (1).jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 631, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing wife spots located in home." } }, { "id" : "f13706bb4f35fe940112a277d1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Modular Expansion</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>A modular mesh whole home WiFi system is flexible and scalable, giving you a customizable method of expanding your WiFi without the need to add range extenders, which have performance and ease-of-use issues. It’s just like installing lighting fixtures to illuminate your home;&nbsp;you&nbsp;can place your nodes anywhere in your home. You choose which rooms need the coverage, and when it’s time to add more to extend the signal even further.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "655e55429dcbb45b220743d9cd", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "4354f55bb94aa4eb7c7f32b1e5", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Easy Guided Set Up and Management</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Most mesh systems use a mobile app for a guided setup.—The app walks you through the set-up process for optimal placement of nodes throughout your home.[2]&nbsp;It will help you find dead zones, so you can place nodes in those areas that otherwise wouldn’t receive WiFi coverage. The mobile app also incorporates some cool features to help you manage your WiFi, such as parental controls, device prioritization, guest access, and more.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "1e87d404678bd4bbceb8f00671", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "9a3bfb12e53f0741eb026ec611", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/linksys-app-mobile-app (1).jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 565, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image of a mesh system on a mobile phone." } }, { "id" : "ee0d6b0f44368f935731256d90", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "85a98857ff8cd9d068c6c9d2f3", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Whole Home WiFi Devices Blend into Your Home Environment</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Let’s face it—today’s WiFi routers are often oversized and unsightly, requiring extra space to extend the antennas and creating a mess of cables jutting every which way. More often than not, homeowners attempt to disguise them, hiding routers in the closet or behind the TV, which only serves to reduce their wireless network performance. Most home WiFi devices have a much smaller footprint in your home, and actively reduce clutter. You can leave them out in plain sight without worrying about them becoming eyesores, because their home-friendly design is unobtrusive enough to blend in with the rest of your décor.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "d93548cf39ffada9f4ce635326", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "6c90550212fcde08a88b75aa68", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Standout Features of the Whole Home WiFi System</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Here are a few key features to look for in a whole home WiFi system:</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Wired and Wireless Expansion</em></strong></p><p><br></p><p>In a modular system, there’s one node connected to your modem that acts as a router. Each additional node finds the best channel and path to wirelessly connect to the previous one, creating a seamless and reliable WiFi connection throughout your entire home.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "c584c889af69120edc0d03a45f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "bd421028b1ea4df4dd6b11b71b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/wired-wireless-expansion.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 237, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing the Wi-Fi system." } }, { "id" : "3795f8c0339e83cb847326f83d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "4ff66591e317a490fca3f530fa", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>However, if your home is already wired with Ethernet cables in every room, some mesh systems can still connect the nodes together using an Ethernet cable to create a whole home WiFi system. Even using the wired option, you’ll still be able to expand your signal to hard-to-reach areas such as the garage or basement.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "244ec99c4c0852bbb840b51f04", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "a1068ccfea3c9be5e7acedd837", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/one-network-seamless-roaming.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.49, "y" : 0.55 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 493, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing connected nodes." } }, { "id" : "1c161808d711040fa9c2867871", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "3bbae06ade18fd4dcf255e6064", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p><strong><em>One Network and Seamless Roaming</em></strong></p><p><br></p><p>The name “mesh network” itself implies that every component of your WiFi system is working together, and seamless roaming is a perfect example of that. When you use a router and range extender combination, you have to switch between the networks manually as you move from one coverage zone to the other.</p><p><br></p><p>But with seamless roaming, you only have one network with one name and password—that means that as you move about your home, you’ll never have to manually switch from one network to the other. So go ahead, stream video in the living, kitchen, or bedroom without worrying about buffering or a dropped connection.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "f2f35083e722bfc4184612af06", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "0663f74e0240a055d4a4a9f170", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/guest-network-access.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 420, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image of of people using devices in a family room." } }, { "id" : "7a8d89ab08172bac8fbecb0dd2", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p><strong><em>Guest Network</em></strong></p><p><br></p><p>Using a guest network keeps your primary WiFi network safe from intrusion, blocking outside users from accessing your personal data. But never fear, you can still provide Internet access to your dinner guests or babysitter without compromising the security of your main network. Simply adjust the guest settings using your mobile management app.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "760c23eaa4a5bb81d838ecd39f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "73bbde0538c0a07009c007feef", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/range-extender-limitations.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 563, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image showing multiple people using wi-fi." } }, { "id" : "4f4f6a964e3a9a2eb18232785a", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "cb5b22d6c9aabd526d968883a0", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Why Not Use a Range Extender?</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Comparing range extenders to whole home WiFi is like comparing apples to oranges. Range extenders are certainly effective when it comes to increasing the range of your router, but they do so at the expense of WiFi performance, which gets cut in half.</p><p><br></p><p>In a large space where WiFi struggles to reach every corner, a range extender can actually diminish the overall performance of your network, creating a bottlenecking effect. You might also experience connection issues when jumping from the router to the extender, because you’ll need to switch networks manually. For example, even when standing next to the range extender, you can still experience dead zones or slowdowns if you haven’t manually changed your device over from the router’s signal. These two separate networks also have different names and interfaces, which can be a serious hassle.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "16c44c94b70f554c7c02007d1e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "441e906c5e4d6c3067b8330eb1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/whole-home-mesh-wifi/not-all-mesh-created-equal.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.32, "y" : 0.65 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 574, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "An image of a graph showing the difference of quality mesh systems. " } }, { "id" : "19fe688324f1a025570bb09cd0", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "ddf5010180448d19abf9d8b6e4", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Not All Mesh WiFi Systems Are Created Equal</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>All mesh systems are slightly different, so it’s important to examine the technology that each brand uses. For example, some tri-band systems are better than others, and some dual-band systems have bandwidth limitations. Take a close look at the tech being offered to ensure that your whole home WiFi projects an effective, efficient signal that blankets every corner of your home with WiFi connectivity.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "03cd07fde042271db70395164d", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "0eb20b8723bd7a4097ab9f39a1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>References</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<ol><li>John R. Delaney,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-wi-fi-mesh-network-systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"“The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems of 2018”\">“The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems of 2018”</a>, PCMag - Ziff Davis, July 24, 2018</li><li>Sarah Brown,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.tomsguide.com/us/what-is-mesh-wifi-router,news-24580.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"“What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi Router, and Do You Need One?”\">“What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi Router, and Do You Need One?”</a>, Tom’s Guide, March 5, 2017</li><li>Bradley Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.lifewire.com/guest-network-for-home-tutorial-818204\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-link-type=\"external\" data-link-label=\"“Setting Up and Using a Guest WiFi Network”\">“Setting Up and Using a Guest WiFi Network”</a>, Lifewire, March 26, 2018</li></ol>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "aabe9aa63127b829491aa44597", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } } ] }, { "id" : "column2", "components" : [ { "id" : "bae4d59a570d5a1f13f69efe01", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.shopStory", "data" : { "navHeadline" : "RELATED PRODUCTS", "bgColor" : "Transparent", "swipeMobile" : false, "theme" : "Dark Text", "useCustomBgColor" : false }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "efe40f323a0216238993d02c0f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MX4200", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "2ff0e869d66c7aa492c551420f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "MX6203", "displayRatings" : true, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "2b64ffb2f41aa873930427220b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "WHW0303", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } } ] } ] } ] } ] } ] } ] }
{ "id" : "what-is-a-wifi-access-point", "name" : "What is an Access Point and How is it Different from a Range Extender?", "type_id" : "resourceArticle", "data" : { "articleImage" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/what-is-a-wifi-access-point/what-is-a-wifi-access-point.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "articleTitleOverride" : "What Is An Access Point And How Is It Different Than A Range Extender?", "alt" : "Linksys Access Points", "articleDescOverride" : "Let’s take a look at how the features of WiFi access points, WiFi routers and range extenders compare to find the best WiFi solution for you." }, "custom" : { "articleImage" : "https://www.linksys.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-Linksys-Shared-Library/default/dw64b866a1/images/Articles/what-is-a-wifi-access-point/what-is-a-wifi-access-point.jpg", "articleImageAlt" : "Linksys Access Points", "articleTitle" : "What Is An Access Point And How Is It Different Than A Range Extender?", "articleDesc" : "Let’s take a look at how the features of WiFi access points, WiFi routers and range extenders compare to find the best WiFi solution for you.", "articleURL" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/what-is-a-wifi-access-point.html" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "main", "components" : [ { "id" : "c38d32ee8b8efaa821d045b1ca", "name" : "Breadcrumbs", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.breadcrumbs", "data" : { "border" : true, "lvl1Link" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/resource-center.html", "lvl2Text" : "What Is an Access Point and How Is It Different From a Range Extender?", "lvl1Text" : "Resource Center" } }, { "id" : "729d0cfafb051bb06ddc2e39be", "name" : "Article Main", "type_id" : "commerce_layouts.article2Col", "data" : { "layoutOptions" : "75% | 25%", "fullWidth" : false, "orderMobile" : "Col 1 First, Col 2 Second", "borderBetween" : "Include Border" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "d24e8c30ddf4abaccf379ec98a", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Default - 16px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h1>What Is an Access Point and How Is It Different From a Range Extender?</h1>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 2", "theme" : "Dark Text" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "1ef71ef807b46295d5f4170c38", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/what-is-a-wifi-access-point/what-is-a-wifi-access-point.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "Linksys WiFi Access Points" } }, { "id" : "7adc2f5c070a37bfa94021a2a1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "83d9cac604c21f59e758c3f268", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>WiFi technology has improved greatly in recent years, but it’s not one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to businesses. Large office spaces with heavy traffic typically utilize WiFi access points, while small offices with limited users are more likely to have WiFi routers and range extenders. Let’s take a look at how their features compare to find the best WiFi solution for you.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "b61e6f2cad1f2446272d0f0bc3", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "8eaf65c4bf7c453b009184dff4", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>What is an Access Point?</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>An&nbsp;<a data-category-catalog-id=\"storefront-linksysUS\" data-category-id=\"wireless-access-points\" data-link-label=\"Wireless Access Points\" data-link-type=\"category\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https://www.linksys.com/ch/for-business/products/wireless-access-points/\">access point</a>&nbsp;is a device that creates a wireless local area network, or WLAN, usually in an office or large building. An access point connects to a wired router, switch, or hub via an Ethernet cable, and projects a WiFi signal to a designated area. For example, if you want to enable WiFi access in your company's reception area but don’t have a router within range, you can install an access point near the front desk and run an Ethernet cable through the ceiling back to the server room.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "803495d1c93a0058d8cb2e646f", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "72ebb0a3799040855a6a0e2ee8", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>What is a Range Extender?</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>As its name implies, a&nbsp;<a data-category-catalog-id=\"storefront-linksysUS\" data-category-id=\"resource-center\" data-link-label=\"Resource Center\" data-link-type=\"category\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https://www.linksys.com/ch/for-home/resource-center/\">range extender</a>&nbsp;lengthens the reach of an existing WiFi network. Since range extenders connect wirelessly to WiFi routers, they must be placed where the WiFi router's signal is already strong, not in the location of the actual dead spot. For instance, if your router is in the basement of a two-story building, installing a range extender on the ground floor (where coverage from the WiFi router is still strong) will eliminate potential dead zones on the second floor.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "c5187939fe41741b2f92b1e743", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "56f067741321c10d88a838310a", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Why Access Points Are Better for Businesses</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>While range extenders are great for home WiFi networks, they’re not efficient for modern businesses. This is because they can only support a limited number of devices at one time, usually no more than 20. While range extenders do increase the coverage of a WiFi router, they do not increase its available bandwidth. Depending on the number of devices you have connected simultaneously, a range extender could end up weighing down your connection.</p><p><br></p><p>Access points, on the other hand, can handle over 60 simultaneous connections each. By installing access points throughout the office, users can roam freely from room to room without experiencing network interruptions. As they move through the building, their devices shift seamlessly from one access point to the next without dropping the connection—they won’t even realize they’re switching between networks.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "d39b2d90ce05283f4faaef99f1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } }, { "id" : "12bc0206581d180280a9f700ac", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h2>Advantages of Using Wireless Access Points</h2>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>When you have both employees and guests connecting with desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets, 20 devices on a wireless network adds up quickly. At 60 simultaneous connections each, access points give you the freedom to scale the number of devices supported on your network. But that’s only one of the advantages of using these network enhancers—consider these points:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Business-grade access points can be installed anywhere you can run an Ethernet cable. Newer models are also compatible with Power over Ethernet Plus, or PoE+ (a combination Ethernet and power cord), so there is no need to run a separate power line or install an outlet near the access point.</li><li>Additional standard features include Captive Portal and Access Control List (ACL) support, so you can limit guest access without compromising network security, as well as easily manage users within your WiFi network.</li><li>Select access points include a Clustering feature—a single point from which the IT administrator can view, deploy, configure, and secure a WiFi network as a single entity rather than a series of separate access point configurations.</li></ul>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] } ] }, { "id" : "column2", "components" : [ { "id" : "7424bbf1a0fc6c9eef4d55609b", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.shopStory", "data" : { "navHeadline" : "RELATED PRODUCTS", "bgColor" : "Transparent", "swipeMobile" : false, "theme" : "Dark Text", "useCustomBgColor" : false }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "8f3705a547eb794a451557a433", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "LAPAX3600C", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "8e7818100c2f8e3db5ae8ff4e9", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "RE7000", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } } ] } ] } ] } ] }, { "id" : "2831314faa4b83bc1930385378", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "32", "spacerSize" : "32" } } ] } ] }
{ "id" : "kiln-restaurant-secure-wifi", "name" : "KILN Restaurant Secure WiFi", "type_id" : "resourceArticle", "data" : { "articleImage" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/restaurant-secure-wifi/kiln-restaurant.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "articleTitleOverride" : "Linksys Helps KILN Restaurant Put Secure WiFi on the Menu", "alt" : "Kiln Restaurant", "articleDescOverride" : "Linksys helped Kiln to set up its restaurant with a complete high-performance network solution that eliminates bandwidth issues." }, "custom" : { "articleImage" : "https://www.linksys.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-Linksys-Shared-Library/default/dw3a62da75/images/Articles/restaurant-secure-wifi/kiln-restaurant.jpg", "articleImageAlt" : "Kiln Restaurant", "articleTitle" : "Linksys Helps KILN Restaurant Put Secure WiFi on the Menu", "articleDesc" : "Linksys helped Kiln to set up its restaurant with a complete high-performance network solution that eliminates bandwidth issues.", "articleURL" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/kiln-restaurant-secure-wifi.html" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "main", "components" : [ { "id" : "b90024b0e4dd9d59086e0d5ac5", "name" : "Breadcrumbs", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.breadcrumbs", "data" : { "border" : true, "lvl1Link" : "https://www.linksys.com/ch/resource-center.html", "lvl2Text" : "Linksys Helps KILN Restaurant Put Secure WiFi on the Menu", "lvl1Text" : "Resource Center" } }, { "id" : "be333221981fe439fd2e671f12", "name" : "Article Main", "type_id" : "commerce_layouts.article2Col", "data" : { "layoutOptions" : "75% | 25%", "fullWidth" : false, "orderMobile" : "Col 1 First, Col 2 Second", "borderBetween" : "Include Border" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "edc8d53a2d126a38e065a94bd9", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.photoTile", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/restaurant-secure-wifi/kiln-restaurant.jpg", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 750, "width" : 1000 } }, "photoAlign" : "Center", "alt" : "KILN restaurant" } }, { "id" : "8bca91ca632dd5ad937c5d7371", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.imageTextBanner", "data" : { "image" : { "path" : "/images/Articles/restaurant-secure-wifi/kiln-logo.png", "focal_point" : { "x" : 0.5, "y" : 0.5 }, "meta_data" : { "height" : 150, "width" : 250 } }, "layoutOptions" : "Text 66% | Image 33%", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Default", "alt" : "kiln logo", "imgAlign" : "Left", "useCustomBgColor" : false, "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "textAlignMobile" : "Left", "bgColor" : "Transparent", "orderMobile" : "Text First, Image Second", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p><span style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Ben Chapman, chef and co-founder of the well-known Smoking Goat restaurant, recently opened a sister restaurant called Kiln. Located in London’s Soho district, Kiln is an informal, vibrant restaurant that caters to technology-savvy guests. Inspired by the rural simplicity of the Thai borderlands, Kiln’s menu is based around simple, quick grilled dishes, many of which are cooked in wood-burning kiln ovens and have been created around the best British produce available. The restaurant is a modern, high-tech space, featuring high stools paralleling a stainless steel countertop.</span></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"></span></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\">The counter sits in front of an open kitchen—where guests can watch chefs preparing and cooking dishes around the kitchen’s centerpiece, the wood-burning Kiln.</span></p>", "order" : "Image First, Text Second" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "bannerBtns" }, { "id" : "bannerBottom" } ] }, { "id" : "f367403b2315c16a19518820e6", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { } }, { "id" : "1ed7e15e3027777f513cc13908", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>The Challenge</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p><span style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Like most startups, Kiln’s sister restaurant, The Smoking Goat, was working within strict budget guidelines; and being a small team, it had initially installed a simple WiFi solution with routers that are more commonly used in home environments. The solution worked, but there were a number of black spots, and the network and connection was not always stable for daily high-bandwidth operations. Customers also sometimes complained that they were unable to connect to the Internet. In addition, there were a number of challenges for the Linksys team to overcome at the Kiln site itself. With the restaurant located in the basement, as well as in a very old, crowded part of London, there were thick walls to contend with, which meant installing a super-fast WiFi connection would be difficult. Knowing that Kiln would need a strong WiFi connection for powering payment machines, printing menus daily, and providing a reliable, secure Internet connection for staff and guest users, Kiln turned to Linksys for help.</span></p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "edc4e24de6b19b504d8d3bace9", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { } }, { "id" : "1de92c99cbb73d9987da2accd1", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>The Solution</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p><span style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\">Linksys installed one LRT224 Business Dual WAN Gigabit VPN Router to manage the Internet traffic, and two Virtual LANs, so restaurant guests and staff would have separate, secure networks. A Linksys LGS108P 8-Port Business Desktop Gigabit PoE+ Switch was installed to ensure reliable internal connectivity for the Linksys access points, as well as the other network devices in the location. The two Linksys LAPAC2600- 802.11AC Business Access Points—one mounted in the upstairs bar area, and the second in the restaurant area downstairs—provide secure, reliable, high-speed WiFi to every part of the restaurant. The PoE power for the Linksys access points is delivered by the LGS108P Switch, meaning only one cable is required at the wall mount. These two access points have been configured as a single controller-less managed cluster and provide the staff and guest networks with seamless roaming and device isolation on the guest network. These access points help improve overall performance and efficiency of a WiFi network by providing dedicated bandwidth to individual devices.</span></p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "1fbaa41d14194714c013d85fdb", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { } }, { "id" : "e633f45b2d61914527c48ac873", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.editorialRichText", "data" : { "descSize" : "Small - 14px", "eyebrowSize" : "Default - 16px", "spacing" : "16", "textPosition" : "Center", "descCol" : "1 Column", "heading" : "<h3>Conclusion</h3>", "vertAlign" : "Top", "textAlign" : "Left", "headingStyle" : "Heading 4", "theme" : "Dark Text", "desc" : "<p>Linksys helped Kiln to set up its restaurant with a complete high-performance network solution that eliminates all of the bandwidth issues previously experienced in its sister restaurant, avoid security vulnerabilities, and ensures that both staff and restaurant guests have quick, easy access. The site survey shows a high-speed Internet connection for the entire site, with an average of 1300 Mb throughout.</p><p><br></p><p>\"Thanks to Linksys, we now have a seamless connection, which allows the staff to deliver swift customer service whilst guest browse the Internet freely throughout their time here, \" said Luke Piper, general manager of Kiln. \"In this day and age, people expect flawless WiFi wherever they go, and that is exactly what Linksys has managed to deliver to our customers, despite the challenges at hand.\"</p><p><br></p><p>The restaurant, which opened in September 2016, has received rave reviews so far. One hard-to-please restaurant critic, Fay Maschler of The Evening Standard, described Kiln as a \"side-of-the-road\" Thai to die for,\" and gave five out of five stars for Ben's obsessiveness, dedication, assiduous research, creativity, insistence on well-bred ingredients, keen fact, she's only done it six times before. With help from Linksys, Kiln now has a proven, critically acclaimed business model it can take with it as it opens more successful restaurants in the future.</p>" }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "textBoxBtns" } ] }, { "id" : "804bcdd7e577d9475ee8b7aab9", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { "spacerSizeMobile" : "64", "spacerSize" : "64" } }, { "id" : "fa8ecb48d0b3683df62575f488", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.spacer", "data" : { } } ] }, { "id" : "column2", "components" : [ { "id" : "38586fcdf09cc7b54927eb3f8e", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.shopStory", "data" : { "navHeadline" : "RELATED PRODUCTS", "bgColor" : "Transparent", "swipeMobile" : false, "theme" : "Dark Text", "useCustomBgColor" : false }, "regions" : [ { "id" : "column1", "components" : [ { "id" : "58cbadb482b7808e3ea43cf7d4", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "LGS108P", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "a174519e42e3675f9f3f2eb541", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "LGS124P", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } }, { "id" : "f2ab42cc2420e5a8db21adede2", "type_id" : "commerce_assets.productTile", "data" : { "product" : "LGS352C", "displayRatings" : false, "displaySwatches" : false } } ] } ] } ] } ] } ] } ] }
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