networking

Connected Home

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

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)

Mike Connelly
Connected Home

How To: Ubiquiti Cloud Key Gen2 Plus Review & Migration

We just purchased the Ubiquiti Unifi Cloud Key Gen2 Plus to replace our original Unifi Cloud Key appliance. The Cloud Key Gen2 Plus currently serves as a UniFi SDN controller and as both a controller and storage device for UniFi Protect. Unlike the pricer Unifi XG Server, the Unifi Cloud Key Gen2 appears to be positioned as a relatively low-cost and low-power solution for SOHO’s. Continue reading How To: Ubiquiti Cloud Key Gen2 Plus Review & Migration

Mike Connelly
Connected Home

How To: Optimizing Your Multiple Access Point, Wireless-AC WiFi Network (Part 2)

Managing a 4,000 square foot, multi-story home with over 50 connected devices taught me that most off-the-shelf WiFi advice simply doesn’t cut it. In this guide, I walk through how I set up three Netgear Nighthawk X4S access points across our home — covering everything from spectrum planning and channel selection in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, to the exact router settings I use for security, guest networks, and QoS. Whether you’re dealing with coverage dead zones or trying to lock down your network against threats like KRACK attacks, these are the real-world best practices I’ve landed on after plenty of trial and error. Continue reading How To: Optimizing Your Multiple Access Point, Wireless-AC WiFi Network (Part 2)

Mike Connelly
Connected Home

How To: Optimizing Your Multiple Access Point, Wireless-AC WiFi Network (Part 1)

Mesh-network based, multi-unit WiFi access point solutions from Google, Eero, Luma, and other vendors are popular now. Compared to typical networking gear, they look unobtrusive, so you won’t mind placing the access points out in the open for maximum wireless reception. Mesh WiFi systems connect multiple units (nodes) to move data from the client to the router. If your goal is to fill in wireless dead zones with the minimal amount of installation effort (meaning no wire pulling), then this approach will give you the largest coverage but at the expense of throughput. Continue reading How To: Optimizing Your Multiple Access Point, Wireless-AC WiFi Network (Part 1)

Mike Connelly