router Archives - Page 5 of 5 - Rick's Daily Tips

Review: TP-LINK Archer C7 AC1750 Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router

Posted on January 27, 2018

Your router is the bridge between your computers, mobile devices and other Internet-connected gadgets and your broadband modem, making it one of the most important components of your local network.

Router technology has advanced by leaps and bounds of late, and super-fast and reliable AC class routers are the best ever in my opinion.

I recently had the opportunity to check out the TP-LINK Archer C7 AC1750 Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router (#ad), and I believe it’s the best AC class router you can buy without spending a small fortune. [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the best way to connect 13 computers to create a classroom network?

Posted on November 5, 2016

Question from Carl B.: As the youth minister for my church, I’m in charge of our computer-based Bible training program. I need your help with a networking question.

We have a classroom that’s set up to allow 5 students at a time to use a popular Bible study software package and collaborate with the class in virtual discussions. The kids also take computer-based quizzes and tests.

We currently have 6 desktop computers connected to the network via two wired routers. All the computers can access the Internet, but we only connect the router to the DSL modem when we need to download Windows updates. The students are never allowed to use the Internet so that needn’t factor into your recommendation.

We want to add an additional 7 computers so that 12 students plus the teacher can be connected to the network at the same time. In order to do this, can we add extra routers to the network to connect the extra computers? Or perhaps you have a better setup that you can recommend?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is there a router that can be set up without using a computer?

Posted on November 3, 2016

Question from Donna R.: I know this is probably an unusual question Rick, but is there a router that can be set up using just a smart phone?

I remember setting up all the routers I’ve had before by connecting them to a computer. But my family no longer uses computers, only smart phones and a couple of iPads.

If you don’t know of a router that can be set up without a computer I can always borrow my sister’s laptop, but she lives over 2 hours away!

I’ll be grateful for any advice you can give me. Thanks for your help!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the best gaming router for multiple devices and a Gigabit Internet connection?

Posted on January 11, 2016

netgear-nighthawk-x8-router Question from Sean P.: I have a twin brother and our birthday is coming up soon. Our grandfather has agreed to buy us a new router and we can pick the one we want.

What we’re looking for is the best (fastest) router to connect our gaming PCs and Xbox to the Internet (and to one another). Our family also has several TVs, phones and tablets that we use a lot. We do a lot of streaming on Netflix and Hulu too.

We have a Verizon FiOS Gigabit Internet connection and we’d like to be able to use all of the available bandwidth. Can you recommend a router that will work best for us?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the IP address for my Linksys E2500 wireless router?

Posted on September 6, 2013

Question from Donna L.: Hi Rick. I just read your post explaining why I need to password protect my Wi-Fi connection, and I want to do it.

The problem is I can’t find the manual for my router so I don’t know what IP address I need to use to log into it. Can you tell me what it is? It’s a Lynksys E2500. Also, I can’t remember the username and password for the login screen. Can I reset them?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]