Last year ExpressVPN launched their own Aircove router, which as claimed to be the world’s first Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN functionality. I don’t think that’s technically true, but it is one of the easier routers on the market to manage a VPN with and makes it incredibly easy to control which devices connect …
Computer Networking / Router / Mesh Systems News & Reviews
Welcome to our Computer Networking category page, the nexus for all your networking needs, queries, and aspirations. This comprehensive space offers you the lowdown on the gadgets, gear, and technologies that enable seamless connectivity, robust security, and high-speed data transfer within your home or office network. Whether you’re setting up a small home office or managing an enterprise network, our expert insights, reviews, and news updates have got you covered.
What is Computer Networking?
Computer networking involves the interconnection of multiple devices, systems, and services to share data and resources. From robust routers and intricate mesh systems to the secure storage offered by NAS devices, this category covers a broad spectrum of technologies designed to optimise your online experiences.
Why This Category Matters
In an increasingly connected world, a stable and secure network is the backbone of any tech-savvy environment. Whether you’re streaming 4K video, managing a smart home, or running a business, the right networking solutions are essential.
Key Subcategories and Products:
- Routers: This is where it all begins. Brands like Netgear, ASUS, and Cisco offer a range of routers designed for various needs—from basic internet browsing to high-end gaming and 4K streaming. Products like the Netgear Nighthawk or ASUS RT-AX88U offer advanced features, including MU-MIMO, VPN support, and even malware protection.
- Mesh Systems: For larger homes or offices with connectivity dead zones, mesh systems like Google Nest WiFi or Eero Pro ensure seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout the premises.
- Switches: These are the unsung heroes of any robust network, directing data where it needs to go. Look for managed or unmanaged switches from brands like TP-Link and Cisco to expand your network efficiently.
- Cloud Networking: Businesses or advanced users may opt for cloud networking solutions for easier management and scalability. Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti’s UniFi offer compelling options in this space.
- NAS Devices: For secure, local storage, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices are increasingly popular. Synology’s DiskStation and QNAP’s Turbo NAS series are market leaders offering multi-bay units for home or business use.
- Servers: For more commercial or advanced needs, servers from Dell’s PowerEdge or HP’s ProLiant range offer high-performance computing and robust data storage solutions.
- Mini PCs: Perfect for minimalists or those with space constraints, Mini PCs like the Intel NUC or the Apple Mac Mini offer solid performance for basic networking tasks in a compact form factor.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy enthusiast looking to upgrade your home network or an IT professional tasked with setting up an enterprise-grade networking solution, our Computer Networking category offers a wealth of information, reviews, and product guides to help you make informed choices. Browse through to become a true networking aficionado!
Following the MediaTek announcement of the Wi-Fi 7 Filogic 860 and Filogic 360 chipsets, I thought it would be good to cover some of the key technologies used by Wi-Fi 7, which will significantly improve the performance in comparison to Wi-Fi 6/6E. For me, Wi-Fi 7 has to potential to be a significantly bigger jump …
MediaTek has expanded its Wi-Fi 7 portfolio with the introduction of its new Filogic 860 and Filogic 360 chipsets. This launch marks a significant step forward in providing mainstream devices with cutting-edge wireless technology that promises peak performance and unrivalled reliability. Introducing Filogic 860 and Filogic 360 The company’s leap into second-generation Wi-Fi 7 technology …
In our increasingly connected world, the fairness of network distribution often becomes a critical consideration. Whether in an office environment or a bustling household with multiple devices, ensuring that each device gets a fair share of the network can be a challenge. Airtime Fairness is a technology that attempts to address this challenge, promoting an …
The Nebula FWA510 is the latest 5G router from Zyxel that was launched a few months ago. It replaces the popular NR5101 and has improved WiFi, and now has two 2.5GbE ports, allowing you to make the most of a 5G connection that exceeds gigabit speeds. Zyxel Nebula FWA510 Feature Zyxel Nebula FWA510 vs NR5101 …
Following on from my review of the EnGenius FitXpress and FitController management systems that are used to manage the new EnGenius Fit products. This review covers the Fit6 4×4 EWS377-FIT access point and EWS2910P-FIT POE switch that I was sent to test the new system. EnGenius FIT Products and Prices EnGenius Fit was only announced …
In November 2022, EnGenius announced EnGenius Fit, which is a new affordable range of hardware that uses new, subscription-free EnGenius Fit cloud-based management options built to streamline deployment while providing enterprise-grade security and reliability. EnGenius sent me three products to review including: As there is quite a lot to cover with EnGenius Fit, I have …
Linksys has announced the launch of its first WiFi 7 mesh system for the home – the Linksys Velop Pro 7. This new system promises lightning-fast speeds and a hassle-free setup process that takes just 10 minutes. The Velop Pro 7 is purpose-built for WiFi 7, the latest and most efficient WiFi standard to date. …
Network-attached storage (NAS) has come a long way, and it’s not just for businesses any more. If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a plethora of media files, documents, and backup data scattered across your devices. A NAS solution can be a game-changer, providing a centralised space for all your digital assets. The best part? …
For home users that are interested in NAS devices such as Synology and TerraMaster, setting up a Plex media server is often one of the key features they want to use. As much as I love streaming services like Netflix and Disney, they are starting to get expensive, and it is not uncommon for me …
Acer is best known for its laptops, monitors and desktop PCs and more recently, they have entered the GPU market with the Acer Predator BiFrost Intel Arc A770. However, they also produce quite a lot of other products, including some random things like the Acer Acerpure Air Pro P2 and the Acer ebii E-bike. They …
Raspberry Pi has been a game-changer in the world of single-board computers ever since its inception. With each new model, it brings in a wave of enhancements and upgrades that set a new benchmark in the arena of performance and affordability. The most recent entrant in this series is the Raspberry Pi 5, which is …
Mesh WiFi systems have solved many of the WiFi problems home users face. They allow you to extend your WiFi throughout your home seamlessly by plugging in mesh nodes or satellites. Unlike the WiFi extenders of yesteryear, a mesh satellite retains the WiFi name and password, and the mesh system will work cohesively together, switching …
It seems Wi-Fi 7 is quickly gaining traction. In the past few days, Netgear announced its £1600+ Netgear Orbi 970 Series, and Intel revealed their new WiFi 7 modules, the BE200 and the BE202. I am also in the middle of reviewing the Acer Swift Edge 16, which features Wi-Fi 7 using the Qualcomm FastConnect …
Wi-Fi 7 capable hardware is slowly starting to become available, and in 2024, we should start to see a lot more products featuring it. Recently, Intel became the latest company to announce new Wi-Fi 7 capable hardware. Wi-Fi 7 Capable Routers, Laptops and Phones So far, TP-Link has announced multiple Wi-Fi 7 products, including mesh …
Today, Netgear unveiled its first WiFi 7 mesh system, the Orbi 970 Series. Positioned to succeed its current flagship, the WiFi 6E Orbi 960 Series, the new offering aims to redefine what’s possible in the realm of home networking with true multi-gigabit WiFi. Related Content Netgear Orbi 970 Series Features Unparalleled Performance with WiFi 7 …