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Connected Home

How To: Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway Pro 4 & Intrusion Prevention (IPS) Updated

The focus of this article is the upgrade of our security gateway from the entry-level model, USG, to the mid-level model, the USG Pro 4. Because our primary reason for upgrading was to enable Unifi’s new intrusion prevention system, that will be covered in detail, below. This is the fourth of my articles covering our family’s experiences with Ubiquiti’s Unifi product line including the security gateway, controller, switches, and WiFi access points in a home environment Continue reading How To: Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway Pro 4 & Intrusion Prevention (IPS) Updated

Mike Connelly
Connected Home, Music

How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos Beams

Here, I describe an advanced network topology that uses Ethernet-connected Sonos Beam soundbars for better Sonos wireless coverage in your home. This approach: (1) provides significantly greater wired line backhaul to your SonosNet network, and (2) shifts the majority of your Sonos speakers to 5Ghz, freeing spectrum in 2.4Ghz for your remaining Sonos speakers. It is also possible to use either the Sonos PLAYBAR or PLAYBASE instead of the Beam, for example in your home theater. However, the Sonos Beam is a much more cost-effective solution, particularly for secondary rooms in a whole home deployment. Continue reading How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos Beams

Mike Connelly
Connected Home, Music

How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos BOOST Updated

Even if you have a Wave 2 Wireless AC WiFi network, I recommend connecting your Sonos speakers as follows: Ethernet, else SonosNet 2.0 (“BOOST” mode), else your existing WiFi network (“Standard” mode). This will reduce the likelihood of audio drop outs, particularly as you connect more Sonos speakers and/or run them in pairs. This article describes Boost mode and how to configure up to three Boost hardware devices. Continue reading How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos BOOST Updated

Mike Connelly