Practical networking guides for Canadian IT professionals. Covers TCP/IP, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, firewalls, and enterprise network design.
AirPrint is Apple’s wireless printing protocol. It lets iPhones, iPads, and Macs send print jobs to a compatible printer without installing drivers or configuring anything manually. In a home or small office with a straightforward network, it usually just works. In a business environment with VLANs, managed switches, or multiple subnets, it often doesn’t; and […]
How to Set Up AirPrint on Your Network Read More »
Running ethernet cable through walls is the best way to extend a wired network, but it’s not always practical. Powerline adapters offer an alternative that uses your building’s existing electrical wiring to carry network data. Here’s when they’re worth considering and when to look elsewhere. How Powerline Adapters Work A powerline adapter pair works by
Powerline Adapters: A Practical Alternative to Running Ethernet Read More »
WiFi standards advance every few years, and the naming convention hasn’t always made it easy to track what’s actually changed. WiFi 4, WiFi 5, WiFi 6 (WiFi 6E is coming) represent meaningful steps forward, but their value for your business depends on your specific environment and how you use your network. A Quick History of
WIFI 4 VS WIFI 5 VS WiFi 6: What the Differences Mean for You Read More »
If you’ve struggled with WiFi dead spots, a mesh system is probably the first thing someone has recommended. They’re heavily marketed, easy to set up, and genuinely solve the coverage problem for many homes and small offices. But mesh WiFi isn’t the right answer for every situation, and understanding how it works helps you decide
Mesh WiFi Explained: Is It Right for Your Home or Office? Read More »
Terminating an Ethernet cable (crimping an RJ45 connector onto the end) is a practical skill for anyone who manages their own network infrastructure. It’s not difficult once you understand the steps, but a poorly terminated cable is a common source of intermittent network problems that can take hours to diagnose. Here’s how to do it
How to Terminate an Ethernet Cable Read More »
Firewall is one of those words that gets thrown around in IT conversations without much explanation. Most people know it has something to do with security, but fewer understand what it actually does; or why the firewall built into a consumer router isn’t the same thing as a proper business firewall. What a Firewall Does
What is a Firewall and Do You Actually Need One? Read More »
Ethernet cables look almost identical from the outside, but the category printed on the jacket makes a significant difference to your network’s performance and future-proofing. Here’s what each type means and how to choose the right one. Why Ethernet Cable Category Matters Each cable category (Cat) defines the cable’s construction, the frequency it can carry,
Ethernet Cable Types Explained Read More »
You’ve checked your router settings. You’ve moved the access point. You’ve changed the WiFi channel. And your wireless network still has problems. Before you replace the hardware, there’s another tool worth knowing about: the spectrum analyser. What Radio Frequency Interference Actually Is WiFi uses radio waves to transmit data. Those radio waves share spectrum (the
What is a Spectrum Analyser and Do You Need One? Read More »
If you’ve ever looked at your WiFi settings and wondered why there are two or three networks listed (ending in “2.4G” or “5G”) you’re not alone. These refer to the radio frequency bands your router uses to transmit wireless signals, and understanding the difference helps you get more out of your network. The Three Bands
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz WiFi: What’s the Difference? Read More »
You have a decent router. Your internet plan is fast. But the WiFi in your office is slow, drops out, or works fine at one desk and poorly at another. Sound familiar? The problem is often wireless density, and it’s one of the most misunderstood aspects of office networking. What Wireless Density Actually Means Wireless
What is Wireless Density and Why Does It Affect Your Office? Read More »