router
Latest
Netgear and Harman Kardon’s smart speaker doubles as a WiFi repeater
An unlikely partnership between router maker Netgear and audio company Harman Kardon has resulted in a smart speaker that does just a little bit more than its competitors. The Orbi Voice isn't just another Alexa speaker, it's got serious sound pedigree and it acts as a WiFi repeater too, spreading internet while it's pumping tunes.
WiFi's tougher WPA3 security is ready
WiFi security is finally getting an upgrade after 14 years. The Wi-Fi Alliance has officially launched WPA3, the next-generation standard that promises to tackle many of the vulnerabilities that have persisted in wireless networking. Most notably, it brings individualized data encryption that should protect your data against eavesdropping from within the WiFi network. You'll also get tougher password-based sign-ins through Simultaneous Authentication of Equals, a key establishment protocol that reduces the chances of someone guessing your password -- even if it's lousy.
TP-Link squeezed a smart home hub into its new mesh WiFi router
Mesh WiFi routers are no longer all that special, so how do you stand out? If you're TP-Link, you roll in a smart home hub. It just introduced a Deco M9 Plus router that builds on last year's model with a hub for ZigBee- and Bluetooth-based devices like light bulbs and thermostats. If you're not fond of connecting dedicated hubs and bridges but still want good whole-home networking coverage, this might scratch your itch. TP-Link is promising compatibility with Alexa and IFTTT commands when steering your household gadgets.
Data-stealing router malware bypasses web encryption
A recently discovered strain of router malware appears to be much worse than thought. Cisco Talos has learned that VPNFilter can not only render devices unusable, but can bypass the SSL encryption you often see on the web. A module in the malware intercepts outgoing web requests to turn them into non-secure (that is, basic HTTP) requests, helping it steal sign-ins and other sensitive data when possible. It can also use man-in-the-middle attacks to insert hostile JavaScript into outside websites, and target devices beyond the router itself, such as PCs on the local network.
This mesh WiFi router can track motion to protect your family
Back at CEATEC in October, I came across Origin Wireless and its clever algorithm that can turn any WiFi mesh network into a simple home security plus well-being monitoring system, and that's without using cameras or wearables -- just plug and play. At the time, I saw a working demo that left me impressed, but here at Computex, the company has moved its setup to a real-life environment (a lovely hotel room high up in Taipei), and I was finally able to try its fall detection. Better yet, it turns out that Origin Wireless has already been working with Qualcomm to integrate its technology into the ASUS Lyra router, meaning we're one step closer to seeing these features outside the lab.
Xfinity website bug revealed home addresses and Wi-Fi passwords
This week, ZDNet reported that a Comcast website used to activate Xfinity routers was leaking personal data, including a person's home address, the name of the Wi-Fi network and password. This bug was first uncovered by two researchers, Karan Saini and Ryan Stevenson.
Google WiFi now shows which devices are struggling to connect
Run a large-enough WiFi network and there's bound to be that one device that can't quite hold on to a fast connection, like the tablet in your bedroom or a laptop in the backyard. But how do you quantify that flaky connection? Google can help. It's deploying an updated Network Check feature for Google WiFi routers that will check the performance of devices on your network and help you identify ones with unusually low performance. You'll know if you need to move an access point, move a device or (if it's truly bad) expand your network to provide better coverage.
The Linksys router that prioritizes Xbox One gaming is now available
That router Linksys showed off at CES this year -- yes, the one that prioritizes gaming traffic from Xbox consoles -- is now available for purchase in the US. The WRT32XB is the first router designed to automatically detect any Xbox One, including the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X, and put it above any other gadget connected to its network. While it was obviously created for serious Xbox gamers, a spokesperson told us Linksys will roll out a software update this summer that will allow the router to prioritize all gaming traffic regardless of the device, whether it's a console, a PC or even a smartphone.
Apple discontinues its AirPort WiFi routers
The longstanding rumors of Apple exiting the WiFi router market were true: the company is officially discontinuing its AirPort and Time Capsule base stations. An Apple spokesperson told Engadget that the company would continue to provide hardware and software support (such as patching bugs and vulnerabilities), but the devices themselves will only be available "while supplies last." The tech giant will post a series of knowledge base documents over the next few weeks to help guide customers wondering what to buy.
Sophisticated malware attacks through routers
Security researchers at Kaspersky Lab have discovered what's likely to be another state-sponsored malware strain, and this one is more advanced than most. Nicknamed Slingshot, the code spies on PCs through a multi-layer attack that targets MikroTik routers. It first replaces a library file with a malicious version that downloads other malicious components, and then launches a clever two-pronged attack on the computers themselves. One, Canhadr, runs low-level kernel code that effectively gives the intruder free rein, including deep access to storage and memory; the other, GollumApp, focuses on the user level and includes code to coordinate efforts, manage the file system and keep the malware alive.
Google Chromecast devices are messing with WiFi connections
If you've been having some issues with your WiFi connection, the culprit could be your Chromecast devices. There have now been multiple reports of users losing WiFi connections when Google devices with the "Cast" feature, like Chromecast and Google Home devices, are added to a user's network. Initially, reports suggested that TP-Link Archer C7 routers were the only ones affected by the issue, but subsequent reports have noted that ASUS, Linksys, Netgear and Synology routers may also be impacted.
Huawei's new hybrid routers blend mesh and powerline connectivity
Huawei believes it has found the solution to two of the most common frustrations with WiFi routers -- blind spots and slower speeds at further distances. The company's new WiFi Q2 routers blend a conventional mesh system with power-line communication to extend coverage using your house's electrical wiring. Pricing and availability haven't been announced yet; confusingly, the "Q2" in the router's name does not refer to when it goes on sale -- but Huawei said the WiFi Q2 will launch globally.
Netgear’s new Nighthawk router is built for pro gamers
Netgear is rolling out two new products designed for hard-core gamers. Launched today at CES 2018, the Nighthawk Pro Gaming WiFi Router (XR500) and Nighthawk Pro Gaming SX10 10G/Multi-Gig LAN Switch (GS810EMX) have been designed for heavy-duty, uninterrupted gameplay, offering best-in-class features neatly packaged in formidable black casing.
ASUS continues its glorious tradition of spaceship routers with the RT-AX88U
it wouldn't be CES if we didn't have some crazy new routers to check out. Enter the ASUS RT-AX88U. Unlike some past ASUS routers, this one is a bit of a sleeker, perhaps more dangerous beast. But let's get beyond its stealth fighter looks and dig into the specs. As ASUS first announced back at IFA last fall, the RT-AX88U will be its first 802.11ax WiFi router, with wild theoretical speeds of up to 6,000Mbps. Of course, you'll need a home connection capable of pushing that bandwidth and 801.11ax-compatible hardware, but that's beside the point. This beast also has eight wired Ethernet ports for your devices that don't need to be mobile. Sadly, we still don't have pricing or availability behind "1H 2018." In the meantime, just enjoy the style.
D-Link adds high-speed and mesh options to its router lineup
D-Link has a new trio of router packages to show off at CES. Similar to competing brands, one device on offer here focuses on security, while the others include a high-speed model optimized for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming and online gaming. A third uses multiple routers for a mesh setup.
Mesh WiFi startup Eero lays off a fifth of its workforce
Mesh WiFi pioneer Eero has laid off 30 employees in a bid to "focus on its core business". The company, which launched in 2015, has played a pivotal role in changing the face of home WiFi with products that blanket spaces in coverage, designed to replace old-school systems of routers and extenders.
Comcast’s xFi Advanced Gateway modem is now available nationwide
It's no secret that modems provided by your ISP can leave a lot to be desired. While we generally recommend you use your own hardware when it comes to your internet connection, plenty of people just go with the standard default modem and router. Comcast is making that process just a little bit easier thanks to the xFi Advanced Gateway modem and router. The modem, which the company is billing as the most advanced device it's ever made, made its debut back in May, but starting today it's available in every market that Comcast offers gigabit internet.
The best wireless router (for most people)
By Jim Salter This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. After spending over 100 hours testing 18 routers, we think the Netgear R7000P is the best wireless router for most people. It's fast and reliable at both short and long ranges, it balances the demands of connected devices automatically to avoid congestion, and it works well right out of the box, with no arcane tweaking required.
Netgear routers now feature Disney's parental controls
Circle with Disney's advanced parental controls are helpful if you want to curb what your kids can do online and when, but it has normally required a separate device you plug in to your WiFi router. Why can't it just be built into the router itself? It is now: Netgear has announced that its Nighthawk and Orbi routers now include Circle with Disney software. If you want to set a time limit on a given app or block racy material, you don't need anything beyond the networking device you already own.
Linksys has a new tri-band range extender to eliminate WiFi dead spots
If you're not shopping for a new router but still need something to cover far-flung areas of your home (have you tried aluminum foil yet? Seriously.) check out the latest hardware from Linksys. This "Max-Stream Tri-Band AC3000 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE9000)" brings all the bells and whistles needed to keep things running smoothly, even with multiple devices.
