Networking - Page 2

Rivet Networks (Killer) and Intel have teamed up on a new Wireless-AC card, the 1550. Its predecessor, the 1535, was a formidable card, but now Killer is working with Intel to produce their next generation Wireless AC products with Bluetooth 5.0.

The new card will feature 160MHz support, with theoretical speeds of 1.73Gbps. That is double the speed of most existing 2x2 Wireless AC cards.

It will also offer Wave 2.11ac features like MU-MIMO and Transmit Beamforming. The card is powered by Intel's latest technology, and should lead the way into the next generation of wireless-AC cards. The new card will be capable of DoubleShot Pro, which is where wireless and wired NICs work together to handle different bandwidth.

CES 2018 - Netgear have just announced their new Orbi Outdoor Satellite which will allow users to stay connected to their internet while outside and not have to worry about the elements damaging their portable extenders.

The Orbi Outdoor Satellite is specifically designed for outdoor use as the device will extend your Wi-Fi signal by an additional 2,500 square feet. To eliminate fears of an outdoor Wi-Fi device being damaged by the elements, Netgear have made the Orbi Outdoor Satellite completely water and dust resistant.

Most other Wi-Fi extenders provide users with a slower connection speed, but Netgear's Orbi Outdoor Satellite won't have this issue. Netgear have deployed some proprietary technology called FastLane3, which is capable of dedicating bandwidth between the Orbi Wi-Fi and your router, giving your outdoor devices the best connection speed possible.

Ever thought I could really use a Blu-ray disc drive for my NAS? Well, someone at QNAP clearly has because QNAP have teamed up with Vinpower Digital to integrate Vinpower's industrial-grade Blu-ray optical disc drive in to QNAP's latest NAS, the TVS-882BR NAS series. This NAS will provide the ability to write content from your NAS directly to CD, DVD and Blu-ray optical discs. This provides users with the ability to back-up storage on multiple formats, portable data and just for media playback on their Blu-ray player or DVD player.

"In the past year, we've seen a number of natural disasters that have destroyed whole communities, making storing content in a single location alone highly dangerous and susceptible to complete data loss," said Ryan Swerdloff, Vice President of Vinpower Digital. "Utilizing the optical disc writer drive on the TVS-882BR series provides an added layer of protection not found on most common NAS back-up solutions. In essence, it's an added level of insurance added to an excellent secure storage solution, similar to getting earthquake or flood insurance on top of your standard home insurance policy. You may never need to use it, but should the worst case scenario happen, you'll be protected and relieved you had it."

The TVS-882BR series is perfect for users with valuable data that want to have multiple formats of back-ups and demand excellent performance from their NAS . This 8-bay NAS is backed by Intel's 7th Generation multi-core processors, two M.2 SATA 6Gb/s slots, triple HDMI output, the ability to transcodes 4K H.264 videos on-the-fly or offline and pre-loaded ODD that allows you to experience extensive disc applications right way.

IoT is the future, not doubt about it. ASRock have taken the initiative and released their new smart home router, the X10. Featuring dual-band Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO and Beamforming support, ASRock have included tech savvy features such as ZigBee and IR blasters. This allows the X10 to control various smart devices to create a central hub for your home network.

ZigBee radio allows for compatible smart home appliances (sensors, lighting, heaters, security systems, etc.) using a 250 Kbit/s channel and enable users to read/control through the ASRock Router app for Apple iOS and Google Android. ASRock Router app is also capable of setting automated scenes, this means your router can have the lights turn off when you go to bed, or turn on your TV when you get up in the morning. This allows for users to have complete control over their smart devices in their home using only their phone or tablet.

The X10's IR blasters allow the router to control devices such as TVs or air conditioners. Unfortunately, the router must be in direct line of the device to allow for the IR signal to not be interrupted for this feature to work. Other features you can expect from your X10 is the ability to operate a private VPN server, parental controls and the impressive geofencing feature. This allows you the ability to have cameras and security systems turn on when you leave your house and turn on your lights when you return.

Today ASUS have announced a September release for their gaming-friendly AC2900-class Wi-Fi router, the RT-AC86U. Powered by a 1.8GHz 32bit dual-core processor, the RT-AC86U features concurrent dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, boosted by NitroQAM™ and MU-MIMO technology that is able to deliver bandwidth of up to an impressive 2166Mbps on the 5GHz frequency band and 750Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.

The RT-AC86U delivers the ultimate gaming experience, with built-in WTFast® game accelerator that optimizes game server connections and Adaptive QoS to proritze game traffic and ensures priority to online gaming in the network queue, The RT-AC86U truly delivers lag-free online gaming and ultra-smooth 4K UHD streaming.

Offering commercial-grade security, thanks to the in-built ASUS AiProtection that is powered by Trend Micro™ Smart Network, the RT-AC86U is able to detect and neutralize internet threats before they can reach the network. ASUS AiRadar 2.0 beamforming technology and ASUS RangeBoost allow the RT-AC86U to provide ultrawide coverage and long-range performance, eliminating dead spots and allow users to enjoy mobile gaming, even in remote corners of the house.

ASUS has surprised with the release of the first consumer-grade 10GbE card at a very reasonable price of just $99, and thanks to its PCIe 3.0 x4 connection, it will fit into most modern PCs.

ASUS taps the Aquantia silicon for its XG-C100C adapter, which supports 10/5/2.5/1Gbps networking standards as well as 100Mbps (why, oh why) through normal RJ45 and Cat5e/Cat6 cabling. ASUS uses the Aquantia AQtion AQC107 controller that supports five networking standards (100M, 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G) through PCIe 3.0 x4, and has LEDs for network activity and connection speeds so you're not in the dark over your 10GbE speeds.

The new 10GbE network adapter is capable of pushing 1GB/sec over your network, if it's feeding into another 10GbE machine or a 10GbE-capable NAS or switch. ASUS has its new XG-C100C available at US retailers for $99, which is a freakin' steal. Aquantia sells its own AQC107-based cards for $130, so it's actually cheaper to buy the ASUS XG-C100C, which is powered by the identical chip.

The networking world is going through some changes, after the 1GbE standard becoming a household name on motherboards, with 10GbE being too expensive to shift over.

ASUS is a company that makes high-end components and products, so it made sense that during their recent 'Outshine the Competition' event in Berlin, ASUS teased a new PCIe-based 10GbE adapter. The new ASUS ROG Areion is a 10GbE Ethernet adapter that has a huge heat sink, and plugs into a PCIe 3.0 x4 port.

The ROG Areion is also backwards compatible with slower networking standards, with 5GbE, 2.5GbE, 1GbE, and 100Mbps - but 10GbE is why we're all here... over 1GB/sec on your network is a huge deal for some people, especially content creators.

Chattanooga's homeade fiber network has paid dividends and then some: unemployment has dropped to 4.1 percent from 7.8 percent in the past three years and wages are up (which mayor Andy Berke says is directly related to internet jobs and the technology sector), to name a few improvements.

"It changed our conceptions of who we are and what is possible," says Berke. "Before we had never thought of ourselves as a technology city."

The downtown area has exploded as well, with residency doubling, thanks in part to landlords offer gigabit speeds included in rent. Tech businesses and events have shown up in the area too. The revitalized core has paved the way for the success of restaurants, bars, music, and more, too, Berke notes.

Google parent company Alphabet is envisioning a not-so-distant future where internet doesn't require cable running through your city, but rather is beamed wirelessly into your home.

Company chairman Eric Schmidt brought the idea up at the annual shareholder meeting, where he stated that thanks to better computer chips and accurate "targeting of wireless signals", the technology is not only viable, but it can match its own Google Fiber speed-wise. Schmidt said he's met with Alphabet CEO Larry Page and CFO Ruth Porat to discuss it.

The technology is said to be in testing now in Kansas City, where Google first launched Fiber. The plan is to demonstrate it there by next year.

The newly available ResetPlug is a smart plug that keeps your internet connection as fluid as possible. When it goes out (and it's bound to from time to time), the plug detects this and resets power automatically, getting you back online quickly (assuming all you need is a reset).

If the reset doesn't work the first time, ResetPlug will keep trying. You might worry this would destroy your router's power supply or power circuit should your connection remain out for an extended period, but it resets every five minutes by default and this value is adjustable up or down during setup. As such, there shouldn't be issues.

The peripheral is said to work with any Wi-Fi router, Wi-Fi access point, broadband modem, or devices that combine any of the three, and you can use a power strip to monitor all three with one plug.

We all know how powerful Netflix is, but what kind of impression is it leaving against the traditional TV market? Well, Netflix is really cutting into traditional TV ratings, and that's both a good, and bad thing.

In 2015 alone, Netflix accounted for around 50% of the 3% decline in TV viewing in the US, according to a new study by Michael Nathanson of MoffettNathanson. Nathanson calculated that based on an estimate of Netflix's domestic subscribers, who streamed a huge 29 billion hours of video in 2015 - and worldwide, Netflix members streamed a huge 42.5 billion hours of content. With 29 billion hours of video streamed, it represents 6% of total American live-plus-7 TV viewing reported by Nielsen (up from 4.4% in 2014).

Nathanson continued in his report, adding that he predicts Netflix's total streaming hours as a percentage of TV viewing will increase - where in 2020 it should be hitting around 14%, he noted: "Currently, Netflix is a source of industry pain, but not necessarily a cause of industry death".

CES 2016 - Synology has typically been solely in the NAS market, with some very nice home office, personal and even enterprise solutions for storing all manner of data. Now they're bringing their networking expertise to the table with their first router. A router that one an award at CES this year.

The RT1900ac was on hand at their booth at CES and they connected a variety of devices to in order to show off how easy administration was when using their Synology Router Manager OS, which provides a clean user interface that's surprisingly easy to use, as it builds appropriately off of their other NAS interfaces that have been received well by the community.

Being easy to use can sometimes mean sacrificing quality, features or even security. Or at the very least it could mean hiding away the advanced features in such a way that is the exact opposite of intuitive design. But that's not the case here. This is a powerful and intuitive OS that could give other vendors a real run for their money.

If you're planning to get into the 'festive spirit' this holiday season, British telecommunications company Ofcom says that you should also be aware of possible home networking issues surrounding this trend.

Ofcom claims that electrical interference created by 'fairy lights', or other powered Christmas decorations, are an often-reported issue over the holiday season, with users unaware of how these products may have effect on their signals and speeds.

While this issue can occur year-round, it has been noted that the holiday season sees a massive spike in consumer related complaints, often pointed towards Christmas decorations. So when you're hanging lights this year, try to dangle them away from the antennae.

Said to provide "the combination of the internet of things and a powerful router," ASRock has shown off its new Gaming G10 router in a recently issued press release.

Able to learn the infrared signals of a TV remote and assign them to your smartphone through its soon-to-be added Google Play and Apple app store ASRock Router Application, this product will enable you to control your television through your smartphone via Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G to the router which provides an infrared connection to your TV.

Not limited only to TV's, any device which relies on an infrared remote can be controlled, allowing for many different applications through a single device.

Do you remember when routers were simple units, providing maybe a single Wi-Fi antenna and 100 Mbps Ethernet? Those days are gone - long gone. Offering a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port, network management through the NETGEAR genie app and more, the NETGEAR AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi router (R6400) is designed for home use applications where Wi-Fi devices are in abundance.

With 802.11n technology and claimed stutter-free streaming of multiple HD videos supported through this single connection, 202.11 a/b/g devices are also able to connect and enjoy the speeds. The hardware includes three antennas couipet with Breamforming+ in order to improve the reach.

1750 Mpbs total speed is on offer here through dual band Wi-Fi technology (450 + 1300 Mbps), utilizing banded 2.5GHz for range and 5 GHz for performance. There are also QoS options available for when your internet can't keep up.

Said to be targeting motherboards to be placed in online gaming PC builds, Realtek is looking to win back some lost market share in the DIY motherboard scene - taken by Intel and Killer over the past few years. The new Realtek Dragon is said to offer lower latencies for those wanting to play games online.

This chip features the new Realtek RTL8118AS, showcasing gigabit Ethernet speeds. Said to offer better performance for small packet traffic and lower power consumption than competitors, Realtek has released a fancy new logo for this model as seen above - asking motherboard manufacturers to print it onto the PCB.

Set for debut in LGA1151 motherboards through the help of ECS, there has been no other mentioned manufacturers taking this new Realtek design on board just yet.

Computex 2015 - Adding to the plethora of models on offer in Taipei, ASUS has showcased two new Wi-Fi home products, the RT-AC3200 tri-band gigabit router and the RP-AC68U 3-in-1 access point, rage extender and media bridge.

This new router offers consumers tri-band Smart Connect technology which sets out to assign each connected device the ideal Wi-Fi band pending its needs, AiProtection to help keep your home safe from breaches of personal data and a traffic analyzer so you can find out exactly which housemate or child has been downloading torrents throughout the night.

As for specifications, this router operates on a frequency of concurrent 2.4GHz (600 Mbps), 5GHz-1 (1300 Mbps) and 5GHz-2 (1300 Mbps) and offers a single gigabit WAN port, four gigabit LAN ports, one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 connection.

Boasting a sales portfolio of over 100 million routers globally and being the first to do so, Linksys has just released its new RE5700 WLAN range extender with inbuilt power plug.

If you're worried about taking up precious power board space and are living in a large home, this may be just the product for you. Featuring a Wi-Fi signal boost of up to 10,000 square feet and a nice all-white design, this product will set you back $119.99 from online retailers.

The RE6700 uses a Gigabit port for Ethernet input or output, a 3.5mm jack for audio streaming and boasts the capability to work with any router on odder.

NZXT have just announced their DOKO - a PC streaming device that connects to your network, allowing you to use the PC in your living room or other places around your home. The DOKO gives you the ability to complete any function that your PC would usually do, no matter where you are - thanks to its lack of limitations.

According to their recently issued press release, "the current problem with modern PC streaming technologies and set-top boxes is that they all come with their own pre-defined limitations," further explaining that "TV boxes are restricted to their own set of media channels, file formats and limited applications. PC game streaming and screen mirroring devices are all restricted by their own platforms, proprietary technologies or latency issues."

Using a gigabit Ethernet connection, the DOKO offers low latency, 50-80ms, high definition, 1080p @ 30fps, services. Complete with four USB ports containing USBoverIP technology, users gain the ability to plug a device into the DOKO and it will mirror these actions just as if you plugged it in to your home PC.

CES 2015 - Featuring a new range of ULTRA Performance 11AC routers, expanded DIY home automation offerings, all-new DIY Home Security Kits, the industry's first Gigabit PowerLine Kits with MIMO and all-new IP surveillance solutions, D-Link have unleashed a range of new products to the market as an addition to the ever-flowing CES 2015 coverage.

First off the rank is their ULTRA performance Wi-Fi Routers, the AC5300, AC3200 and AC3100. These devices claim a wireless speed of up to 5.3 Gbps, furthered coverage, a revamped user interface and dynamic Smart Connect to automatically balance clients.

Their new home automation offerings are coming in the form of their Connected Home Hub and range of Sensors and Sirens - designed to help keep DIY homeowners more in tune with what's happening. D-Link's connected Home Hub plugs into existing home routers, acting as a centralized control for D-Link Connected Home Devices - this is done by integrating Wi-Fi and Z-Wave wireless technologies using the 'mydlink' Home app for iOS and Android platforms. D-Link has expanded their security range by including the Z-Wave Open & Close Sensor, the Z-Wave Motion Sensor (DCH-Z120), their Wi-Fi Water Sensor and the Wi-Fi Siren.