As someone who’s spent a good amount of time exploring various network-attached storage (NAS) solutions, I’ve developed a particular fondness for Synology. Their user-friendly DiskStation Manager (DSM) software is a strong selling point, as are their robust security features and diverse range of applications. But let’s be clear—Synology doesn’t hold a monopoly on quality NAS …
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!
Earlier this year, I reviewed the outstanding EnGenius ESG510 dual SD-WAN gateway. While the security features were a little limited compared to some security gateways, the hardware is perfect for a small business that wants multi-gigabit connectivity and the option for WAN failover or load balancing. Today, Netgear has launched a similar product that is …
Smart video doorbells have been one of my favourite pieces of tech in the past few years (I am easily pleased). As someone who receives packages daily, if not multiple times per day, old-fashioned wireless doorbells were a nightmare. Often, I wasn’t in the room with the chime, or I just wasn’t home; then, the …
At IFA 2023, AVM FRITZ! will be presenting a range of new products that are expected to launch in the coming months. FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro: A Pinnacle of Flexibility for Fibre Optic and DSL Connections The transition from DSL to fibre optic is more imminent than ever, and FRITZ! is not holding back. Enter the FRITZ!Box …
Following on from my DNS server guide, this guide aims to help you change your DNS settings on your various devices. To save you some time, you can skip to the device you want with the contents menu on the right-hand column (for desktop users) or just below this paragraph. Why Should You Assign …
The Domain name system (DNS) is one of the most important aspects of Internet connectivity, but it is something most people don’t think about or are even aware of. All internet service providers and mobile phone networks will use their own DNS servers, therefore, regular people will likely have never thought about using a different …
In an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, the threat of cyber-attacks has become a pressing concern for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. These attacks can range from data breaches and identity theft to more sophisticated threats such as ransomware and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The potential impact of a successful cyber attack can be …
TerraMaster has announced its newly designed NAS series: F2-212, F4-212, and U4-212. These NAS systems are all based on ARM chipsets making them more affordable than the Intel counterparts and low-powered. These models feature the TRAID, BTRFS file system, Snapshot, and TFSS, delivering enhanced data backup and an enriched multimedia experience tailored for individual and …
I have previously written a guide on comparing the Virgin Media Hub 5x vs 5 vs 4 vs 3 and this highlighted that the new Hub 5x uses fibre to premises XGS-PON in comparison to the DOCSIS 3.1 technology that’s predominantly used on the Virgin Media network. Virgin are trialling the new Virgin XGS-PON technology, …
If you have been with Virgin Media for a few years, you will likely have one of the older Virgin Media Hubs. I recently upgraded to Virgin Gig1 after 2.5 years, and I was on the older Hub 3 and therefore needed the new Virgin Media Hub 5. The new Virgin Media Hub 5 is …
The Virgin Media Hub 5 was launched back in 2021, with a wider launch throughout 2022. Virgin started to offer the Hub 5 as standard to new Gig1 customers as well as existing customers without a Hub 4 who upgraded to Gig1. However, it is not guaranteed you will get one due to stock levels at …
I have been out of contract from Virgin Media for months as I waited for City Fibre to lay gigabit fibre down my road. They said a few weeks at the start of 2022, and a year later, they still hadn’t done it. So I finally gave up waiting and contacted Virgin Media to play …
In the past year, Virgin Media seems to have been plagued with problems. The biggest issue recently was the Virgin Media email service going down. This started in mid-June, with many, if not most, users losing all access to emails. This issue continued for two weeks, and by the start of July, customers could send …
Today, Engenius has announced its first Wi-Fi 7 access point, which they claim to be the world’s first cloud Wi-Fi 7 access point for enterprises. Engenius is making the world’s first claim because this is the first AP to use the Qualcomm Networking Pro 1220 platform, which is explicitly designed for enterprise-level environments. Technically, TP-Link …
The Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro (MR6450) was announced back in January at CES 2023, and I have finally managed to get my hands on one to review. This is by far the best 5G mobile hotspot router on the market, there are multiple ways to use it, and it also has WiFi 6E and a …
It has been a while since I reviewed any Zyxel Nebula devices, but for the past few years, they have been the main cloud-managed networking ecosystem I have used, though I have flip-flopped between this, EnGenius, Netgear Insight and Ubiquiti. The Zyxel SCR 50AXE is the latest product that works with Nebula, and it is …
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