logo
ENع
#

Latest news with #expert

After Years of Testing Wi-Fi Routers, Here's the Best Spot for Your Mesh Router
After Years of Testing Wi-Fi Routers, Here's the Best Spot for Your Mesh Router

CNET

time3 hours ago

  • CNET

After Years of Testing Wi-Fi Routers, Here's the Best Spot for Your Mesh Router

When it comes to optimizing your internet connection throughout your home, router placement is key. So you might want to reconsider before hiding your mesh system. The truth is, most Wi-Fi routers are pretty ugly. Your first impulse is probably to tuck your router away and hide ugly cords to reduce clutter. But if you've noticed your Wi-Fi struggling in certain rooms, it's worth rethinking your router placement -- even with a mesh system. As an expert, I've been testing and reviewing router performance for years, and I've found that few things are as critical to Wi-Fi speeds as the location of your router. While a traditional Wi-Fi router sends out a signal from a single point in your home, a mesh system uses multiple devices to emit signals from various points. That makes it more like a team of routers that work together to relay your traffic back to the modem. It's a much better approach to home networking, particularly in large, multistory homes, where a traditional, single-point router will likely leave you with dead zones in the rooms that are farthest away. Still, location is everything when setting up your router and satellite extenders, which are also sometimes called nodes (or Points if you use Nest Wi-Fi). Their specific location significantly affects the system's performance. Internet is already expensive, with over 63% of US adults paying $195 or more on average, so if you've invested in a mesh router system, you should be getting the speeds you're paying for. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you go. (You can also check out our tips on the best location for your Wi-Fi router and how to protect your home Wi-Fi network from hackers.) Where is the best location to place your mesh router? Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform their best when they're located out in the open, and up off of the ground. Netgear First, you'll want the main router, or the mesh device wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. That's the same approach you'd take with a single router, and the reasoning is the same: Routers put out Wi-Fi signals in all directions, so placing your router in a central location within your home will maximize your connection. Locating local internet providers That goes double for mesh systems, where the strength of the connection near your nodes will largely depend on the strength of the incoming signal from the main router. A stronger connection between the two will help ensure you're getting the fastest Wi-Fi speeds throughout your home. Your options for moving the router might seem limited by the location of your modem and the incoming wiring for your home's internet connection, but an extra-long Ethernet cable can come in handy here, allowing you to move the router away from where the modem sits if necessary. If that's impractical or you'd prefer to keep the cables to a minimum, you'll at least want to move that main router out into the open, preferably as high off the ground as possible. This guide from Asus highlights a mesh rule of thumb -- for the best performance, try to keep each device in your setup no more than two rooms away from another one. Asus Move those extenders around Once the main router is situated in the best spot possible, you'll want to pick out good spots for the extenders. With most systems, you can connect each device to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest speeds possible, but most people prefer to connect everything wirelessly to reduce clutter. Since Wi-Fi is slower than Ethernet, you'll want to be extra strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home. To learn more, read our guide on the difference between a Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet connection. Again, out in the open and off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you'll also want to consider the layout of your home, as physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to try and keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms away from each other. The thickness and material of your walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if they're built with dense materials like brick or concrete, which can make it difficult for Wi-Fi signals to penetrate. You'll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances. If you're sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it on top of the fridge; move it away from your appliances altogether. Most mesh systems come with companion apps that include placement guides for your devices, signal strength checks, and other diagnostic tools to help you make sure you've got everything in the best spot possible. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET Furniture can also block Wi-Fi signals, so if you have anything large or bulky between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating it. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has difficulty transmitting through water. The best way to ensure that your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check the signal strength of each device, which is something most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below: Avoid these dead zones If you've got a back corner of your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that'd be a mistake. Remember, like your phone or laptop, your mesh extenders need to connect wirelessly with the main router in your setup. If that back corner is a dead zone for your phone or laptop, it'll likely be a dead zone for your mesh extender too. The better approach is to place that extender adjacent to the dead zone in a spot where it'll have an easier time connecting with the main router. In some cases, that might be halfway between the dead zone and the main router, but you might need to experiment a bit. Hit the sweet spot, and the Wi-Fi signal it puts out should be a healthy one, and one that'll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life. A good speed test will help you understand how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room. James Martin/CNET Run a speed test Apart from the diagnostic tools in your mesh router's app, the fastest way to check on your system's performance is to run speed tests. There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you in a minute or less the upload and download speeds on whatever device you're using. However, our top recommendation is Ookla thanks to its consistency and reliability. This is also a tool that we often use to determine speeds offered by different internet providers. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. Ultimately, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to try and balance things out, or you could consider buying an additional extender to fill in any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed. Running a speed test can help you figure out the best spot to put your mesh router. Chris Monroe/CNET Other considerations for your mesh router Just remember that your mesh router can only offer speeds that are as fast as what you're paying for from your ISP. If speeds are widely insufficient in your home, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster plan (and it might be worth seeing if your ISP will let you try a faster plan for a few days to see if that is, indeed, the problem). Your ISP might also be able to provide you with an updated modem that'll bring better, faster speeds to your mesh system to begin with. Can't hurt to ask. If speeds still seem slower than you'd like, and your ISP isn't the answer, there are a few other things you can try. For starters, if your provider's modem is a gateway device that doubles as a router, you'll want to disable its Wi-Fi network so that it doesn't interfere with your mesh system's Wi-Fi network. Speaking of interference, it's possible that a neighbor's Wi-Fi network is interfering with yours. To remedy that, hop into your mesh router's app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from whatever channel nearby networks use. You'll also want to ensure that your mesh system's firmware is updates, which should be easy to check within its app. For more, check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, and how to find free secure Wi-Fi wherever you go. Mesh router placement FAQ Where is the best mesh node placement? The best place for your mesh router nodes depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. Additionally, you'll have to decide if you want to connect your mesh nodes with an Ethernet cable, for the fastest possible speeds, or wirelessly. If you opt for an Ethernet cable connection, you'll be more limited with how far away you can place the nodes, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh nodes no more than two rooms away from each other, away from blockage from bulky furniture or electronics and in an upraised position. Instead of placing your mesh node in the middle of a dead zone, try placing it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, your node will still be close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. ...Read more Does mesh make internet faster? A common misconception about mesh routers is that they make your overall internet speeds faster. A mesh router network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house -- and keeping any dead zones to a minimum -- but they won't necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh router systems can only deliver the speeds that you're paying for from your ISP. Updated router equipment, optimized router location and an Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds. ...Read more What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network? One of the major downsides of a mesh router system is its high price: High-performing mesh routers tend to be more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers. If you're trying to boost your Wi-Fi, you should exhaust other options before investing in a brand-new mesh router system. Additionally, mesh routers tend to have fewer ports for connecting USB jacks or Ethernet cables, and some don't have any extra ports at all. ...Read more

13 Phrases To Wipe From Your Vocabulary—They Come Off As Arrogant
13 Phrases To Wipe From Your Vocabulary—They Come Off As Arrogant

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • General
  • Yahoo

13 Phrases To Wipe From Your Vocabulary—They Come Off As Arrogant

It's often the subtlest phrases that can derail conversations and even relationships, those little verbal tics that slip in unnoticed but pack a wallop of unintended arrogance. They may masquerade as confidence or intelligence, but they often come across as self-important or dismissive. The truth is, our words can quietly mold the atmosphere of our interactions, often determining whether we're seen as approachable or aloof. Here's a look at 13 phrases you might want to retire from your vocabulary if you want to foster genuine connection without the baggage of arrogance. It's tempting to frame your knowledge as a gift you're bestowing upon someone else, but starting with "Let me educate you" can land as patronizing. This phrase assumes a lack of knowledge on the other person's part, immediately creating an uneven playing field. The truth is, people are more receptive to new information when it's presented as a shared discovery. According to communication expert Deborah Tannen, language should invite collaboration, not competition. So rather than positioning yourself as an all-knowing oracle, consider framing your insights as part of a dialogue. Phrases like "Have you ever thought about..." or "It might be interesting to consider..." invite curiosity rather than resistance. The goal should be to engage in a mutually enriching conversation, not a one-sided lecture. When you approach exchanges with openness and humility, you'll find others are more eager to engage and contribute their own perspectives. When you declare something as "just common sense," you're essentially invalidating someone else's perspective. It implies that the information is so obvious that failing to recognize it is a flaw on their part. But here's the catch: what's common to one person is not necessarily common to another, shaped as we are by different experiences and backgrounds. Elevating your own view as the baseline for commonality is a subtle form of arrogance that stifles meaningful dialogue. Instead, try acknowledging the diversity of thought that exists in any given situation. A simple shift to saying, "From my perspective..." or "In my experience..." can transform the dynamic of a conversation. This not only makes your viewpoint clear but also leaves room for other voices to enter the discussion. After all, the most enlightening conversations often come from the blending of different perspectives. This phrase is a conversation-stopper, a verbal wall that shuts down any opportunity for growth or understanding. By stating someone "obviously" doesn't understand, you place yourself in a position of superior knowledge, which can come across as condescending. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, such language diminishes the perceived credibility and warmth of the speaker. It's a fast track to alienating your conversational partner and leaving them feeling belittled. A more constructive approach is to frame your observations as questions or reflections. "Can we explore this a bit more?" or "What are your thoughts on this?" invites the other person to share their understanding and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. This approach not only enriches the conversation but also positions you as a partner in understanding, rather than an adversary. The goal is to build bridges, not barriers. Voicing the belief that you have all the answers can feel like a power move, but it often reads as arrogance. It suggests a closed mind, unwilling to entertain alternatives or explore new avenues of thought. The reality is, life is complex, and no one person holds the definitive guidebook. Claiming otherwise shuts the door on the serendipity of learning from others. Consider adopting a mindset of curiosity instead. Phrasing like, "Let's figure this out together" or "I'm open to other ideas" encourages a spirit of collaboration. It positions you as someone willing to learn as much as you teach. The conversations that emerge from this stance are often richer and more rewarding for all involved. Honesty is a virtue, but wielding it like a blunt instrument can come off as arrogance cloaked in transparency. The phrase "I'm just being honest" can often serve as a prelude to criticism or dismissiveness, making it a verbal weapon rather than a bridge. Research conducted by Robin Kowalski, a professor of psychology at Clemson University, suggests that brutal honesty often does more harm than good, eroding trust and intimacy. Before leaning on this phrase, consider the impact of your words and whether they contribute to or detract from the conversation. Opt for thoughtful honesty, which values both truth and tact. Saying "I feel differently about this" or "Here's how I see it" can open up space for an honest exchange without the collateral damage. The aim should be to foster understanding, not to assert dominance. This phrase carries a distinct whiff of condescension, implying that someone lacks the wisdom or experience to grasp the situation at hand. It discounts their current understanding and places you as the gatekeeper of maturity and insight. While it might be true that experience shapes perspective, dismissing someone else's viewpoint in this way is a conversational dead end. A more inclusive approach is to share your experiences while inviting their input. Phrasing like, "From my own experiences, I've found..." or "What's your take on it?" allows for a two-way exchange of insights. This respects the other person's perspective while also sharing your own. Conversations rooted in mutual respect tend to bloom into the most meaningful relationships. Labeling yourself as a "perfectionist" might be intended to convey a dedication to high standards, but it often reads as a humblebrag with an edge of superiority. It suggests that your pursuit of excellence somehow sets you apart from mere mortals who settle for less. According to psychologist Thomas Curran, perfectionism often masks insecurity rather than signaling superiority, creating barriers rather than bridges. Rather than using "perfectionist" as a badge, consider discussing your commitment to growth and learning. Phrases like "I always strive to improve" or "I'm dedicated to learning" can communicate your values without implying judgment on others. This not only makes you more relatable but also opens the door to shared journeys of improvement. After all, growth is a collaborative process, not a solo endeavor. Declaring that someone is overreacting minimizes their feelings and invalidates their experience, suggesting that their emotional response is unjustified. It positions you as the arbiter of appropriate reactions, often escalating rather than defusing tension. Emotions are complex and deeply personal, and dismissing them can damage trust and intimacy. Instead, strive to validate the other person's emotions, even if you don't fully understand them. Phrases like "I see that this is important to you" or "Help me understand how you're feeling" can go a long way in creating a supportive atmosphere. This approach fosters empathy, paving the way for a more productive dialogue. In the end, acknowledging emotions is the first step toward resolving them. Few phrases are as infamous for their smugness as "I told you so." It's a declaration of your own foresight, often at the expense of someone else's misstep. While it might momentarily boost your ego, it does so by diminishing the other person, sowing seeds of resentment. Winning the momentary battle of egos often costs far more than it gains. Instead of focusing on being right, center the conversation on what can be learned moving forward. Phrases like "How can we tackle this together?" or "What did we learn from this?" redirect the focus from past errors to future solutions. This not only preserves relationships but also strengthens them through shared challenges. After all, the best teams are forged in the fires of collaboration, not competition. The phrase "that's impossible" not only limits your own thinking but also douses the creativity and optimism of those around you. It declares an end to possibilities, often before they've even been explored. While skepticism has its place, dismissing ideas outright stifles innovation and growth. Visionaries and problem-solvers thrive on possibility, not impossibility. Consider adopting a mindset of possibility instead. Phrases like "What would it take to achieve this?" or "How can we approach this differently?" open the door to creativity and collaboration. By focusing on potential solutions rather than immediate limitations, you not only inspire others but also uncover new pathways forward. The best ideas often spring from the fertile ground of open-mindedness. Declaring that you don't have time for something often comes across as dismissive, implying that your schedule and priorities are more important than someone else's. It can make others feel undervalued or unworthy of your attention. In truth, we all navigate busy lives, but the choice of words can make a significant difference. Rather than dismissing the situation outright, consider acknowledging the other person's concern while expressing your constraints. Phrases like "I'd love to discuss this further, but I'm tied up right now" or "Can we revisit this when I have more bandwidth?" offer respect while maintaining your boundaries. This not only preserves relationships but also fosters mutual understanding and respect. This phrase is a quick way to shut down a conversation and make someone feel excluded or belittled. It presumes a gap in understanding that's insurmountable, positioning you as the keeper of elusive knowledge. Such language creates distance, often fostering resentment instead of resolution. A more inclusive approach is to invite questions and encourage dialogue. Phrases like "Let's dive into this together" or "Here's how I see it—what's your perspective?" invite others into the conversation. This not only enriches the exchange but also fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration. The most rewarding conversations are those where everyone feels welcome and valued. While the intention behind "If I were you" might be to offer perspective or guidance, it often lands as presumptuous. It suggests that you know better than the person experiencing the situation firsthand, which can feel patronizing. This phrase often overlooks the unique complexities and nuances that only the individual facing the challenge truly understands. Instead, offer your support and insights without assuming superiority. Phrases like "Based on my experiences..." or "Here's what I might consider..." allow for sharing without overshadowing. This not only respects the other person's autonomy but also opens the door to mutual problem-solving. In the end, the most effective support is that which empowers rather than prescribes.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store