Networks

It feels like not too long ago where users would see a NAS (Network Attached Storage) solution as a complete waste and unnecessary for home use (even if your home lab is all awe inspiring). However, nowadays it almost feels like it is a necessity to have at least some sort of network storage solution.…

As an alternative to running Grafana locally, you can also use Grafana Cloud (free tier is available) where no installation is necessary, only setup. However, this comes with it’s own challenges and pitfalls, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons. Why Grafana Cloud Isn’t Ideal for Home Networks To use Grafana Cloud…

We have looked into Prometheus and how to install both the probes as well as the monitoring “gateway” on both Windows and Linux. But for anyone that has looked at the Prometheus monitoring portal http://<ip address>:9100 will know that is is a but “undercooked” and not as user friendly. So today we solve that with…

After installing the relevant monitoring exporter software on each machine you want monitored, it is time to bring all that metrics together. This will enable you to see all machines’ status in one central location. Today we have a look at installing the monitoring dashboard for Prometheus, so let’s dive right in. What Is Prometheus?…

So you have a fantastic NAS set up, or even a NUC PC on your network. Maybe you are running Home Assistant on your Raspberry Pi of have Plex running on an old machine. Of course having a SmartOS machine to complement your home lab is amazing, but in all of those cases: How do…

If you have one computer at home with a printer connected to it via USB, you probably have not had any issues printing your documents. But when you start sharing that printer with other clients on your network, sometimes some gremlins will creep in. If you have ever been in that situation, you are probably…

A reverse proxy is a server that sits between your website’s servers and the internet. It acts as an intermediary, receiving incoming requests and forwarding them to the appropriate server.

Target Wake Time (TWT) is a feature designed to make Wi-Fi communication more efficient, especially for battery-powered devices

In today’s interconnected world, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. At the heart of this vast network lies a fundamental protocol that enables devices to communicate with each other: the Internet Protocol (IP). There are two primary versions of IP: IPv4 and IPv6. In this blog post, we’ll delve into…

In the world of technology, cables are the backbone of our digital lives, quietly carrying the data that powers everything from your internet connection to the phone calls you make. While wireless communication is common today, cables remain essential, especially for fast, reliable data transfer. There are many types of cables, but in recent years,…

Hard drives are essential components of computers and other electronic devices. They store data, such as files, documents, photos, and videos. But not all hard drives are created equal. There are three main types of hard drive grades: normal hard drives, NAS grade hard drives, and surveillance grade hard drives. Let’s break down the differences…

If you’re wondering why your Wi-Fi speed seems to change from one minute to the next, you’re not alone. Many people experience inconsistent Wi-Fi speed at home. You may notice your link speed—often measured as something like 866/866 Mbps—dropping to 433/433 Mbps or even lower. But what’s causing this? And how can you fix it?…

Imagine your Wi-Fi signal as a spotlight. Instead of shining it evenly in all directions, beamforming focuses the light on a specific target. This is precisely what beamforming does in networking. It directs Wi-Fi signals towards specific devices, improving signal strength and reducing interference. Think of it like this: when you want to illuminate a…

What is the difference between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 and how will it impact your decision on which network gear to buy? Is the price jump justified?

Are you experiencing slow internet speeds or frequent disconnections? The culprit might be closer than you think. Many everyday items can cause WI-Fi interference with your home network signal, causing frustrating performance issues. Let’s explore some common offenders and how to mitigate their impact. The Enemy Within: Cause of Wi-Fi Interference 1. Microwave Ovens (Severity:…

Ever feel like your Wi-Fi is stuck in slow motion, especially when everyone in your house is online? Buffering videos, lagging games, and sluggish downloads can quickly turn your internet experience into a frustrating crawl. The culprit? Congestion on your Wi-Fi network. Just like freeways jammed with cars during rush hour, traditional Wi-Fi operates on…