Latest news with #Netgear
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
Use These 7 Methods to Find Hidden Cameras in Your Airbnb Rental
Hidden cameras and spying have become rampant in recent years. We've seen it happening in Texas and California, with one host secretly saving over 2,000 images of guests and read reports of instances where couples have found themselves vacationing in a romantic Airbnb only to discover that someone is watching them via voyeur cams. There are also Reddit discussion boards where vacationers are sharing tales of it happening to them. It's a proven international problem, too, with stories ranging from Ireland to Malaysia. However, if you're preparing for a vacation this summer, don't let the idea of being spied upon ruin your vacation. For one thing, you can instantly report cameras to Airbnb, which guarantees you an automatic relocation if you do happen to spot any. And spotting them will be significantly easier once you check out our guide on how to catch hidden cameras around your rental. Read on to learn more. A guest-friendly router may deserve a closer look. Netgear 1. Check out the local Wi-Fi network Most Airbnbs offer some kind of guest Wi-Fi. Log into it and hop into your settings to view the Wi-Fi network and see if you can find all the connected devices. Use the provided login and on-board router passwords or app to look for a section about connected or attached devices. Or if these options aren't available, you can try out a third-party app like the Wireless Network Watcher. (Note for the techies, the arp -a command line won't work here, because it displays only your own computer's cache of connected device info, and the Airbnb owner probably didn't leave their laptop behind.) Now look for any unexpected online devices that don't match up with any of the technology in the house. You may think that voyeurs would avoid connecting their hidden cams to local Wi-Fi networks, but that's giving them too much credit. Watch for surprise online devices and see if you can track them down or tell what they are. 2. Bring up your Bluetooth If cameras aren't connected to Wi-Fi, you can still pick them up with your Bluetooth. Just set your Bluetooth to its pairing mode and see what devices it can pick up. Disregard TVs and smart home technology and focus on mystery devices that you can't otherwise identify. Seeing strange devices on Bluetooth when you're at an Airbnb? They may be worth a closer look. CNET If these devices have strange names, look them up to see if they're a camera product number or similar identifier. Give your Bluetooth a couple of minutes to pick up all available devices and walk from room to room with your phone to see if any surprises pop up. 3. Do a pass with a flashlight Even the sneakiest cam still needs a lens to watch from, and where there's a lens there can be a reflection (as well as LED indicator lights). So one of the most effective ways to look for hidden cams is to shut down all the lights in a room, switch on the flashlight mode on your phone and do a careful sweep. Watch for any unexpected glints or flickers of light in strange places that could be a tiny camera lens. It sounds a little weird, but this old-fashioned method of spotting cams is still one of the most effective. To save a whole lot of time and patience on this step, focus on rooms where spy cams are more likely to be, basically any room where you'd take your clothes off. Look for spots and angles that offer a high, wide field of view -- there's a reason that smoke detectors are such a popular hiding spot. Other popular spots include plants, books and lamps. Your own eyes and a camera flashlight can do a lot of good work if you're worried about hidden cameras. Freemixer/Getty Images 4. Scan for infrared eyes Many cams use infrared/IR connections for simple controls, especially if they aren't on a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. That's the same kind of connection that old-fashioned TV remotes use. Human eyes can't see infrared light, but the front-facing camera on many smartphones doesn't have an infrared filter, or at least not a perfect one. That means you can use your phone cam in a dark room to scan the area, then review the footage to see if you can spot any unexpected dots of whitish light that could mean a device is hiding somewhere. Apps can help you take a closer look at your Airbnb, but we suggest using them with other methods. CNET 5. Use a camera-spotting app A slew of apps can help you with the above steps. They're far from perfect, but they may be able to save you a bit of time if you're serious about scanning your Airbnb. There are apps that attempt to sense unexpected magnetic fields, catch reflections when scanning a room and some that even combine multiple options. These apps are typically free or cheap, but we suggest not relying on them entirely when your own naked eye can do so well. 6. Inspect the vents People have found hidden cameras in all kinds of places, but we suggest getting up close and personal to any wall vents. Vents can often hide the signs of an infrared light or reflection unless you're at just the right angle. So along with smoke detectors, put these up-high vents on the top of your list if you're worried. Thermal cameras are only for the most serious when scanning Airbnbs. CNET 7. Bring out an infrared scanner If you're feeling especially anxious about hidden cams and don't mind investing some dollars, an infrared or heat scanner is one of your best options. These scanners work by detecting heat signatures at close range, and the more affordable, consumer-friendly versions cost around $150 to $200. These sensors can detect the small heat signatures produced by hidden cameras. You can use them close to walls, mirrors, shelves and anywhere else you want a close scan to watch for unexpected electronics. It's more time-consuming than our other methods, but nothing else offers such a complete look. Bonus tip: Be careful plugging your devices in Satechi's 145W 4-port USB-C travel charger Satechi Finally, be wary of any included chargers, ports or charging stations in your Airbnb. They're usually harmless and included for convenience, but sometimes they can house malware that could seep into your phone or laptop. The last thing you want is a virus that can take control of your own camera or hold files hostage. When using an Airbnb, stick with your own travel chargers whenever possible and plug directly into power outlets when they are available. OK, what about security cameras outside the Airbnb? Currently, Airbnb is banning only cameras indoors on participating properties. So having an outdoor security camera or a video doorbell is still entirely legal and a common choice for Airbnb owners worried about illegal house parties or uninvited strangers. There's not really anything you can do about the presence of these outside cameras. You can complain that they make you feel uncomfortable, but they probably aren't going anywhere. However, be wary if any outdoor cams are pointed toward windows so they can see indoors, which is a legal issue just like an indoor spy cam. Since you're finished, now is the perfect time to review the spots to never install your own home security cam, the best places to put a security camera, and if it's legal to record video or audio in your own home.
Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
Netgear Nighthawk App Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
The Nighthawk app used to complete the Netgear Wifi extender setup or Nighthawk router setup as well as Nighthawk mesh setup. Because of so many features and interface in it, the app can get damaged from the code perspective or many more problems. Here we try to understand your Netgear Nighthawk app not working problem and try to fix it with the help of the simple solutions and fixes. So let's dive in to this troubleshooting guide. Start simple. Force closes the app. Fully kill it — don't just minimize. Then reopen. Sounds stupid, but half the time this alone kicks it back into gear. Classic move. Unplug your Nighthawk router and your modem. Wait like 30 seconds (seriously — give it time). Plug the modem in first, let it boot. Then the router. Wait till all lights look happy. Then try the app again. The app wants to talk directly to your Nighthawk. If your phone jumped to another network — like your neighbor's open WiFi or your mobile data — it won't work. Go into your phone's WiFi settings. Make sure you're connected to your actual router. Not a guest network. Not a random hotspot. iPhones and Androids love to sneakily use LTE/5G when WiFi looks slow. The Netgear Nighthawk app hates this. Go into your phone settings and toggle off mobile data while you're setting it up or using the app. Once it's working again, you can flip it back on. Android: Long-press the app > App info > Storage > Clear cache. iPhone: Just delete and reinstall the app. Sometimes the app just gets weird junk stuck in it. Clearing or reinstalling usually fixes mystery bugs. Seriously. Check for updates. Old app + new phone or new app + old phone OS = instant weird behavior. Go to the App Store or Play Store and update everything. If you just can't get it to connect on local WiFi, flip on remote access in the app (if you had it set up before). You'll need your Netgear account login. Not as fast, but it works when local discovery is acting stupid. This is the nuclear option. If nothing else works, grab a paperclip, press and hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10+ seconds. Be ready to reconfigure everything — network name, passwords, etc. Don't do this unless you're totally stuck. Honestly, the Nighthawk app is just okay. Once you're set up, go bookmark 192.168.1.1 or in your browser. That's the actual web interface. More options, fewer bugs, and you don't need to worry if the app flakes out again. Seriously. You have to be connected to the router — either through Wi-Fi or with an Ethernet cable. Doesn't matter which. Just don't try this from your office VPN or from your neighbor's guest Wi-Fi. Doesn't matter if it's Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or whatever. Open it up. In the address bar — not the Google search box — type this: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (Those are the most common. If those don't work, try or Yeah, I know, super creative URLs, right?) Hit Enter. If you've never changed it, the default is usually: Username: admin Password: password Yep. That's really it. If that doesn't work, someone changed it. If that someone, was you but you forgot the password — well, we're going to have to reset the whole damn thing (more on that below). If the credentials were right, you're in. You'll see the Netgear dashboard. It's not the prettiest interface, but it gets the job done. Now you can mess with settings, change SSIDs, update firmware, set parental controls, whatever. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Time Business News
How to Set Up Netgear WiFi Extender via Web Browser or WPS
Yes, there are mainly two methods that a Netgear extender user can use to configure it. One is just with the help of a button and another is through the computer or laptop. We will share both of the setup methods with correct instructions to set the extender up with your router. Let's start with the technical configuration route which is manual (through mywifiext wizard). And then end it with the quick setup methods (WPS button). If you're someone who likes seeing things on screen and making sure each step is done right, this method is for you. Connect your Netgear WiFi extender into a power socket. Watch the Power LED, give it 30 seconds or so. It should go solid green or white. If it's blinking forever, try a different outlet. On your phone, laptop, or whatever device you've got go to your WiFi list. Look for something like NETGEAR_EXT. Connect to that. No password needed yet. Just hop on. Open Chrome, Safari, Firefox whatever you use. Type or into the address bar. Hit enter. If that doesn't load? Try: 192.168.1.250 Still no luck? Reboot the extender. Try again. Once you land on the Netgear setup page, you'll get a step-by-step wizard. Use these instructions: Choose your home WiFi network. Enter the actual password for your router. (Not the one on the extender label.) Let the extender do its thing. It'll connect, set up a boosted version of your WiFi, and ask you to name it. You can keep the default name or call it something like MyWiFi_EXT if you want to know it's the extended signal. Your device will disconnect from NETGEAR_EXT. Go to WiFi settings again and connect to the new extended network. Test it. Open YouTube. Check speeds. Walk around your house. Now, the Web browser Netgear extender setup done. But there is one more way to connect your extender with the router (it is easier and faster than browser setup). If you don't want to mess with browser pages or passwords, WPS is your best friend. Not every router supports it but if yours does, this is ridiculously simple. Power your extender by just Plugging it in the working wall socket. Wait for the power LED to stabilize, means the extender is boosted now. It's usually marked clearly with 'WPS' on it. Hold the button for like 2 seconds. WPS light will start blinking, means the extender is searching for the router network. Within 2 minutes, head to your router. Press its WPS button. WPS button. Wait. The extender will sync with your router and clone the network. The extender WPS LED will stop blinking and turn solid means the router links with the extender. Once it connects, you'll see a new WiFi network name ending in _EXT. You don't need to set a new password. It uses the same one as your router. Let's not pretend this always goes smoothly. Here's what to do when stuff goes sideways: Page not loading on browser? Clear cache or try a different browser. Reboot the extender. Clear cache or try a different browser. Reboot the extender. Wrong WiFi password? Double-check caps lock. You'd be surprised how many people mess that up. Double-check caps lock. You'd be surprised how many people mess that up. Can't find NETGEAR_EXT? Netgear extender Reset procedure is initiated by holding the reset button (usually a pinhole) for 10 seconds. Netgear extender Reset procedure is initiated by holding the reset button (usually a pinhole) for 10 seconds. WPS not working? Not all routers support it. You might have to stick with the browser method. Hope this setup guide helped you to connect your extender with your WiFi router via two different methods (WPS or mywifiext). You must also learn how to troubleshoot common troubles by provided tips section above. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
18-07-2025
- Time Business News
How to Use 192.168.1.1 to Secure Your Home WiFi Network
Netgear nighthawk routers has a default assigned IP address which helps them to connect with the internet and other devices. These addresses can be changed after use with there subnet. Also, user can use this IP to adjust the router's settings and configure the device. Just apply these below given instructions to reach inside the 192.168.1.1 login interface and configure a few important settings. There are simple to apply major steps to use the 192.168.1.1 IP address to get to the Netgear router interface and access it. Open Chrome. Or Firefox. Doesn't matter. In the address bar (not Google), type this: 192.168.1.1, hit enter. Now you'll see a login box. If you've never changed your router's username or password, it's probably something super basic like: Username: admin admin Password: admin or password Look on the bottom of your router if you're stuck. There's usually a sticker with the default details. Heads up: If you're still using those factory defaults, anyone in range could potentially mess with your settings. Time to fix that… This is where people mess up. Your WiFi password and your router login are two different things . Changing just one isn't enough. Here's how: Go to 'Administration' or 'System Settings' (the name varies depending on brand) Look for something like 'Change Router Password' or 'Login Settings' Create a new username + a real password (not something like 'admin123') You just closed a wide-open door. Good move. Next, head to the 'Wireless' or 'WiFi Settings' section. You'll see something like: SSID (that's just the WiFi network name you see when you're connecting) WiFi Password Change the name of your network. No more 'TP-Link_9C2' or 'NETGEAR54'. That tells people exactly what router you're using—aka gives hackers clues. Use something random or personal (but not your name or address). Then update the password: Make it at least 12 characters Mix upper/lowercase, numbers, and symbols Don't use common words or your dog's name This is what stops neighbors and strangers from mooching or snooping. Simple fix. Big impact. If your router still says WEP or WPA, that's ancient and crackable. Seriously—WEP is so weak someone could break in while ordering a coffee next door. Go to 'Security Settings' or 'Wireless Security.' Set it to: WPA3 (best) Or WPA2 AES if WPA3 isn't an option Do not pick 'WPA2-TKIP' or 'mixed mode'. That stuff's outdated junk. WPS is that 'push-to-connect' button. It feels convenient, but it's actually a security hole. Hackers can brute-force it way too easily. Look for a WPS option—disable it. Done. You can disable the WPS of the extender (if connected), from the Mywifiext (Netgear wifi extender setup) window on your computer. Most routers have a built-in firewall, but sometimes it's not even enabled by default. Dumb, right? Look under Security or Advanced settings and make sure: The firewall is ON Remote management is OFF (you don't want someone accessing your router from across town or the world) Firmware is your router's 'brain.' Manufacturers push updates to fix security holes, but your router doesn't always install them on its own. Find the 'Firmware Update' or 'Software Upgrade' section. Some routers can check for updates automatically—use it. If not, go to the brand's site, search your model, and update manually. One update can close dozens of known backdoors. Got people over often? Kids' friends? Relatives who visit and ask, 'What's the WiFi password?' Create a Guest Network: Keeps your main devices (laptop, smart home gear, cameras) totally separate If their phone's compromised, your stuff stays safe You can even limit speed and time You'll find this in 'Wireless Settings' or 'Guest WiFi.' Not only the Netgear devices are assigned with the 192.168.1.1, the netgear extenders are assigned with a different IP address 192.168.1.250. this IP address is used to setup and configure the extender on your computer. Hope, these instructions helped you to reach inside the setup page. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CNET
11-07-2025
- CNET
What Is a Network Switch? I Spoke With a Netgear Expert to Find Out
If you're serious about optimizing your internet connection, then using a network switch could take it to the next level. You might be wondering: "If my home internet works fine without a network switch, do I really need one?' I spoke with an expert from Netgear to discover the benefits of using one. Spoiler: It can improve your connection. A network switch is a device you connect to your router. It opens up more Ethernet ports, allowing your router to connect to multiple devices. If your household frequently relies on your home broadband connection to stream or game, these activities can hog a lot of bandwidth. It helps to have a network switch to speed up your connection. Sometimes, an advanced network switch can also prioritize your traffic for specific devices, such as Smart TVs or gaming consoles and reduce network congestion. Why does this matter? Well, if your network suffers from a lot of congestion, you'll likely see slower and inconsistent speeds. This can really put a damper on you're gaming or streaming your favorite show. There is more than one type of network switch, which we'll cover in a bit. Each serves its own purpose. However, choosing the best type of network switch for your needs will depend on a few things. John Henkel, Netgear's director of SMB Product Marketing, tells CNET that 'a user should consider their own level of tech savviness, their appetite for customization and control, and what the network needs are,' before considering investing in a network switch. How does a network switch anyway? Akamai/Screenshot by CNET It can be easy to confuse a router and a network switch, as they offer similar features but have different purposes. According to Spiceworks, a router transfers information through data packets from one computer network to another. It can also direct traffic between these computer networks and route it to their final destination, a specified Internet Protocol address. aka an IP address. On the other hand, a network switch is a device that connects your router to multiple devices. It operates at layer 2 of the Open Systems Interconnection model. A network switch sends data through packets using the appropriate Ethernet ports that lead to the intended device. One of the main advantages of using a network switch is that it allows you to connect your router to multiple devices such as computers, wireless access points, printers and other servers. Locating local internet providers Knowing the different types of switches available can help you better understand how network switches work. The names of these switches can differ based on the industry, but overall, switches fall into the categories of unmanaged to fully managed. The types of network switches and their prices Netgear categorizes switches into the following buckets: Unmanaged switches are the simplest type, involving a plug-and-play device that requires very little setup or configuration. These can be most useful for basic switching and connectivity for the average household. Most unmanaged switches are the cheaper option, with some priced below $100. are the simplest type, involving a plug-and-play device that requires very little setup or configuration. These can be most useful for basic switching and connectivity for the average household. Most unmanaged switches are the cheaper option, with some priced below $100. Smart managed switches offer more complex features and advanced controls . They provide customized controls to prioritize certain kinds of traffic, like video calls or streaming. Similar to fully managed switches, smart-managed devices can range anywhere from $100 up to $2,000 or more. offer more complex features and advanced controls They provide customized controls to prioritize certain kinds of traffic, like video calls or streaming. Similar to fully managed switches, smart-managed devices can range anywhere from $100 up to $2,000 or more. Fully managed switches are considered top-notch, enterprise-grade devices. They usually have professional audio, video and other complicated networking functions. In addition, they offer the most security and precise network controls and management. These switches would benefit businesses that require connectivity for a larger network. The only downside is that they will likely be the most expensive option. Most fully managed switches can range anywhere from $120 to $7,000 and up. So, which is the best type of network switch? For the average household, you'll likely only use an unmanaged or a smart managed switch. 'Most households will benefit the most from a simple, inexpensive, unmanaged switch,' Henkel said. 'They won't need the customization and management options that come with an enterprise-grade managed switch.' Faster speeds, increased security and better controls Now that we've covered the different types of switches available, how can a network switch actually help your home internet connection? A network switch can be ideal because it helps speed up your home internet connection. Most households use devices such as TVs, printers, computers and more, which consume a lot of bandwidth. According to OpenVault's latest report, in the first quarter of 2025, downstream usage increased by 12.1% compared to last year, whereas upstream was up by 13.7%. Different online activities rely on both your downstream (download) usage and upstream (upload) usage. That same report also highlighted that over 115 million US households owned a smart TV in 2024 and spent an average of 21-plus hours per week streaming. Needless to say, more and more households are consuming plenty of bandwidth, which makes investing in a network switch valuable. According to Akamai, here are some of the common benefits of using a network switch: Increased bandwidth A network switch can help produce faster speeds for the connected devices. If you notice that your actual speeds differ from what your internet service provider advertises, this can be from any of a number of factors, such as router placement, the layout of your home, large walls and obstructions interfering with your Wi-Fi signal or even throttled speeds from your ISP. However, if you've tried different ways to optimize your connection at home and are still running into internet trouble, then it might be time to invest in a network switch. Increased security Switches can create virtual LANs or VLANs, which isolate network traffic and separate sensitive data, restricting access to approved devices only. This can be especially helpful in securing your network from unauthorized devices and/or hackers. Increased network controls You control and manage your network. Adding a network switch can increase the number of devices connected to it. Ethernet power over Wi-Fi Many network switches typically use Ethernet technology to connect to other devices. An Ethernet cable may be more energy efficient since these devices won't need a separate power supply. In addition, an Ethernet connection may offer faster speeds than Wi-Fi. Network switches are great, if you can get past the steep price tag There are many advantages to having a network switch, as we've covered. However, the biggest downside is that switches typically have a steep price tag. Overall, the price will depend on the brand and type of network switch you purchase. For the most part, the average network switch can range anywhere from $120 to as high as $30,000. Keep in mind that fully managed switches will likely fall on the pricier end of that range. But there are a few unmanaged switches online with more basic features that are priced below $100. So, are network switches worth it? 'While you won't need a top-of-the-line switch, I still recommend researching and investing in a quality product,' Henkel said. He also recommended that a higher quality network switch likely requires a greater up-front investment, though this just means you'll get better results for your money, since it will be more durable for years to come. A network switch can be a game-changer for optimizing your home internet connection. It offers plenty of benefits ideal for the average household, such as increased speeds, security and network control. An unmanaged network switch with basic controls will likely be sufficient for the average household. Though if you want more personalized controls, which involve prioritizing traffic for specific devices, you can expect to pay more up-front. Network switch FAQs What is a network switch? A network switch is a device that you connect to your router. It opens up more Ethernet ports, allowing your router to connect to multiple devices in your home. There are different types of network switches and their names can differ based on industry, but they usually fall under the category of unmanaged to fully managed switches. Unmanaged switches offer the most basic features, whereas smart managed and fully managed switches offer more complex and personalized controls. What are the benefits of using a network switch? One of the main advantages of using a network switch is that it helps optimize your network by increasing bandwidth and reducing network congestion, providing better security and controls over your network and the benefits of Ethernet technology.
