The report explains that maintaining internet access during a blackout depends on keeping every device between the wall jack and a laptop powered, including modems, routers, gateways and, for fiber users, the optical network terminal (ONT). It notes some providers install battery backups on ONTs, though these are typically meant for phone lines rather than internet service, so users should confirm coverage with their provider.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-07
A new guide highlights frequent errors homeowners make when setting up Wi-Fi networks, including poor router placement in corners, proximity to interference-causing devices like microwaves and cordless phones, and mismatched router hardware for a household's actual internet plan. It also notes that users aren't limited to placing equipment where their ISP's modem enters the home, since an Ethernet cable can extend connectivity to a better-positioned access point.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-24
A new router upgrades the link between your devices and the router. Almost nothing people complain about lives on that link, which is why the box rarely delivers the numbers on it.
gokawiil.com
· 2026-10-19
The default configuration on a consumer router is tuned for setup convenience, not for the years it then spends untouched. A few changes cover most of the gap.
gokawiil.com
· 2026-10-19
An IT professional named Nomad discovered his parents' smart coffee maker had generated 1TB of data traffic over 10 days while monitoring their home network remotely. Most of the traffic stayed within the home network rather than going out to the internet, but it was enough to overwhelm part of their Wi-Fi access point. Nomad attributed the issue to a likely bug in the device and decided to disconnect it rather than investigate further.
dexerto.com
· 2026-10-07
Amazon has discounted the TP-Link LS1005G unmanaged 5-port gigabit Ethernet switch to $7.99, matching its lowest recorded price. The compact, fanless device requires no setup, plugging directly into a router to add four extra wired ports for devices like consoles, PCs, printers and NAS drives.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-10-07
Amazon is selling the Ugreen 10-port gigabit PoE+ switch for $37.79, its lowest price yet. The unmanaged switch supports the IEEE 802.3at standard, delivering up to 30W per port and 60W total across its eight PoE+ ports, with automatic shutdown of lower-priority ports if power draw exceeds that limit.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-30
Cat7 cable raises the frequency rating to 600 MHz versus Cat6's 250 MHz, adding foil shielding around each twisted pair plus an outer shield to reduce crosstalk and interference, and was designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet over 100 meters. However, a true Cat7 installation requires compatible GG45 or TERA connectors and a cabling channel that meets the full specification, not just a cable labeled Cat7 plugged into standard RJ45 ports. Meanwhile, TIA guidance indicates Cat6 can support 10GBASE-T reliably up to about 37 meters, and potentially up to 55 meters depending on interference conditions.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-29
A how-to guide walks users through logging into their home router's admin panel to review and adjust default security settings. It explains how to find a router's IP address on both Windows and Mac systems and locate the separate admin login credentials, often printed on a sticker on the device itself.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-27
Buying guidance for home network switches highlights two key factors: how many ports you'll actually need after accounting for the router connection, and matching switch speed to your router, internet plan and devices. A switch slower than your router or fastest devices becomes a bottleneck, negating any upgrades elsewhere on the network.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-21
A tech newsletter writer used an uncensored AI model from startup Abliteration AI to autonomously probe his home network, devices, and personal coding projects for security flaws. Over several days the agent uncovered vulnerabilities in household gadgets, broke into a PC, and flagged bugs in vibe-coded software, all while operating with guardrails stripped away.
wired.com
· 2026-09-09
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