If you’re setting up a home network, the process is simple and straightforward. You need a modem, a router, and maybe a range extender or two if you’re feeling ambitious. But for a serious business network, a simple router isn’t going to cut it. If you want more than a handful of devices, you need a switch.

But how do you know which switch is best? You want the highest transfer speeds, the tightest security, and the easiest setup. Make the wrong choice, and you could end up regretting it later on. One way to find a good switch is to go with a trusted manufacturer. Zyxel is one of the best. They make a variety of networking equipment, including powerline network adapters.

Now, we’re about to review the Zyxel XGS1210-12 Web-Managed Multi-Gigabit Switch. This is a 10-port switch that’s designed for the latest high-speed devices. It’s designed to be easy to set up and easy to use, so almost anyone can build it into their network. But that’s not the same as saying it’s right for everyone’s network. To find out if it’s the right fit for your needs, we’ll need to take a closer look. We’ll dig deep into the XGS1210-12’s performance, setup options, and design. At that point, we’ll have the information we need to render our final verdict.

What Makes a Switch Different From a Router?

So, why would you need to use a switch instead of a router? The short answer is that they’re fundamentally different tools. Yes, both of them help move traffic around between different devices. But if you don’t understand the differences, you’re not going to be able to build a functional network.

Let’s start with routers, since they’re a device that pretty much everybody is familiar with. A router serves as the point of contact between your local area network (LAN) and the rest of the web. Your router assigns a unique IP address to each device, and those addresses get stored in a routing table. Whenever your router receives data, it’s marked with an IP address. The router then looks that address up in the routing table to see which device gets the data. A router can be used on its own without any issues for most smaller networks.

However, on larger networks, routers will start to slow down. This is because routers aren’t just managing traffic between your devices and the internet. It’s also managing traffic between different devices on your network. So if you’ve got a bunch of network drives and printers, your router speed can slow to a crawl. The solution to this is to use a switch to take some of the burden off your router.

A switch is similar to a router in that you can connect multiple devices. However, a switch won’t connect you to the internet all by itself, because it doesn’t supply IP addresses. Instead you connect your devices to your router through the switch. Whenever data is transferred between devices on the same switch, the switch handles everything. It does this by using a MAC address table, similar to a router’s IP routing table. MAC addresses are unique to each device, and are assigned by the manufacturer. By handling this local traffic, the switch allows your router to focus on handling traffic to and from the web.

One other thing to remember about switches is that they only support Ethernet connections. Wireless traffic gets handled by a wireless router, or by a wireless access point.

Overall Design

The Zyxel XGS110-12 is a miniature switch, sized for a desk or a shelf rather than for a standard server rack. It measures 12.25 inches in width, 9 inches in depth, and 2.5 inches thick. It’s also lightweight, tipping the scales at a mere 2.79 pounds. This makes it easy to manage, and a non-issue to position wherever you like. That said, you’ll have to be careful about obstructing the vents on the side. They’re generously-sized, but at the end of the day, there’s not a ton of room for air flow. This switch gets hot under heavy use, and it gets even hotter if the vents are somehow being obstructed. The fanless design only exacerbates this. It’s quiet, to be sure, but a fan would have added much-needed air flow.

The housing is constructed from rugged anodized aluminum, and it’s capable of withstanding some abuse. Now, it’s not a tank, and you can’t drive over it with one, either. But it’s pretty rugged for the amount of bumps and dings it’s liable to receive. The surface is silver-grey, with a powder coating. The word “Zyxel” is printed on the top in large, white letters. The sides consist of a set of vertical vent slats, with rubber skids on the bottom to keep the switch from sliding.

On the back of the case, you’ll find the DC power input. It’s a standard barrel-style jack, and an AC adapter is included with the package. On the front, you’ll see all the ports for plugging in your devices. There are 10 Ethernet ports for connected devices, plus two more for your router. This is sufficient for most purposes. That said, Zyxel manufactures many different sizes of Ethernet switch, mostly with an eye towards small businesses.

Data Throughput

The meat and potatoes of the XGS1210-12 is its main row of eight Gigabit Ethernet ports. Gigabit stands for 1Gbps, which is the standard speed for modern Ethernet. It’s just fine for most connected devices, such as laptops, desktops, and printers. You won’t have any trouble with installing the vast majority of devices. That said, there are some times you want a faster-than-Gigabit signal. For example, online gamers depend on getting near-zero latency in order to maximize their performance. In that case, you’ll want even faster speeds.

That’s where the XGS1210-12’s pair of 2.5Gbps ports come into play. They let you reach higher speeds for console streaming. More importantly, they reduce latency even more than ordinary Gigabit internet. Keep in mind that these ports will only improve your performance if your router works at faster-than-Gigabit speeds. If you have an ordinary, Gigabit router, you won’t get any benefit from the faster ports on your switch. The router will form a bottleneck. That said, if you’ve got an advanced gaming router, you’ll get a nice boost of extra speed for your console.

To accommodate faster routers, you get a pair of 10Gbps uplink ports. You’ll need Cat6 Ethernet cables for these, which means you’ll only be able to make a short run. The idea is that you can get very high rates of transfer from a modem. Similarly, you can get very high speeds for network-attached storage. Once again, these ports will only have an advantage if your other devices support them. If your router doesn’t support 10Gbps throughput, you won’t get 10Gbps speeds. The same goes for network drives.

Security and Extra Features

The XGS1210-12 is configured by a simple web-based wizard that takes just a few minutes to use. Keep in mind that you’ll need to do this before you can actually use the switch. Without being set up, it’s just a dumb box that doesn’t do anything. Once it’s been configured, you’ll be able to take advantage of several customization options. You’ll also be able to back up your configurations, and get regular firmware updates.

There are a couple of features in particular that are worth pointing out. The first is support for Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping. IGMP snooping means that the switch “spies” on data sent between your devices and the router. No, this isn’t a security risk. It’s just looking to see which connections require IP multitask transmissions. If a device doesn’t need them, they can be eliminated, and allocated to devices that do. This is a great feature for high-bandwidth devices that need a ton of data.

The XGS1210-12 also supports VLAN segregation. A VLAN is a virtual LAN, basically a mini network inside your larger network. So, why would you want to do this? The reason is that you might want some devices to be quarantined from others. For instance, suppose you’re doing work for a government agency. For security purposes, they might want their data to be accessible only to certain people. A VLAN could help you achieve this.

The only serious shortcoming of the XGS1210-12 is that there’s no power over Ethernet (PoE) function. PoE allows you to deliver power to low-voltage downstream devices, such as security cameras. It’s commonly found on small connected devices that don’t require a ton of power. If you need PoE, there are plenty of options. For example, the EnGenius Cloud ECS1112FP has similar ports and data throughput to the XGS1210-12. It also has PoE capability, although it’s a little pricey.

Final Verdict

The Zyxel XGS1210-12 Web-Managed Multi-Gigabit Switch is an excellent choice for most homes and small offices. To be fair, if you run a larger business, you may want something a bit beefier. You may also want PoE capacity for some applications. But for up to 10 devices, the XGS1210-12 has a whole lot to offer. To begin with, you’re looking at a great design. It’s tough, it’s durable, and it’s not going to fail because of shoddy manufacturing. It can be positioned just about anywhere, so placement is a breeze.

Performance is just what you’d expect from a quality modern switch. The eight main ports run at standard Gigabit speeds, so there are no issues there. But the two additional 2.5Gbps ports are what really makes it shine. They’re ideal for gaming, or for any applications where maximum bandwidth and minimum latency are essential. Furthermore, you get an easy setup wizard that takes a few minutes to use. You also get all the management capability you could possibly ask for. All in all, the XGS1210-12 is one of the better Ethernet switches out there.

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A few years ago, configuring the internet for your home or small business was easy. You installed a modem and connected it to your one PC. If you wanted to get really fancy, you could use a router to connect more than one computer or POS system. But then, wireless internet became a necessity. For home users, you needed to connect laptops and mobile devices around the house. Then came smart devices, and the need for even more connectivity. This has also affected small businesses, with the need for WiFi connections throughout the entire office. And if your business is open to the public, they probably expect WiFi access as well.

But even the best routers only have so much range. Unless you want to install a mesh system, you need some other way to extend your WiFi coverage. A wireless access point is a great way to do that. An access point will extend the range of your existing network, without any complicated setup. It’s an easy process that doesn’t require any special expertise.

Today, we’re going to review the Zyxel True WiFi 6 Wireless Access Point (model NWA110AX). Zyxel is a reliable manufacturer of networking equipment. In the past, we’ve reviewed their powerline network adapters. These work similarly to wireless access points, in that they extend an existing network without a lot of hassle. So we were excited to see how well the NWA110AX extender performs in the real world. To find out, we had to take a deep dive into all of its features. We’ll talk about the physical construction, and the function of the wireless technology itself. We’ll also look at some of the management and security features. Let’s dig in!

Overall Design

The Zyxel True WiFi 6 Wireless Access Point is a compact device that measures only a few inches on each side, and just over an inch thick. This small size is possible because the NWA110AX is an access point, not a router. It doesn’t need all the same advanced circuitry that a router requires, so it can be smaller. This makes it small and unobtrusive, no matter where you mount it. You can easily mount one above a ceiling fan, behind a sofa, and in other out of sight places.

The housing is constructed from white ABS plastic, and has an attractive satin finish. On top, there’s a series of vent holes arranged in a square, with a grey Zyxel logo in the middle. A single LED is located in one corner, which indicates when the unit is powered on. Other than that, the top is plain, without any flashy elements. The corners are rounded, which gives the unit an attractive, modern appearance. The sides slope towards the bottom, which leaves a little shelf where dust can potentially collect. That said, it’s not really any harder to clean than anything else on your wall or ceiling.

The bottom of the NWA110AX has a built-in set of rails, which lock on to a mounting bracket. The nice thing about this bracket is that it can be mounted on either a wall or a ceiling. Just make sure to use a drywall anchor if you don’t want it to come loose over time. In the back, you’ll see an Ethernet port, along with a round port for the barrel-style DC power supply. A power supply is included in the kit, so you have everything you need to get started.

Alternatively, the NWA110AX can be powered by Power Over Ethernet (PoE). PoE frees you from the constraints of a DC power supply, since you don’t have to be near an outlet. On the other hand, you’ll need a router or switch that’s capable of supplying PoE. Otherwise, a PoE input isn’t going to do you much good.

Everything is covered by Zyxel’s limited lifetime warranty. This protects you against any defects in materials or workmanship, indefinitely. Not only that, but they provide free firmware upgrade support. That way, you’ll always have the latest firmware.

Wireless Signal Strength and Speed

The Zyxel True WiFi 6 Wireless Access Point (NWA110AX) is capable of supporting the latest devices. It supports 802.11ax technology, often known as WiFi 6. WiFi 6 allows for a full duplex connection, so data flows in both directions at once. This makes it more efficient at signal-switching, so you can connect more devices simultaneously. To complement this, Zyxel has included 2X2 MU-MIMO technology. MU-MIMO is short for “multi-user, multiple input, multiple output.” It’s a fancy way of saying that the NWA110AX can handle multiple simultaneous connections. In this case, it can communicate between two upstream and two downstream devices simultaneously. This doesn’t mean it’s limited to only two connections. It means that you’ll get lower latency as devices have to wait for a connection.

Needless to say, all this multi-device capability requires a little bit of processing power. To that end, the NWA110AX has a quad-core CPU. This allows it to handle the MU-MIMO technology, the full duplex connection, and the configuration options. You won’t have to worry about getting lag because your access point’s CPU hung up.

Like most modern routers and access points, the NWA110AX uses dual band technology. There’s a fast 5GHz band for short-range connections, and a slower, 2.4GHz range for longer connections. Assuming you’re connected on both bands, the maximum overall bandwidth is 1.77Gbps. However, Zyxel does not give separate ratings for each channel. This makes it tough to state with certainty what the rating of the 5GHz or 2.4GHz bands are. Suffice it to say that the closer to the access point you are, the better your signal will be.

The range itself will depend on a variety of factors, but mostly with how many obstacles there are. Under perfect conditions with a clear line of sight, the range is easily 100 feet or more. However, there’s rarely a clear line of sight in an indoor environment. In a normal office with a few sheetrock walls and some metal studs, 50 feet of range is more reasonable. If you’re in a concrete or brick building, you can expect less range for each heavy wall the signal must penetrate.

The NWA110AX has enough signal strength and range for most everyday applications. However, the bandwidth is a bit low for online gaming. Moreover, if you want low latency for gaming, you really should be using 4X4 MU-MIMO, not 2X2. If you need lower latency and even more bandwidth, consider the EnGenius Neutron EWS377AP Managed Indoor Wireless Access Point. It’s a bit pricey, but it has an impressive 2.4Gbps of bandwidth.

One other feature we should talk about is the access point’s dual internal antennas. Typically, wireless access points are deployed on ceilings, particularly for commercial use. This keeps them out of the way, and makes them less likely to get damaged. Because the access points are rarely used on walls, their antennas are designed to distribute the signal horizontally. With a ceiling-mounted design, this makes sense. The signal will disperse as far as possible throughout the building. But if you mount the same access point on a wall, the antenna will be oriented vertically. It won’t spread the signal around where you need it. Meanwhile, the vertical spread of the signal can interfere with other devices on other floors.

To avoid this, the NWA110AX has dual antennas: one for wall mounting, and one for ceiling mounting. Using the app, you can switch between them as needed. And if you have multiple access points on the same LAN, you can configure the antennas independently. This further increases the NWA110AX’s versatility.

Security and Management Features

There are two ways to manage the Zyxel NWA110AX. The first is to use their smartphone app. Install the NebulaFlex app, which is free, and you’ll be ready to manage your switch. You can register online, and the access point will automatically pair. You have to be on the same network as the access point for this to work. Once it’s been paired, you can then use the app to manage your network from anywhere in the world.

If you prefer to use a desktop interface, no worries. There’s a web portal that offers all the same features as the app. Once your account is set up, it will work on any device, anywhere. The setup wizard is the same on both the web portal and the app. It takes just a few minutes, so you can get started in no time flat.

The NWA110AX supports WPA3 security. This is the latest security protocol, and is compatible with any modern router. There are no other special securities, and that’s to be expected. After all, this is a switch, not a router. Any additional security functions will need to be on the router end of the connection.

If you want even better network management, the EnGenius EnTurbo EAP1250 is a solid choice. It’s a bit pricey, but the management software is professional-grade. For instance, you can grant different permissions to different devices on the same network.

Final Verdict

So, is the Zyxel True WiFi 6 Wireless Acess Point (NWA110AX) a good buy? As with much networking equipment, it depends what you’re looking for. For most applications, the 1.77Gbps bandwidth will be plenty. It may not seem like much, but remember, this is an access point, not a router. It’s only supposed to be part of your home’s WiFi network. For that purpose, the bandwidth is more than enough.

Setup is as easy as it gets, with a simple wizard that guides you through the process. Along the same lines, it’s easy to install, with good performance on both ceilings and walls. About the only time you won’t want to use it is for very latency-sensitive applications, like gaming. For everyday home or small business use, it’s a good choice.

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As the years go on, it seems that more network devices and electronics are becoming fully wireless – which is great. However, any wireless connection has its limitations, especially when obstructions like walls, appliances and other physical objects are in the way. Additionally, every wireless device still needs a power source, so the inclusion of a power cord still adds limitations on where you can place them – most aren’t truly wire-free.

Whether you’re installing a few IP cameras or a new access point, there’s a much more reliable and hassle-free way to operate and pair them to your network. PoE or “Power Over Ethernet” allows you to use a simple CAT5e or CAT6 network cable to power any supported device without the need to attach an additional power supply, cord or AC adapter.

A PoE Injector (sometimes called PoE switches or adapters) provides an alternative power option to a wide range of devices such as switches, panels, access points, VoIP phones, IP cameras and more. You’re given more flexibility on where you can place them, without needing to consider a wireless connection. There are varieties of all sizes, some with more wattage and available ports than others, but they all carry out the same task. The internal power supply of the injector provides wattage through a network cable, but not all are created equal.

Today we’re going to be discussing and going over a few of the best Gigabit-speed Power Over Ethernet Injectors for 2017. We’ll be reviewing each specific one and providing information about each option that’ll ultimately help you determine which specific make and model is best for your precise situation.

TRENDnet (PoE+) Injector, TPE-115GI

• The TRENDnet (PoE+) Injector, model TPE-115GI, is a very popular and highly rated option that’s capable of providing full duplex Gigabit speeds while providing up to 30 watts of power to any PoE enabled or capable device.
• Utilizing “Auto Sensing Technology”, it will automatically power any IEEE 802.3at PoE+ (30 Watt) compliant device, but also remain fully backwards compatible with any IEEE 802.3af PoE (15 Watt) devices as well. There’s nothing for you to configure on your end, once you plug it in, it’ll determine the appropriate power needed and deliver the precise wattage that’s required.
• The integrated power supply emits enough power to provide energy to any device for up to 100 meters or 328 feet away.
• Simple plug and play installation offers you simplicity since there are no requirements for any drivers or special software. Simply attach a network cable to the Data-In port and connect it to your router or switch. Next, plug a network cable into the Data-Out port and connect your IP camera or other PoE-enabled device. Finally, plug in the AC adapter and you’re good to go.
• A small LED indicator located near the power port gives you a clear indication as to whether or not the device is currently being powered.
• Internally designed with special safeguards in place that prevent any potential short circuits from affecting your equipment and whichever device(s) that you have connected.
• Backed by an impressive 3 year limited warranty that assures 36 months of guaranteed functionality.

BV-Tech POE-I100G PoE Injector

• The BV-Tech POE-I100G PoE Injector is very similar to the TRENDnet TPE-115GI since it supports up to 30 watts, but much more inexpensive while remaining quite similar in many regards.
• Since it’s fully compatible with both IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at standards, it’ll work equally as well for smaller devices as it will with those that require more energy. Nothing is needed on your end to make sure that it’ll offer power at a certain level – this is all handled automatically by the injector.
• Designed in such a way that allows you to connect multiple injectors if you need to install multiple units. On one side is a small grove, on the other is a small nub that slides into this grove. When placed side by side, it’ll securely attach to another unit with its unique parallel slide-in design.
• Integrated short circuit protection gives you extra assurance that low powered devices won’t be given too much power that could cause potential damage.
• Located near the Data-In and Data-Out ports are two small LEDs that indicate power and PoE levels to give you visual assurance that power is properly running through the unit.
• The sides of the middle area are vented to allow heat to naturally escape and dissipate away from the internal components. This keeps the injector operating under more-ideal conditions than a completely sealed, closed-in design.

WiFi-Texas WT-GPOE-4-48v48w PoE Injector (4-port)

• WiFi-Texas is a brand that specializes in network-specific devices, many of which are in the PoE category. One of their most popular products is their 4-port Gigabit injector known as the WT-GPOE-4-48v48w.
• Built with 4 individual ports and a total power of 48 watts, it delivers enough “juice” to fully power up to 4 devices simultaneously. The power is passive and requires no auto-negotiation so once it’s plugged in, it’s always delivering power to each port. It shares power and data on pins 12 and 36 for 802.3af compatible devices.
• Backwards compatible with other 10/100 technology. Even though it’s technically a Gigabit injector, it’ll operate older devices without compromise.
• Users have the ability to switch between the power supply they need – 48 or 56 volts.
• Equipped with a small LED indicator that gives you visual insight on the current status of the injector and the devices that you have plugged into it.
• Built with small eyelets on each end so you’re given the ability to easily mount it if needed. Although there aren’t any small screws included, it gives you the option to mount the injector on the wall or above your switch to keep it out of the way or out of sight.
• WiFi-Texas offers some of the most fantastic customer support that we’ve seen. They’re easily reachable by phone, Skype, or email. They don’t hide behind 1-800 numbers and call centers either.
• UL, CE and FCC approved to guarantee safety and longevity for the injector itself and any other devices that you plug into it.

Final Thoughts

Power over Ethernet is an exciting technology that opens up the limitations that many network-connected devices can often struggle with. WiFi isn’t always the best technology to use. It clearly carries limitations and isn’t always available or reliable in specific locations where you’re trying to add-on to your network. Whether you’re powering cameras, switches or additional access points, PoE opens up limitations and seemingly effortlessly offers wattage at lengths up to 100 meters or 328 feet.

While you may need one port, four or more, there are injectors of a variety of power options and sizes readily available. However, most consumers won’t need many ports, so we’ve covered the best single port and multi-port options above. If you have any questions or need any additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below.

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Not long ago, the average home might have a handful of connected devices. Most people would have a family PC, and little else. If you worked from home, you might have a second computer or a network printer. That was about it. But as technology has moved on, we’ve all started to rely on more connected devices. For instance, many people save money on phone data by connecting through a home WiFi network. You’re already paying for home internet, after all. Why pay extra for a phone plan when you’re at home?

The advent of smart home devices has further increased our need for connectivity. Fridges, smoke detectors, and even washing machines are all going online. This makes our lives easier and more convenient, since you can now monitor your home from your phone. But smart home devices require power. This means you’ll either need to charge a battery, or have some way of plugging them in. Depending on the device, this may be easier or harder to manage. To simplify things, many devices are powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE). This allows you to install your connected devices without running a second wire or charging a battery.

But a PoE system is only as good as its power supply. If the PoE switch or cables are malfunctioning, your devices aren’t going to work. An inline PoE tester can help you isolate where the problem is in your system, and repair it. We’re about to review three different PoE testers, and see how they compare. We’ll start with the PoE Texas Inline PoE Voltage and Current Tester. This is a PoE tester that can also test the power supply from DC barrel adapters. Next, we’ll look at the TRENDnet TC-NTP1 Inline PoE Tester. This is a slick, modern inline tester with an easy-to-read LCD display. Finally, we’ll review the KOLSOL PoE Checker. This tester has a secondary unit that works for continuity testing. Which one is best? We’re about to dig a little deeper, and find out.

How Does PoE Work?

Before we review any testers, let’s take a minute to learn about PoE and how it works. Ethernet cable, like any copper cable, is capable of carrying an electrical current. While it’s primarily designed to transfer data, it can also power a low-voltage device. PoE allows you to do just that. Instead of your device requiring a separate power cord, it’ll run directly from your Ethernet cord. This allows you to run a single cable, instead of running two. In and of itself, using a single cable saves money on installation. However, since you don’t have to worry about plugging into AC power, outlet locations are also not a concern. This means you can position your devices, such as security cameras, exactly where they’re needed.

Now, there are some inherent limitations to PoE technology. A Cat 5 or newer Ethernet cable has four pairs of wires inside. However, for speeds up to 500Mbps, only two of these wire pairs are actually used. Only when you reach Gigabit speeds are all four cable pairs actually required for data transfer. At 500 Mbps, the two “empty” cables can be used for electricity. This means that PoE devices can only connect at up to 500Mbps. Any faster, and they won’t be able to receive power. That said, a Gigabit connection is the current standard for home networks. Most devices won’t need anywhere near that much capacity, at least not individually. 500 Mbps will be just fine for security cameras, credit card readers, and other commonly-used PoE accessories.

PoE is used for a wide variety of devices. Security cameras and WiFi signal boosters are among the most common applications. Because Ethernet wires are already isolated inside the cable, interference is not a concern. That said, you’ll need a PoE router or switch. Ordinary networking hardware won’t deliver any voltage along your cables. But if you’re using PoE-compatible hardware, it’s easy to set up and install. Just run your Ethernet cable and everything should work immediately. And if you do run into any issues, you don’t have to worry about a separate power cable.

You just need to test your Ethernet cable and networking hardware. That’s where a good inline PoE tester comes in!

PoE Texas Inline PoE Voltage and Current Tester

PoE Texas is an established manufacturer with a long track record, although they now have a new name. They used to be known as WiFi-Texas, and they produced some high-quality Gigabit PoE injectors. Since their injectors worked beautifully, we were eager to have a look at their Inline PoE Voltage and Current Tester.

The PoE Texas tester is actually generation 2 of the same product. It’s more finely-tuned, and can test VoIP phones and WiFi cameras without interrupting the signal. The Gen 2 tester can also test four-pair PoE cables, which are starting to become available. If you don’t need these abilities, you can save a few bucks by ordering the older Gen 1 version, which is cheaper. That said, the Gen 2 has a lot to bring to the table!

The kit consists of two units, both of which are housed in durable construction yellow shells. The larger unit is the PoE tester and DC tester.

The smaller unit is for continuity testing. However, the large unit has a built-in LCD display that tells you the current voltage it’s receiving. It also has two different input ports: PoE and DC. With the flick of a switch, you can go between the two. There’s also a barrel-style DC adapter in the kit, for easier testing.

There are also two additional output ports, one Ethernet and one DC. This allows you to place the inline tester in line with your equipment. So not only can you read the voltage supplied, you can also see how much is consumed. You’ll be able to easily work out compatibility issues. For instance, if your PoE supply is pushing out 3.5 volts and your device draws five, you’ve found your problem.

The PoE Voltage and Current Tester can detect power supply in any range from 3.5 to 56 volts. It’ll also detect up to a 280-watt current on a DC power supply. On a PoE line, it’s a bit more limited, with a sensitivity of up to 28 watts. Even so, this covers anything you’re liable to receive either from PoE or an ordinary DC charger.

Using the continuity tester, you can go a bit further. You can check the voltage at the end of a PoE line, and detect the amount of current lost. Both units are covered by a twelve-month manufacturer’s warranty. If there are any defects in material or workmanship, you’ll receive a full refund or replacement.

TRENDnet TC-NTP1 Inline PoE Tester

TRENDnet is yet another established manufacturer of networking equipment. In addition to other offerings, they make the TRENDNet TEW-821DAP Wireless Access Point. Based on their previous experience with PoE equipment, we were excited to try the TC-NTP1 Inline PoE Tester.

The TC-NTP1 has two ports, one on either end of the device. One is for connecting to your PoE device (PD) while the other connects to your Power Supplying Equipment (PSE). Put it in between the two devices, and you can diagnose any power issues, as well as connection issues. If you only need to check connectivity, there’s a cheaper version that tests data only.

The LCD display is big, bright, and easy to read. It’s also powered directly by PoE, so you don’t have to worry about any batteries. There’s also a Step button, which allows you to change testing units. You can switch between voltage, wattage, and amperage with a single tap. The same button can be used to lock the display into one mode, to monitor a real-time situation.

You can also switch between three different modes. The first is “T-mode,” which gives you the total voltage output of your PoE switch or injector. “N-mode” will test the power draw from your PoE device. It’s useful for determining the voltage of a non-standard device. Finally, “I-mode” is used for ordinary inline testing. In this mode, you’ll see the voltage, wattage, and amperage active on the current cable.

In terms of compatibility, the TC-NTP1 will work with the latest Ethernet protocols. It supports 802.3af, at, and ab. For standard PoE devices, it will support testing of up to 100 watts. Non-standard currents can be detected between 11 and 60 volts. Unless you’re using some very unusual equipment, you’ll have all the testing capacity you’ll ever need.

KOLSOL PoE Checker

The KOLSOL PoE Checker is a beefy device that’s designed for frequent use. With a molded grip, it’s easy to hold on to. The buttons are also large and easy to operate. This makes them easy to manage, even if you’re wearing gloves. The KOLSOL tester is also well-designed for working in the dark. There’s an LED lamp on the front, which can be activated with the touch of a button. Because of this feature, this tester can’t be powered solely by PoE. It requires three AAA batteries, which are installed easily in the back of the unit.

In addition to the main tester, the KOLSOL kit includes a small continuity checker. This can be placed on the other end of a long line to test continuity. All other functions are performed on the main unit, via the two Ethernet ports on the top. You can use both ports for inline testing. In this mode, you’ll see how much voltage is consumed by your device, and how much is left over. You’ll also see if your power supply is insufficient to the task. In addition, you can also perform testing on individual ends of the connection. You can use standard mode to determine voltage, power standard, and polarity on normal PoE devices. Last but not least, you can also perform non-standard testing, to determine relevant information on non-standard PSEs.

Additionally, the KOLSOL tester is suitable for looback testing. In this mode, the signal is sent from one device and looped back to the same device. This is useful for performing testing on individual network nodes, to pin down the source of a problem. Some loopback tests require a specialized wrap plug, which is not included in the kit. That said, a short testing cable is a small additional investment if you want to use this feature.

Final Verdict

Clearly, each of these inline PoE testers has some value to bring to the table. But which one is right for your needs? We started out by reviewing the PoE Texas Inline PoE Voltage and Current Tester. This is a powerful tester that can check both PoE and DC currents. It has an LCD display, so you can clearly read all of your information. It also allows you to check continuity as well as current. This can be incredibly helpful on long runs, since you can quickly check both ends. A trio of LED lights on the continuity tester makes it almost as easy to read as the main display. The PoE Texas tester is a great choice if you want to check DC power supplies or work with Cat 7 cable.

The TRENDnet TC-NTP1 Inline PoE Tester doesn’t have the same continuity testing capabilities as the PoE Texas unit. However, the display is very easy to read and understand. With the Step button, you can measure a variety of metrics, all by tapping the button. You can test a wide range of voltages and wattages, covering a wide variety of equipment. This is an excellent choice if you want a future-proof tester that’s also easy to use.

The KOLSOL PoE Checker is ideal for loopback testing, since it’s one of the few testers to support that feature. If you need to isolate individual network nodes, it’s the best choice of the bunch. It also has a built-in light for working in the dark. The only downside is that it requires batteries, which aren’t included in the box.

The post Helpful Guide to the Best Inline PoE Tester in 2021 appeared first on Nerd Techy.

We’re often reviewing networking technology from the wireless side of the industry. Wireless networking is changing every day. We’ll look at a router and determine that it’s the fastest on the market, then three months later something better has come along. When you’re sending data through the air, you’re constantly battling a number of different issues. Signal quality, clarity, obstructions, and interference are all major factors. Your results in one situation won’t always be comparable in another.

For this reason, hard-wired computer networks are still a very popular choice. Anytime you need reliability, they’re the obvious choice. Generally, a network adapter that connects at a certain speed will continue to provide consistent performance in almost any environment, as long as the conditions are controlled.

The problem is that the majority of Ethernet adapters are not getting better. They’re actually getting worse. As consumers move towards wireless solutions, many manufacturers are removing the hardware adapter and replacing it with a software emulator. This means that high volume applications, the very same ones that make wired networks appealing, now use plenty of unnecessary CPU cycles and degrade the performance of your machine.

If you’re using a wired network, you should take a look and find out what kind of card you have. Unless you’ve specifically purchased a system designed for your needs, there is a good chance that your hardware is under-performing. Fortunately, there is a solution. For a low price, you can get access to a high-performance Gigabit Ethernet card that will bring your network up to the standard you demand. Let’s look at the three best cards on the market. Then, we’ll help you understand what you need to look for.

Intel Gigabit CT PCI-E Network Adapter

It goes without saying that Intel is the top brand when it comes to enterprise hardware. A network card is a very low level device. It interacts with the chipset and bus on a very simple level, so simplicity is key. Because Intel designs the chipsets for almost every major motherboard, nobody is better equipped than them to create a bulletproof piece of hardware.

Hardware

At the heart of the Intel Gigabit CT PCI-E Network Adapter is the Intel 82574L Gigabit Ethernet Controller. This same controller is found in a lot of products. The top of the line server and gaming computers often have this chipset built right into their motherboard. What makes it so special? For starters, it uses very little power, making it highly efficient. Next, it has two queues for each Tx (transmit) and Rx (receive.) This allows the card to prioritize which data gets sent first. Large, intermittent packets will always be sent below compact, time sensitive ones. The end result is better performance, lower PING rates, and better handling of large loads.

It also supports all the advanced networking features that you might be interested in. Wake from LAN, network boot, (even directly off a server) and remote management are all included – something that is essential for businesses.

Compatibility

This chipset isn’t considered new technology, but it is widely accepted as standard. While many other cards have the same technologies, Intel wrote the laws they operate by. This means that the card is supported by virtually any operating system out there. Every version of Windows from 98 onwards, all flavors of Linux, BSD forks like Solaris and, yes, even OSX all work perfectly. You’d be hard pressed to find a modern system that isn’t compatible with this card.

Performance

Performance isn’t as easy to measure as it is with some products. For a single file transfer, this card approaches the theoretical limit of gigabit Ethernet just like any other. The performance improvements are a little hidden, but definitely present. Even though the CPU is no longer handling the networking, the card still needs to communicate with your processor. It does these through interrupts. Interrupts tell one core of your processor, “Hey! Stop what you’re doing. We’ve got work to do.” This NIC can group requests together, sending an interrupt only when necessary. This means that your CPU is free to do any other task you’ve assigned to it.

This card also has a higher signal to noise ration than any other on the market. This means less dropped packets, better ping speeds, and all around snappier performance.

StarTech Gigabit Ethernet Network Card

If you’ve ever shopped for an affordable cable or computer accessory, StarTech is likely one of the first brands that came to mind. Their focus is on affordable hardware that still uses high quality components. For this reason, they’ve become a first choice for businesses. Based on price alone, this Ethernet card might seem like a bargain basement model that is to be avoided. But once we saw the specs, we knew that it was going to be one serious piece of kit.

Hardware

The StarTech Gigabit Ethernet Network Card is available with either 1, 2, or 4 ports. They can also be purchased with 25W power over Ethernet (POE) hardware, something that is commonly used in industrial environments. Most users will just need the standard model. Regardless which one you choose; the power of this card comes from the Intel I210 controller.

The I210 is a popular choice because it takes many aspects of networking and offloads the responsibility from the CPU to its own dedicated piece of hardware. Tasks like VLAN management, traffic shaping, frame management, and filesystem interpretation (for PXE and iSCSI boot modes) are all handled right on this card.

Compatibility

Intel’s Gigabit CT card is popular because it’s completely standard, and therefore supported by almost every operating system. In some ways, the I210 platform is the opposite. It supports technologies and systems that cannot be found on any other card. Instead of two TX and RX buffers, this one has four.

They can even be used in conjunction. You can manage two VLANs at the same time. You can use the card to connect to port-mirrored audio / video streams and rebroadcast over a buffered on-demand system. The second set of TX and RX buffers are software definable, so there is a lot of custom equipment that requires this card. As for its compatibility with modern operating systems, it will work flawlessly on any windows system starting with Vista, and most Linux boxes.

If you’re looking to use enterprise grade software, you’ll have no problems with these cards. They’re plug and play on all versions of Windows Server from 2003 and up, ESXi 6.0, Hyper-V, and several other systems.

Performance

For standard users, the area where this card will excel is stability. It’s designed for incredibly high bandwidth uses, often with custom firmware running. This means that if you’re just using the standard network technology, you’ll notice excellent ping times, even when there is a lot going on in the background. It also supports jumbo frames up to 8K in size, making it perfect for high volume data transfer. In the right environment, this is one of the most reliable cards you can get your hands on.

Rosewill Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter

Rosewill is another manufacturer that targets the business sector, although they take a radically different approach to their devices. Rosewill solutions are along the lines of “everything but the kitchen sink.” If you’re looking for the best in features, you’ll be hard pressed to find something better than this option.

Hardware

With the Rosewill Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter, instead of going for brand name, they went for a programmable RC-411 standardized chipset. This chipset has been used in hundreds of different scenarios. The reason is that it’s very powerful. Perhaps a little overkill for most networking applications, but Rosewill made sure that it had the firmware it needed for almost any situation. One of the most important features of this chipset is that features can be enabled or disabled depending on the environment. This has implications in both performance and compatibility.

Compatibility

If you’re using a PC with a PCIe port, then you can use this card. There is no question about it. Thanks to the flexible firmware, you’re able to use it with every version of windows ever released except for early versions of NT. It even supports DOS, making it the first choice for those who need a card that is hardware addressable from within a legacy virtual machine.

But there is more to your network than the operating system, there are also dozens of communication protocols that may or may not be in place in your network. It supports all standards of IEEE 802.3 including u, ab, and x. You get 802.1q, CSMA/CD, and direct software addressable TCP/IP space. What does this mean? It means that no matter how your network is structured, this card will support it out of the box. It can use any type of Cat 5 cable, with an average maximum run of 100 meters. These are just the standards that are supported out of the box. There is more it can be used with, requiring only a little configuration. We’d list them here, but we’d just end up repeating the list of every Ethernet networking standard in place since the 90s.

Performance

One of the most stand-out features of this card is its ability to support full duplex mode. Essentially, this refers to the rate that data is transferred. Half duplex used to be more reliable, although this is less of a problem with professional grade networking equipment. Most of the 10/100/1000 cards you see run this way. Full duplex transfers data twice as fast. You now get 20/200/2000 Mbps. Great deal, right?

The issue is that a full duplex card running in half duplex mode will constantly ping the router before it’s ready. This puts a lot of extra traffic on your network. But this one has a feature called backpressure, allowing the timing to be synced with proper half-duplex networking equipment.

Alternately, you can run in half duplex mode and split the network in two. This is usually used in a VLAN, where the software sees two isolated networks over one cable. In this case, you’re able to set up VLAN tagging, a software trick that tags important data so it’s delivered first. This is great if you’re running a piece of software that needs local access, as it will always operate uninhibited.

Which Gigabit Ethernet Card is Right for Me?

If you’re unclear on what these specifications mean for your real-world performance, there is no reason to worry. Any one of these cards will likely outperform the onboard Ethernet that came with your motherboard.

The first thing you’re going to want to do is determine what exactly you’re looking to do. If you’re purchasing this card for gaming, grab yourself an Intel Gigabit CT PCIe Network Adapter. This card is the most reliable on the market, and you’re not going to be able to take advantage of the extra features in the other models on a home network.

If you’re replacing the card is a workstation or non-essential PC, you’ve got two options. The Intel card can give you reliability, but we’d prefer the StarTech Gigabit Ethernet Network Card. There are a few extra features that are helpful to have in a business environment, and will help you improve the speed.

Lastly, the Rosewill Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter is best in servers or testing environments. It can be put to use in any computer system that is connected to from multiple sub-networks or VLANs, and is designed to be able to open a secure connection with any of your internal systems, no matter how old they may be. In fact, this card is commonly used by system administrators to move legacy software into a virtualized environment.

Chances are, most people will be reading this only looking for one specific thing. There is no reason you need to worry if you’re missing out on features. At the end of the day, all of them provide a cheap and effective upgrade from the terrible software-based systems of today.

Looking For More?

Home users, if you’re looking to squeeze the most out of your network, remember that the network card is only one of the pieces in the Pipeline. Just because some routers have a Gigabit Ethernet port on the back, doesn’t mean they can handle the full volume. Make sure you take a look at a high-performance router such as the Netgear Nighthawk X10. You can also double check your cable modem and make sure it’s up to snuff. You’re not going to be transferring 1 Gbps data over the internet anytime soon, but a speed improvement is definitely noticeable with the right model.

The post Best PCIe Gigabit Ethernet Network Interface Cards (NIC) appeared first on Nerd Techy.

Temperature and humidity can affect your health. In fact, people who suffer from asthma are mostly suffering from problems related to dampness. In the interests of health, most homes are actually too humid, which can facilitate the growth of fungi, mites, and the like. Of course, dry air can be just as bad.

Viruses are capable of spreading easier when skin, mucous membranes, and eyes become dried out. And that’s just thinking about people. What about wood furniture? Instruments? Incubators? Art? Without monitoring, temperature and humidity can damage or destroy your possessions. And because of how easy it is to monitor humidity and temperature these days, that destruction is totally needless.

These are the Best WiFi Thermometers & Hygrometers

But who wants to constantly monitor the humidity in their cellar? Who wants to be permanently aware of the temperature in their attic? The best Wi-Fi thermometers and hygrometers ought to be able to take those concerns off your hand, without requiring you to be ignorant of the world, and while allowing you to micromanage the system only as you see fit.

Sensor Accuracy

With any type of measuring instrument, accuracy counts, even with a wireless grill thermometer. But the degree of accuracy you should seek depends entirely on you and your use case. When you’re taking a measurement because you’re trying to decide if you should wear a jacket, then the accuracy of your measurement really doesn’t matter that much. If you’re doing something more precise, then accuracy becomes more of a concern.

Size & Portability

The thermometer/hygrometer may be combined with a display unit which allows you to view temperature data. But these days, more and more of these instruments are being made without a display at all. Instead, they allow people to collect data entirely though the internet.

Whether or not you need a display really depends on how much interacting you plan on doing through the included control app. For people who want to do less interacting with the app, or people who are doing more hands-on management, having a display can be useful.

The size of a display unit isn’t something you have to worry much about. But the size of a sensor is important to keep in mind, especially if you plan on positioning the sensor in a small space. Most sensors will only be a couple inches in diameter, usually not much larger than the batteries which are inside them.

Powering the Instrument

Most digital instruments of this type will be powered by simple AA or AAA batteries. Rechargeable ones are even better. You want to look for a unit that can provide about one year of power before you need to swap the batteries. That’s because most well-designed sensors will report about once per minute.

Reporting more often requires more battery life, and is generally not necessary for most people in most circumstances. In fact, even a one-minute reporting is a little fast in most circumstances. Going beyond that is really only going to create unnecessary cost and inconvenience.

MINGER Govee WiFi Temperature Sensor

The MINGER Govee WiFi Temperature Sensor was built with an indoor-outdoor design. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android. It’s got wireless thermometer as well as a hygrometer, and it’s capable of delivering alerts which arrive based on the thresholds you’ve determined. But you don’t have to wait around for alerts, you can actually monitor the sensor data from anywhere that you’re able to use the mobile app.

Build & Design

The Govee display unit measures about 3.0 x 2.5 x 0.9-inches. The front side features a fairly basic looking, but highly visible display of all essential sensor data. Because this is an indoor and outdoor design, you’ll find this is a sealed and waterproof chassis. It even includes a small wall mount, which allows you to place or retrieve the data console from a mounted position.

There’s really nothing descriptive about the sensor. It’s roughly 3 x 2 x 0.5-inches, and isn’t easily identifiable as a weather sensor. In fact, apart from the Govee name across its front side, and the battery port on its backside, you really have nothing to go on.

Every 60 seconds, data syncs between the thermometer and the hygrometer, uploading the data through a Wi-Fi gateway. You can export your data to CSV format without having to pay fees or leap through hoops. If you’re not familiar, CSV is Excel format. That’s pretty good for being able to categorize different types of data.

You’re also able to view the battery level of the device through the app, and you’re able to calibrate the sensors. The app actually shows you some pretty cool interactive graphs, explaining how the temperature and relative humidity have moved across the course of a day. Using the app is pretty quick and simple, but there is room for one small complaint.

One of the main program buttons, right next to the button that lets you adjust your profile settings and the button that lets you switch between devices, you’ll find a button that’s trying to sell you products. It’s basically an advertisement button that’s permanently in the middle of the interface. It doesn’t really get in the way of anything, but it’s bound to agitate someone, so it’s worth pointing out.

Other Considerations

The SHT30 sensor is accurate within a fraction of a degree. Turning to humidity, it’s accurate within about 3%. That’s not bad for digital equipment. The Wi-Fi gateway of this device allows for a connection distance of about 260-feet. You’re able to plant the sensor terrifically far from your network and still end up receiving transmissions.

Its range of operation is 14°F – 140°F, which is pretty protective. But in extreme temperatures, you will have to help the sensors retreat to calmer ground. Higher than 140°F and the device is prone to overheating, lower than 14°F and you encounter problems with the battery.

The sensor is powered by a single AAA battery, which is included. You’ll need to replace the battery every four or five months, depending on environmental circumstances, and the batteries you’re using in the first place. This is actually a nice chance to use rechargeable batteries.

The Govee includes a 2-year replacement warranty. That does not include the battery, however. Over the course of two years, the battery will naturally degrade, and its maximum capacity might fall by as much as 20%.

Ideal Sciences Temp Stick

You could be off by 5°F and still easily make the right decision. But when you’re taking scientific measurements, you need different levels of accuracy, which means you need sensors built to higher standards. With the Ideal Sciences Temp Stick, you’re able to check your data at any time with the help of a tablet, PC, or mobile phone. That makes it ideal for monitoring temperature in your fridge, cooler, attic, or on the top of a mountain.

Build & Design

The Ideal Sciences Temp Stick measures 3.5 x 1.5 x 1.2-inches, and weighs about six ounces after you’ve got the batteries inside. The sensor comes in either black or white, and isn’t joined by a display unit. Rather, you’re expected to do all of your interaction through the app. This design is completely wireless because the sensor is powered by a pair of AA batteries.

Those batteries are included, but you’ll probably want to have your own batteries ready to replace the included batch. Because the included batteries are bound to give out after only a few weeks. With proper batteries, you should expect a full year of performance before they need to be replaced. Though that can literally increase or decrease depending on the weather.

Other Considerations

This device does not allow for recalibration. That puts a very soft limitation on how long you’ll be able to maintain accuracy over the course of years. But that kind of issue is really only a concern if you’re using the sensor in extreme environments, like an area where you expect the humidity to remain steadily above 85%.

The Temp Stick provides data logging with an unlimited storage history, and without subscription fees. Another thing working for the Temp Stick is its fantastic 5-year warranty. But in this case, any instrument with at least a one-year warranty should provide you with all the protection you need. Unfortunately, their tech support is only available six days a week.

SensorPush Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer

Some Wi-Fi thermometers and hygrometers were made for people who want to be hands on with monitoring. The SensorPush Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer was made for people who want to remain hands off. This sensor is the sort of thing you might shove inside a guitar case, in the back of a wine cellar, or near fresh produce storage.

However, the SensorPush Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer is actually one part of a broader set. The G1 WiFi gateway lets you get data alerts through the internet, but the sensor and wireless gateway are sold separately.

Build & Design

The sensor measures 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.65-inches, making it exceptionally small, similar to an object you’d find dangling from a key ring. In normal conditions, excluding extreme heat and cold, you’ll find about one year of battery life from the sensor. The chassis isn’t waterproof, but if you position the sensor correctly, using it outdoors with minor protection would be possible. You just wouldn’t want to stick it anywhere you expect a puddle to form.

The Wi-Fi gateway is actually an impressive unit. Similar to the sensor, it’s quite small, measuring 5.6 x 4.2 x 0.8-inches. It’s not tough to tell them apart because the gateway has a Wi-Fi antenna on its side. Part of what makes this gateway impressive is that it’s capable of working with all SensorPush sensors, and places no limits on how many sensors can be connected.

Other Considerations

In spite of all that extra support, there’s still no monthly fee. You get cloud service included in the price of the router. But there’s room for complaint. Once you have to change the battery, it’s necessary to remove a single screw to get the battery door to open. That’s a mild inconvenience, but at least there’s no swinging hatch that can break off.

The sensor was built with Swiss-made components for higher accuracy and reliability. Its operating range is between -40°F – 140°F. It’s a tad unusual for these sensors for operate in such cold conditions. And with hysterically high accuracy, within about ±2.2°F. You’re able to switch over to Celsius, as well.

Data is transmitted once per minute, and the sensor carries data onboard for about 20 days. App data storage is unlimited, though you are technically limited by the storage capacity of your own mobile devices. It has a powerful range which extends to 325ft. Of course, that’s assuming there’s perfect line of sight between the sensor and the wireless gateway. The moment you start to add obstructions to the signal, the radius will drop accordingly.

The included app supports both Android and iOS. Whether you’re using a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or you’re using an iPhone, both apps work equally well, and make monitoring equally simple. There’s a set-and-forget nature to this device because of the Bluetooth 4.0 support which lets you transmit readings and alerts only when you need to know about them.

Choosing Between the Best WiFi Thermometers & Hygrometers

The Govee WiFi Temperature Sensor is a good choice for someone who’s looking for something simple, reliable, and quite affordable. The sensors can be used independently, or paired up with a humidity monitor that can be used as a display unit. Being able to port your data to Excel is a pretty cool feature, too.

The Ideal Sciences Temp Stick can operate in terrifically cold conditions, it’s got a grossly accurate sensor, and its ease of use could be described as perfect. The only fault to find is it cannot be paired with its own display unit. You need to incorporate a tablet, smartphone, PC, or something else to actually read your data. But it doesn’t require any additional parts because the Wi-Fi gateway is built into the sensor.

The SensorPush Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer needs to be paired with a separate Wi-Fi gateway in order to operate. Of course, that means you can place the sensor at a different place than the gateway. It also means you’re able to operate several sensors and create a broader network of data collection. For people who are checking temperature and humidity in more than one small space, that makes the SensorPush G1 an excellent choice.

Looking for something capable of tracking a bit more than just temperature and humidity? A wireless home weather station is a smart choice. Not only do they assist you with figuring out the rise and fall of temperatures and humidty around your home, they’re often smart enough to help predict fluctuations.

The post These are the Best WiFi Thermometers & Hygrometers for 2021 appeared first on Nerd Techy.

In an ideal world, setting up your home network would be easy. You’d plug in your modem, connect your router, and you’d instantly have WiFi coverage over the entire house. But not everybody is ideally set up for a single WiFi router. For example, what if you have a ranch home? Because the space is so spread out, that 2,500-square foot may only cover 1,000. In that case, you’re going to need some way of spreading out the signal. There are some options for this, like a mesh WiFi router, but as we’ll see, WiFi isn’t always perfect.

One solution is to use a MoCA 2.5 network adapter. These adapters use your home’s existing coax cables to spread the signal throughout the building. They’re not a perfect solution for every situation. But in the right place, they can turn a shoddy home network into a streaming and gaming paradise.

Today, we’ll be looking at three of the best MoCA 2.5 network adapters for Ethernet over coax. To begin with, we’ll review the Actiontec ECB6250. This adapter offers ultra-fast 2.5Gbps speeds, as well as advanced security features. Next, we’ll look at the goCoax WF-803M. This is another ultra-fast adapter, but lacks the Actiontek’s on-board security features. Then again, it’s significantly more affordable. Last but not least, we’ll examine the Hitron HT-EM4. This is a similar adapter, but with a compact form factor.

Which one is the best? To find out, we’re going to have to take a closer look. We’ll talk about how they work, and how well they’re constructed. But first, we’ll talk about MoCA technology, and why it’s worth considering.

What is MoCA?

MoCA is a relatively new technology designed to compensate for the weaknesses of a WiFi network. There are two separate issues to deal with here: range and latency. Let’s look at each of them in turn.

In many homes, range isn’t going to be a concern. Modern routers are well-engineered enough to cover your typical suburban wood frame house. But not everyone’s home has that type of design. For instance, many homes have interior brick or masonry walls. These can quickly degrade a WiFi signal, especially if the signal needs to penetrate more than one wall. Even with a good router and a high-speed internet plan, your streaming devices can end up struggling.

Another WiFi-related issue is latency. Latency is the delay between a packet arriving at your router and when it arrives at your device, and vice-versa. The lower the latency, the more reliable the signal. High latency, on the other hand, can cause trouble for apps that rely on a consistent, stable signal. This isn’t typically an issue for streaming apps, since the buffer compensates for any slight delay. But it’s a serious problem for online gaming. If you have a latency of 15ms, you’re literally 15 milliseconds behind all of your opponents. Between players of similar skill, that delay can make a big difference.

MoCA is short for Multimedia over Coax Alliance. Like many connection standards, this alliance is a group of tech companies who have come together in mutual self-interest. By establishing a single standard, manufacturers ensure that all MoCA hardware will be compatible. MoCA is designed to provide lower latency than WiFi, and to get around wireless range limitations. It’s able to do this because it uses a wired connection, which is more reliable by its very nature.

To be fair, you’ve always had the ability to install a coax extension cable or switch in your home. But this could involve complex — and expensive — installation. For instance, if your WiFi issues were caused by a stone wall, you’d have to drill through the wall. Meanwhile, if there were existing cables for your cable television, they couldn’t be used for the same purpose.

MoCA technology, on the other hand, allows you to transmit data over your home’s existing coaxial cables. If you have a wall jack with a TV in your bedroom or office, you can convert it into an internet cable. More importantly, you can do this without interfering with your TV’s existing signal. This means you can get a high-quality, wired signal just about anywhere in your home. And new MoCA 2.5 technology allows for speeds as high as 2.5Gbps. This makes them fast enough for all of your streaming needs.

Why Not Just Use Mesh WiFi?

A mesh WiFi system is an alternative way of expanding your network’s range. A mesh network consists of two or more router units that serve as part of the same network. By using multiple overlapping units, the mesh router extends your range significantly. This is a particularly popular solution for offices and other commercial spaces. However, there are a couple of reasons that mesh routers aren’t always the best solution for residential purposes.

For one thing, you may be a gamer, or may have other needs that require low latency. In that case, a mesh WiFi router isn’t going to help you. You’ll still be dealing with the same fundamental issue as any other WiFi router: the nature of the signal itself. There’s going to be latency, whether you’re on a mesh network or a standard one.

Another reason mesh systems aren’t always ideal is that they’re still subject to obstacles like walls. When they’re used in large, open commercial spaces, there aren’t a whole lot of things in the way. They’re considerably less useful when you’re in a house with a bunch of obstacles. That said, there are some situations where a mesh network can work just fine. For example, in the large ranch home we mentioned earlier, it could cover a lot of square footage.

There’s one other reason you might want to use a mesh router instead. MoCA adapters aren’t compatible with all types of home networks. If you have a satellite TV provider, for example, they won’t work. The same is true for AT&T internet, or AT&T U-verse home networks. If you use one of those services, a mesh router will be your only option.

If you want to get the best of both worlds, you can use a pair of MoCA adapters. Put a WiFi network extender on one end, and you can still connect your wireless devices. You’ll have top-speed WiFi, along with a low-latency wired connection.

Actiontec ECB6250

Actiontec is an established brand that produces a variety of networking equipment. In the past, we’ve reviewed some of their wireless extenders, and they performed quite well. So we were ready and willing to give their ECB6250 network adapter a chance.

This is an all-in-one adapter that converts your Ethernet signal to coax, or vice-versa. It also has a pass-through for your TV signal, so you can keep your television connected. The main unit is a rectangular box, measuring 4.4 inches long, 2.2 wide, and 1.1 deep. It’s made of black ABS plastic, with vents along the top and sides. These vents ensure that it remains cool during operation, and won’t get overheated. On the top, there’s a printed white Actiontec logo, alongside a pair of green LED indicator lights. These indicate when there’s an active power and coax connection respectively.

At one end, there’s a bright yellow Ethernet port, as well as a DC power input and a small reset button. At the other end, there are a pair of male coax connections. The first of these is for connecting to your wall jack, while the other is your TV bypass. All the ports are labeled, so you won’t have any confusion over which is which. There are also cables included with the kit. These include an Ethernet cable, a coax cable, and an AC power adapter. All of this is covered by a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.

The MoCA connection is made to form a bridge between two or more network adapters. This backbone connection has a maximum bandwidth of 2.5Gbps. However, individual devices max out at 1Gbps, or standard Ethernet speed. The higher backbone bandwidth simply allows for more devices to be using the network simultaneously. In other words, if you’re streaming Netflix in one room, someone else can be playing online games with no trouble. So instead of connecting a single device, the ECB6250 is also suitable for connecting several.

In addition to all this, Actiontec has built MoCA Protected Setup (MPS) into the system. This is similar to WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), in that it allows for a secure, push-button connection. This makes the ECB6250 suitable for shared networks as well as home networks. If the WPS button is not pushed on your end, other MoCA adapters cannot be paired. That said, unlike some MPS systems, your router doesn’t have to be reconfigured when new units are paired. This advanced security makes it easier to set up and install new adapters.

goCoax WF-803M

The goCoax WF-803M is significantly different from the Actiontec in terms of physical appearance. It’s constructed from white plastic instead of black, and has an oval profile instead of square. The MPS button is located on the top, alongside a trio of indicator lights. These alert you to the status of the power, MoCA, and LAN connections respectively. Vents are arranged both above and below the buttons and lights, providing for plenty of airflow. Much like the Actiontec adapter, the inputs and outputs are arranged on two sides. On the right, you’ll see the Ethernet, power, and a reset button. On the other side, you’ll see the two coax jacks. These all work the same as the Actiontec’s.

Along with the adapter itself, you get a coax cable, an Ethernet cable, and a power adapter. Just plug into your existing wall jacks, connect TV cables on either end, and you’re ready to go. The speed is the same as the Actiontec adapter, with a 2.5Gbps backbone and 1Gbps connectivity at either end. That’s more than fast enough for all your modern devices and streaming services. Latency is also very good, at a maximum of 3ms. The only downgrade here is the MPS setup function, which isn’t as advanced as the Actiontec. But considering how affordable the goCoax adapter is, that’s a small sacrifice to make.

Hitron HT-EM4

The Hitron HT-EM4 is similar in design to the Actiontek, with a matte black housing. We were particularly impressed with the quality of the ventilation, with holes on all six sides. This means you don’t have to worry about placement from an airflow perspective, as some vents will always be visible. The housing is very slim, at just under an inch in thickness. The other dimensions are also compact, at 4.25 inches in length and 2.75 inches in width.

The overall configuration is a bit different from the last two options, though. Instead of connections on the two ends, they’re all located on the back. This makes the unit easier as a tabletop or desktop unit, rather than an inline adapter.

It will still provide the same reliable 2.5Gbps backbone and Ethernet speeds, though. There are also cables included in the kit, so you’ve got everything you need in order to get started.

Final Verdict

As you can see, the main difference between these three network adapters is their security capabilities. Specifically, the Actiontec ECB6250 has advanced security, while the others do not. Still, the goCoax WF-803M and Hitron HT-EM4 have benefits of their own. At a much lower price than the ECB6250, they provide most of the same other benefits. You get stable, 1Gbps connections for your devices, with a generous 2.5Gbps backbone connection.

MoCA adapters aren’t for everybody. But if you have existing coax wiring and you’re experiencing WiFi trouble, they can be just what you need. Any of these three contenders would be a solid choice.

The post Best MoCA 2.5 Network Adapter for Ethernet Over Coax appeared first on Nerd Techy.

Modern wireless routers provide good coverage over most homes. A good mesh system can even cover most office buildings. But there are situations where that isn’t practical. For instance, many older homes have interior brick or stone walls that are death to wireless signals. Similarly, offices can have metal construction and brick walls that can obstruct your signal. This can pose challenges for businesses and families who want to cover an entire building. To be fair, you could always run an Ethernet cable to these trouble spots. But this can be expensive, and may not always be practical. For instance, your landlord may flat-out refuse to let you drill through masonry to run a cable. A powerline network adapter can oftentimes be a more elegant solution.

Powerline adapters will extend your local network to any room with a power outlet. They work by using your home’s electrical wiring to transmit an internet signal. You simply plug them into a pair of outlets, connect Ethernet cables on both ends, and you’re ready to go. This technology was first developed in 2001, and caught on quickly. Unfortunately, there were several standards, and manufacturers couldn’t agree on any one of them. Some worked very well, while others were buggy, or offered only very slow connections. For a few years, powerline adapters fell out of favor, and it seemed like they might disappear altogether. But over time, the technology has advanced. Modern powerline adapters are as fast and reliable as WiFi routers or ordinary Ethernet connections.

Before we go on, we should note that powerline network adapters aren’t themselves wireless. To connect through one, you need to plug into the Ethernet port. That said, there are ways around this. For instance, you can simply plug a wireless access point into your powerline adapter. Suddenly, you’ve extended your wireless signal as far as you need it to go. You can circumvent a brick wall, or just reach a distant part of the property with your wireless signal. Another option is simply to use a WiFi router with a more powerful signal. For instance, the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 provides an exceptionally powerful signal for very large homes. In fact, it’s so powerful that it’s even used in some large office buildings.

For now, we’re going to review the three best powerline Ethernet network adapters available. We’ll kick things off with the TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter. This adapter boasts a secure setup feature for business use. We’ll follow up with the Zyxel G.hn 2400 Wave 2. The Wave 2 offers blazing-fast speeds and an environmentally-friendly sleep mode. Finally, we’ll look at the NexusLink G.hn Powerline Ethernet Adapter. This has similar fast speeds, and offers Power over Ethernet (PoE) as well as data. Which one is the best choice for your home or office? To find out, we’ll need to dig a little deeper, and see how they perform. Let’s get started!

TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter

TP-Link is one of the oldest names in wireless connectivity. Among other offerings, they make some of the better WiFi routers available on today’s market. Now, we’ll be reviewing the TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter, which was designed first and foremost for security. Instead of an ordinary signal, these adapters utilize AES 128-bit encryption. This means that someone can’t simply plug in their own powerline adapter and have access to your network. The devices will first need to be paired, which means pressing the pairing button on both simultaneously. Pairing requires the two units to be on the same circuit, so plug them into adjacent outlets. Once they’re paired, you can move them around your home or office as needed. These adapters come as a pair, but you can add up to 16 of them in total in the same fashion.

One thing to be aware of about powerline network adapters is that they’re fairly blocky. This is equally true for the AV2000, so it will block both halves of a duplex outlet. That said, there’s a three-prong outlet on the front that delivers a full 120 volts when it’s plugged in. It functions as a pass-through outlet, so you’ll still be able to plug in another device. This used to be an unusual feature, but more and more powerline adapters have been offering it lately.

A more unusual feature is the pair of gigabit Ethernet ports. These can be used for two purposes. First, on the main unit that’s connected to your router, the second port works as a pass-through. On any other AV2000 unit on your network, you can connect two devices instead of one. This is a major advantage over standard adapters, which only have a single port. The total speed of the connection is 2,000 Mbps, or just a hair under two gigabits. Keep in mind that this connection will be shared between both devices if there are two plugged in. If you’re trying to stream 4K video, stick to a single device. Otherwise, you might have some issues.

In addition to its encryption features, the AV2000 also works with the TP-Link mobile app. This isn’t required for setup, and you can completely ignore it if you want to. But it offers some neat perks for power users. Through the app, you can monitor traffic throughout your network, and view the speed of every adapter. This can help you see if there are any choke points on your network. For example, you might have some old, worn-out wiring on a particular circuit. You won’t be getting optimal speeds. Thanks to the app, you’ll be able to know which outlets are the fastest, and which to avoid.

Zyxel G.hn 2400 Wave 2

Zyxel is another respected manufacturer of wireless products. They make the True WiFi 6 Wireless Access Point, one of the fastest money can buy. Today’s offering, the Zyxel G.hn 2400 Wave 2, is another blazing-fast option. Under ideal circumstances, it can transfer data at speeds of up to 2,400 Mbps. That’s twice as fast as Gigabit speeds, which is the standard for modern home internet.

That said, a lot of this depends on range. With powerline adapters, “range” has nothing to do with the physical distance between the two units. It refers to the amount of electrical wire between the two. Imagine two powerline adapters on opposite sides of the same wall. In ordinary terms, you’d say they were only a few inches apart. But if the outlets are on different circuits, the signal will have to run to the breaker box and back. That distance could easily be as far as 100 feet.

Thankfully, the Wave 2 can handle Gigabit speeds even at the end of a 100-foot run. This means it can be used for high-definition streaming and online gaming. On a shorter run, speeds of 2,400 Mbps will allow for 8K streaming. This means you’ll be well set up for VR rigs, or for business applications that require a lot of bandwidth. The term “G.hn” refers to the latest development in powerline technology. In addition to ultra-fast speeds, G.hn signals also reduce noise. This is a major upgrade, since electrical systems aren’t designed for internet signals. They’re inherently noisy, so noise reduction makes a huge difference, particularly over longer runs. You may lose speed as the distance increases, but you won’t lose reliability.

Much like the AV2000, the Wave 2 will allow you to connect multiple individual units. The first connects to your router, and forms the bridge to the rest of them. You can then install an unlimited number of others as needed around your house. Keep in mind, though, that all of them will have to go through the main “hub” unit to connect to the web. If you’ve got a dozen powerline adapters all hooked up, don’t expect to stream on all of them at once. This shouldn’t really be a concern for home users, who will generally be fine with the two starter adapters. But if you run a business, you may want to add more of them to cover more area.

Moreover, the Wave 2 features an automatic sleep mode for saving power. When an adapter is not receiving or sending a signal, it simply goes into sleep mode. When it receives a signal again, it wakes up and resumes operating. In sleep mode, an adapter only draws 10 percent of the normal power. This can save a fair bit of juice if you’re using several adapters.

Like any other powerline adapters, these are big and chunky. They’ll block both outlets, regardless of which one you plug into. But like the others on our list, they include pass-through outlets so you can still plug in another device. You can also plug a power strip into the Wave 2’s outlet to expand your capacity even further. On the other hand, you should never connect any powerline adapter into a power strip. The combination of multiple outlets and a single power cable causes far too much noise.

NexusLink G.hn Powerline Ethernet Adapter

The NexusLink G.hn Powerline Ethernet Adapter is similar in many ways to the others on our list. It comes in a pair, and the units are big and bulky. Unfortunately, there’s no pass-through port on this one. If you plug it into a duplex outlet, you won’t be able to plug in anything else. That said, the NexusLink has one thing the other adapters don’t: Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE is a power delivery technology for feeding devices like security cameras. It saves you the trouble of using a secondary power supply, and smooths the installation process. You can connect up to 16 NexusLink adapters on the same network, which is excellent for security systems.

Each unit sports a single Ethernet port, along with a pairing button. As with the AV2000, you’ll want to pair the devices with them plugged into the same circuit. Once connected, you’ll get 2,400 Mbps speeds, along with G.hn noise-reduction technology. You’ll also get 2×2 MU-MIMO support. This technology allows for faster switching between devices, and is perfect for busy networks.

Finally, the NexusLink adapter uses forward error correction (FEC) technology. FEC is designed to reduce errors by sending redundant data packets. This allows the receiving device to reconstruct lost data without having to request re-transmission. In many networks, FEC is simply not necessary. But powerline networks rely on electrical cables, which weren’t designed for data. They’re inherently unreliable, and FEC goes a long way to making your signal more stable. This results in lower latency and reduced buffering, and is particularly useful for streaming and gaming.

Final Verdict

So, where does all of this leave us? We have three different powerline adapters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s sum up what we’ve learned. We started out by reviewing the TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter. This is the best choice for most businesses. With its secure setup and the TP-Link app, there are plenty of features for advanced users. Moreover, the dual Ethernet ports allow you to connect two devices. If one of these is a wireless access point, you’ll have a wireless and wired connection simultaneously. That said, the speeds aren’t quite as fast as the other options. If you want a blazing-fast streaming setup, you’ll want to use one of those.

Next, we looked at the Zyxel G.hn 2400 Wave 2. This powerline adapter offers faster, 2,400 Mbps speeds, along with G.hn technology. It’s ideal for streaming, gaming, and other applications that require lots of bandwidth. That said, it doesn’t have the advanced management features of the AV2000.

The NexusLink G.hn Powerline Ethernet Adapter is the only choice if you want to connect PoE devices. However, this comes at the expense of a pass-through power port. But with fast speeds and forward error correction, this adapter more than makes up for the missing plug. All in all, it’s a solid choice for streaming, gaming, and anyone with PoE accessories to plug in.

The post Guide to the Best Powerline Network Adapters (2021 Updated) appeared first on Nerd Techy.

Moving a network connection across great distances can be tough. It’s a large part of the reason why people switch to fiber optic connections. After about 100ft, Ethernet cables and their copper construction just don’t cut it. Which makes fiber connections essential for people who are trying to connect to the internet from isolated portions of a complex, separate buildings, or another area that’s generally impervious to Wi-Fi.

Best Ethernet Fiber Media Converter

An Ethernet fiber media converter does an incredibly complicated job — but understanding what it’s doing is actually very simple. They receive an electronic signal from an Ethernet connection, and then translate that electrical signal into a series of light pulses. Those light pulses can then be sent across a fiber optic cable, which transmits your signal to its destination at the speed of light.

Picking the right Ethernet fiber media converter isn’t nearly as tough as all the stuff the converter has to manage. If you’re picking a converter to be used in an array, you should think about the form factor. Otherwise, you can focus primarily on data rate, compatibility, and connectivity concerns.

Form Factor

There are typically three common form factors for Ethernet fiber media converters. The first is a PC card fiber media converter, which is installed directly into a computer. The second are standalone converters, and converters that can be installed into a larger chassis of converters in a greater system. Managed fiber media converters tend to cost a bit more, but they include remote configuration and have network managing tools that can make your life a bit easier.

You generally don’t have to think about commercial vs industrial grade equipment, with one exception. Industrial grade media converters are filled in hot, humid, electrically busy environments. They can survive freezing temperatures, too. If you’re not thinking about operating the equipment in those kinds of extreme environments, then you can stick with commercial gear.

Communication Protocols

Most Ethernet networks will use 10/100Mbps, 10/100/1000Mbps, or the 1000Mbps network standard. This is one detail that actually does matter. Because if you’re not careful, it’s easy to end up picking an Ethernet fiber media converter which doesn’t support the type of network you’re running.

Basic compatibility concerns almost don’t need to be mentioned. However, you might want to stop and consider if you intend to use a single mode fiber optic cable, a dual strand cable, or a single strand cable.

Connection Options

How can you connect the fiber media converter? With the right gear, your potential options are almost limitless. That might include support for copper RJ-45 cables, UPT, coax cables, single or multimode fiber connections, and so on.

StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter

Though this brand isn’t exactly a household name, in the world of PC adapters, StarTech has a cult following. Partially because StarTech makes a huge number of quality adapters, and partially because those adapters often get fantastic reviews. Because you tend to get what you pay for with these adapters.

Their Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter is actually available in six different variants. Those variations primarily vary based on the distance you need to transmit your signal. This particular gigabit Ethernet fiber media converter is capable of carrying your signal as far as 1804ft. That’s just over one third of a mile.

Build & Design

The StarTech Gigabit Fiber Converter measures 6.2 x 3.6 x 1.8 inches, a reasonably compact design that vaguely resembles a smaller router. The converter itself was constructed inside a sturdy metal housing, which was engineered to provide years of lasting performance. True to form, it can also connect an Ethernet network alongside a fiber backbone to integrate all your remote devices into one system.

The topside is highlighted by the StarTech logo, and the sides have a couple of ventilation holes. Beyond that, the front face of the device consists of the mini-GBIC port, Ethernet port, on/off switch, and six indicator LEDs. The LEDs can provide you information about the status your network, ranging from connectivity to power. On the opposite sides of three ports, there’s a simple DC power plug.

The plug-and-play design of this converter ensures installation should be pretty smooth. Though as with any device where many wires are connecting in a single place, there is the tendency for things to feel a little cluttered unless you wall-mount the unit and manage its cabling. Speaking of wall mounting, this converter provides several flexible installation options, including plenty of options for wall mounting.

Other Considerations

StarTech is a pretty good way to go for cost effective solutions that are also dependable for shorter range networks. The multimode transceiver is actually removable, so you can swap the transceiver in the future if your networking needs happen to change or fluctuate. And StarTech was careful enough to support 10/100/1000Mbps networks, so you don’t have to concern yourself with compatibility issues.

If you were looking to send your signal further distances, you’d need to use one of their stronger converters, like the SM 20km. But for someone who can make due with a third of a mile, this converter is a terribly cost effective solution. It could easily save someone hundreds or thousands of dollars when trying to run shorter connections.

In addition to the gigabit Ethernet media converter, StarTech includes a universal power adapter which can be used internationally. It also includes a two-year warranty from StarTech alongside unlimited tech support. However, it doesn’t include any wall mounting brackets or rack brackets. Those wall mounting is possible; you have to bring your own hardware solutions to the table.

TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter

Similar to the StarTech adapter, the TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter can convert Gigabit Ethernet networks in full duplex mode. You’ll also find support for mid/mid-x, TX, and FX ports. Things run a little smoother thanks to auto or force transfer on all those FX ports, allowing you to extend the total distance of your connection out towards 1,600ft.

Build & Design

It’s strange how TP-Link is the biggest name on this list, yet their fiber media converter is arguably the ugliest looking. Its simple gray chassis measures 8 x 2.6 x 6.5 inches, and weighs about a pound. That weight is entirely due to the sturdy metallic construction, which is pretty hard to miss.

Similar to a router, a number of LED indicators on the front of the device make it simple to view the present status of your network. Those indicators also provide you details about the kinds of connections you have going on at the moment.

This converter was designed to be used with a multi-mode fiber cable and SC-connector. It also supports shortwave laser specifications for full wire speed forwarding. More than that, it can be used as a standalone unit, in combination with other converters, or even run without the chassis.

With respect to installation, many converters claim to be plug and play. But the TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter gets pretty close to achieving perfect plug-and-play installation. There isn’t any configuration involved whatsoever. The only mess you have to sort out is cable management and the placement of the converter.

Other Considerations

If you’re looking to operate this converter in an array, it’s worth knowing TP-Link has a pretty impressive 19-system chassis that’s compatible with this unit. It has bottomless support for TX ports, and the front panel doesn’t block visibility of LED indicators. Pretty smart design.

You could use this for IP cameras, but not if your camera draws its electrical power from Power over Ethernet. Because this device converts Ethernet connections to fiber – PoE features gets swallowed in the process.

A couple more notes about compatibility. You can’t connect this converter straight into a 220V outlet, you would need an international adapter plug. And though this information is slightly implied by its name, this Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter is not compatible with 10/100 networks.

Networx Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter

Networx doesn’t have a fraction of the name recognition of a brand like TP-Link. But this converter performs every bit as respectably as anything TP-Link has ever made. Actually, the more accurate comparison would be with the StarTech converter.

Similar to StarTech, the Networx Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter converts your data signal from a 10/100/1000 Base-T connection to a fiber signal. Additionally, it supports flow control for full duplex ports, backpressure for half-duplex ports.

But unlike many similar converters, Networx manages to maintain high performance across distances as far away as 49 miles. At least, when paired with the right cables.

Build & Design

Networx’s converter measures 8.1 x 5.8 x 1.8 inches, making it slightly larger than the other equipment on this list. The build is still pretty slim and portable, though its nearly 1lb weight means you might need more than tape to mount the unit. Luckily, wall mounting options are available.

Fully equipped with a fiber optic connector, this converter is capable of transmitting TX and receiving RX. There’s also one RJ-45 jack and an external power supply receptacle for expansion possibilities. And six LEDs have been built into the front side of the unit, which are handy for diagnosing problems with the system, or otherwise continually monitor its performance and state of power.

But they’re not terribly well labeled, so you have to rely on the user manual to help become aquatinted with them. Once you do, they can be very useful. They include the UTP link, UTP activity indicator, fiber link indicator, fiber activity indicator, full duplex indicator, and data rate indicator. Additionally, you can configure the display to recognize either half duplex or full duplex operation.

The adapter looks a bit utilitarian. The outside has a few LEDs, connection ports, and heat grating. The topside of the unit provides clear identification for the unit, along with information about compatibility. That way, someone who’s just picking up the gear with no context can still immediately appraise its capabilities and limitations. The connection ports are equally well labeled.

Other Considerations

This converter comes with everything you need to get started, including the power supply. This converter actually doesn’t draw much power, which makes it uniquely useful running an underground fiber connection between different buildings. With so much data flowing through it, you would think it would run hot.

The included user guide is a little technical. But it provides separate figures and diagrams for different types of installations. It’s pretty handy for orienting yourself to the Networx Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter.

Choosing Between 3 of the Best Ethernet Fiber Media Converters

For someone who is using their fiber media converter as part of a collection of converters, the StarTech converter is worth careful consideration. It’s been made to ensure your network can expand and grow in the future. Its compatibility options leave little to be desired, though it’s unfortunate they don’t provide anything resembling mounting hardware along with this kit. If you can forgive that, it’s usually worth trusting StarTech equipment.

The TP-Link Gigabit adapter is a good choice for a person who’s trying to find a basic, cheap, and simple converter. Though this is one of the less expensive fiber media converters you’ll encounter, it’s made by TP-Link, which provides it some clout. If you end up needing tech support, you’re much better off turning to TP-Link than a smaller brand like Networx.

Finally, there’s the Networx converter. It’s almost identical to the StarTech converter. But StarTech provides slightly more support options while Networx provides a greater maximum transmission distance. For someone who intends to run their signal more than a mile, the Networx Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter will be worth careful consideration.

The post Guide to the Best Ethernet Fiber Media Converter for 2021 appeared first on Nerd Techy.

It wasn’t long ago that the average home only had one or two connected devices. You might own a family PC with an internet connection, and maybe a work computer. That was about it. More recently, smartphones, tablets, and connected game consoles have become the norm. But this can be managed by any halfway-decent WiFi router. There’s no need for any kind of complicated solution. Now, though, we’re faced with the Internet of Things (IoT), which promises to increase our wireless needs even more.

IoT devices include all kinds of gadgets, from doorbells to security cameras to smoke detectors, and they can be anywhere on your property. For instance, you might have a connected thermometer in the lawn, or a camera in a detached garage. This means you’ll have to improve your wireless network not just in terms of number of devices, but of range. An outdoor wireless access point is one good way of doing this.

Today, we’ll be reviewing the EnGenius ECW260 Cloud Managed Wi-Fi 6 2×2 Outdoor AccessPoint. This is a small access point that, as its name implies, is meant to be installed outdoors. This means that quality of engineering is essential, simply in terms of physical construction. But while we need good waterproofing, we also need to make sure the wireless performance is up to par. Otherwise, we could find ourselves with a waterproof device that doesn’t actually do anything. As a result, we’ve reviewed every aspect of the ECW260’s performance. Here’s what we found, along with our final verdict.

Design & Construction

The EnGenius ECW260 is a compact access point that’s made to mount on the exterior of your home or business. When we say “compact,” we mean that in terms of outdoor devices. It’s actually about 10 inches long and six inches wide, but it looks smaller outside. It has a trapezoidal form factor, with a glossy white plastic finish. As a result, it’s a reasonable match for most exterior color schemes. Attached to either end of the unit, you’ll see a pair of antennas, which are themselves about a foot long. The antennas can be kept parallel for a sleeker look, or swiveled to get the best possible signal.

The back of the housing is grey, and has four mounting holes and slots. The screws are included in the package, and installation is fairly straightforward. Decide where you want to mount the access point, drill your holes, insert the screws, and hang it up. There’s really not that much else to it. At the bottom of the housing, you’ll see a small black extension. This is the connection for the Ethernet cable, and it’s water-resistant.

In fact, the entire housing is both waterproof and dustproof, with a weather-resistance rating of IP67. The 6 is in reference to the dust-resistance, which is better than average. Even in the NEvada desert, dust infiltration won’t cause any damage. The 7 refers the water-resistance rating, which is exceptional. In fact, the ECW260 can be fully submerged for up to a half hour at a depth of one meter. Even the worst summer storm isn’t going to pose a threat to any of its internal electronics.

One last thing we should mention is that the ECW260 requires a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection. PoE allows you to run small devices, like a wireless access point, without a separate power connection. This means there’s only one wire to run. On the other hand, it means you’ll need a PoE injector to supply power to the Ethernet line. Alternatively, on a larger network, it might make sense to use a PoE switch instead. A PoE switch can be used to power multiple devices, without the need to set up multiple injectors.

Setup and Controls

Setting up the ECW260 requires it to first be plugged into your PoE-powered Ethernet line. One that’s done, the next step is to install the EnGenius app on your smartphone. This app is free on Google Play and the Apple Store, and takes only minutes to install on a modern phone. Once it’s installed, you’ll be guided through a setup process, which requires you to pair with your WAP. This means you’ll have to scan a unique barcode on the back of the device. Once that’s done, configuring the rest of the settings takes only a few minutes. You won’t have to spend hours tinkering around to get everything set up the way you like it. Not only that, but EnGenius provides around-the-clock customer support to anyone who needs it.

If you’re unhappy with your initial settings, you’re not locked into them. You can use the app to remotely configure the WAP from anywhere in the world. It includes a full suite of tools for advanced users to change any settings they like. Perhaps the most useful feature is the ability to view your network traffic in real time. You can see how much total bandwidth is being used, along with the amount used by each individual device. Moreover, you can view historical data to see what traffic has looked like in the past. There are other analytics as well, so you can look for trends like usage by time of day.

The best part is that all of this is free. There are no licensing or subscription fees for using the EnGenius app. This is not a small factor in the ECW260’s favor, since it’s an enterprise-grade access point. In many cases, enterprise-grade WAPs require a subscription for their online services. By providing monitoring and analytics for free, EnGenius offers a great value for consumers and businesses alike.

In addition to all that, the ECW260 comes with a number of security options. You can switch between WPA 3 Personal, Enterprise, and Mixed, or WPA2 Mixed and Enterprise. Enterprise options come with Suite B support, which is a big plus for power users. Regardless, you’ll be able to keep your devices — and your other network users — safe while they surf.

WiFi 6 Connectivity

As you may have guessed, the ECW260 is capable of WiFi 6 connections. But what does this mean in practice? In theory, WiFi 6 supports speeds of up to 9.6Gbps, an increase from 802.11ac’s 3.5Gbps maximum. But there’s a lot of play in both of those numbers. In fact, they’re theoretical, and no real hardware can actually achieve 100 percent of those numbers. Even if you could get a full 9.6Gbps, you wouldn’t be able to use it. The average American internet connection is still slower than 100Mbps, or roughly 1 percent of the maximum.

What does this mean for the ECW260? The four detachable, 360-degree mics support up to 1,200Mbps on the 5GHz band. On the 2.4GHz band, they support an additional 574Mbps. This means that, in theory, you can achieve a maximum speed of 1,774Mbps. That’s better than plain Ethernet speeds, but short of what WiFi 6 can fully offer. In addition, keep in mind that the 2.4GHz band has a longer range than the 5GHz band. Don’t install your WAP all the way at the end of your main router’s range. Install it where you’re still getting four bars, and take advantage of those 5GHz speeds.

With all of that being said, there are good reasons that WiFi 6 allows for such insane speeds. The reason is that a router or WAP isn’t just handling traffic between your device and the internet. It’s also transferring information between different devices. For instance, suppose you’re watching Netflix on your TV. At the same time, you’re backing up some files from your laptop to your network drive. Your Netflix stream is coming from the web, but the backup files are all local traffic. In other words, they’re not subject to the limitations of your LAN’s internet uplink. They can be transferred as fast as your local networking equipment can handle.

Another advantage of WiFi 6 is that it allows for more efficient sharing of bandwidth between devices. With older WiFi variants, even low-traffic devices could use a lot of bandwidth. For instance, a WiFi smoke detector might hog 20Mbps, despite only sending a few megabits of data per day. This might not sound like much. But multiply that by 20, 30, or 50 smart home devices, and you quickly run into a bandwidth logjam. WiFi 6 allocates bandwidth on an as-needed basis. So your idle smoke detector might only get a few Kbps of bandwidth. If it suddenly goes off, the WAP will open the floodgates and supply it with the bandwidth it needs.

The ECW260 in particular utilizes 2×2 Mu-MiMo technology to augment its WiFi 6 capabilities. In a nutshell, Mu-MiMo lets your router or WAP multitask and switch devices more efficiently. Once again, you’re looking for a major benefit for anyone with a lot of IoT devices.

One of the ECW260’s few drawbacks is that it’s a bit pricey. If you don’t need an outdoor WAP, you can save a lot of money and get similar performance. If that’s what you need, take a look at the EnGenius ECW120. It’s much more affordable, but it can only be used inside the home.

Final Verdict

The EnGenius ECW260 Outdoor Access Point is effective and easy to use. It takes just a few minutes to install, and it also comes with a powerful app. This makes it suitable for novices and power users alike. Moreover, it lives up to its promise, with excellent water and dust resistance. It could have offered more bandwidth, and gamers in particular might want more. That said, it’s still well within the normal range, particularly as an access point and not a router. Finally, the ECW260 is very efficient at allocating bandwidth and switching between connections. If you have a lot of smart home devices, you’ll appreciate this feature.

The post Review of the EnGenius ECW260 Cloud Managed Outdoor Access Point appeared first on Nerd Techy.

Nowadays, we expect our connected devices to work just about everywhere. But this wasn’t always the case. In the year 2000, for instance, wireless internet was a novelty, and smartphones were nonexistent. Even as recently as 2010, you might have had three or four online devices in your home. A PC, a laptop, and a handful of smartphones were about all the average family was using. But nowadays, we have streaming media everywhere. You can literally watch the entire extended edition of The Lord of the Rings in 4K on your tablet. Needless to say, old-school wireless coverage simply isn’t enough.

Along the same lines, we’ve also entered the age of the Internet of Things (IoT). We’re currently going through a transition period where people are fundamentally rethinking what exactly an online device is. Now, everything from LED lights to your toaster oven is getting its own internet connection. This in turn is changing the amount of coverage we need. For instance, it may no longer be sufficient to only have internet coverage inside your home. If you have WiFi security cameras, sprinklers, or other devices, good outdoor coverage is also a necessity.

A WiFi range extender is one way of spreading your coverage throughout the entire property. Range extenders are not to be confused with a second router. They don’t actually create a second wireless network. Instead, they simply act as an extension of your existing WiFi network. Depending on the model, you may even be able to connect multiple extenders to further increase your range.

Today, we’ll be reviewing three of the best outdoor WiFi range extenders available for purchase. We’ll begin by looking at the WAVLINK High Power Outdoor Wireless Access Point. This is a powerful extender with a bandwidth of up to 1200Mbps. Next, we’ll review the TP-Link Omada EAP225 Outdoor. This is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) access point, with an optional cloud service. Finally, we’ll check out the Meraki Go by Cisco. This is a more unconventional access point, which nonetheless offers excellent remote access. Which one is the best for you? Let’s dig deeper, and see what we unearth!

WAVLINK High Power Outdoor Wireless Access Point

WAVLINK are masters of connectivity and data transfer. Among their other offerings, we’ve been impressed by their USB Type-C universal docking station. So when we saw their wireless access point, we knew for sure that we had to give it a try.

The WAVLINK High Power Outdoor Wireless Access Point has a cylindrical design. The overall profile looks almost like a water filter, with four antennas giving it a futuristic appearance. The housing is white ABS plastic, and comes with a separate bracket. The bracket itself can be screwed into any vertical surface, such as a lamppost or a tree. Then, the actual access point can simply be clicked in and out. This makes it easy to remove for troubleshooting, repair, or even replacement. You won’t actually have to do any extra drilling unless you want to relocate the bracket.

Another thing that makes installation easy is the ability to use either PoE or AC power. PoE is generally easiest, provided you’re already using a PoE switch or injectors. That said, if you’re not, it may be easier to use the AC power adapter. Just keep in mind that this will require you to install the device near a power outlet. The WAVLINK access point can also be connected via WiFi. This will require you to use AC power, but you won’t have to run an Ethernet cable.

In terms of sturdiness, this range extender can stand up to most weather conditions. With a weatherproof rating of IP65, it’s almost entirely dustproof. It can also withstand rain, as well as being cleaned with a hose. It can’t be fully submerged, though. Be careful positioning it near the ground if it might flood. Mounting it high up, on the other hand, is perfectly viable. It has a lightning protection rating of 4KV. That’s not enough to withstand a direct strike, but it’s more than enough if the strike is nearby.

Performance & Connectivity

As with most modern wireless devices, the WAVLINK outdoor access point works on a dual-band system. This means you’ll get different speeds depending on which band you’re using. The 5GHz band is more powerful, with up to 867Mbps of bandwidth. However, because of the higher frequency, it has a shorter range. The 2.4GHz channel tools along at a slower, but still respectable 300Mbps. But it has a longer range of the 5GHz channel, pushing the limits of your connection even further. At closer ranges, you can actually be connected on both bands, for a theoretical maximum of 1,167Mbps. Coverage is generally good, but a lot depends on placement, as well as any obstacles. In edge cases, it can help to adjust the antennas to get a few extra yards of coverage.

This brings us to the main reason you might want to use an Ethernet connection instead of wireless. If the access point is connected to your router via WiFi, the wireless bandwidth is effectively halved. For instance, say you’re streaming a video. If it’s coming in from the router at 400Mbps and going to your phone at 400Mbps, that’s a total of 800Mbps. Suddenly, you’re only left with 367Mbps for other devices. With an Ethernet connection, communications between the access point and the router travel by wire. This leaves all of your wireless bandwidth free for your connected devices.

TP-Link Omada EAP225 Outdoor

TP-Link is a brand that should be familiar to anyone who’s shopped for networking equipment in the past. As just one example, they manufacture some of the most coveted Gigabit routers on today’s market. Because of their sterling reputation, we were excited to get our hands on the TP-Link Omada EAP225 Outdoor.

In terms of overall appearance, the EAP225 looks like a slimmed down version of the WAVLINK access point. It has a similar white housing, with an overall cylindrical shape, but about half the diameter. At the same time, instead of four antennas, it only has two. These are mounted on top, and can be unscrewed for storage or transport. With the antennas attached, the overall height is about 17 inches, which isn’t terribly enormous. Without the antennas, it’s less than nine inches tall, short enough to install discreetly under an eave.

This range extender has a weather-resistance rating of IP65, right in line with the WAVLINK. Ordinary dust and rain are simply not a concern. Nor is washing the housing with water periodically to keep it looking sharp. One area where it does excel is lightning protection, where it can stand up to 6KV of performance. This is enough to withstand an even closer strike than the WAVLINK.

The major downside of the EAP225 is that it only works with a PoE power supply. There is no ordinary AC adapter. Even if you’re connecting to your router via WiFi, you’ll still need to plug a PoE injector in for power. This was an odd choice, since AC adapters are cheap. TP-Link could even have used a USB power supply.

Performance & Connectivity

The maximum bandwidth of the EAP225 depends on what channel you’re using. It’s advertised as a 1,200Mbps access point, but it’s more accurately a 1,167Mbps system. This is split between 867Mbps on the 5GHz channel and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz channel. This makes it identical to the WAVLINK router in terms of speed. Keep in mind, though, that the signal isn’t quite as powerful. It’s tough to put an exact range on things, since there are so many variables involved in wireless signal range. But with a smaller chipset and fewer antennas, you’re looking at a somewhat shorter range.

That said, you have a way to extend this range if need be. Yes, you can connect to your router via WiFi, with all the benefits and drawbacks that entails. Yes, you can connect via Ethernet. But you can also daisy-chain multiple EAP225 access points together to form a mesh network. If multiple access points are in range of each-other, this network can even be self-healing. In the event that one unit fails, others will form new connections to fill the gap.

This access point can be fully configured using the smartphone app. From there, you can monitor individual devices, set limits for them, and view traffic flow. This can also be done from anywhere in the world, via the cloud. That said, cloud service requires a monthly subscription, which may not be ideal for everyone.

Meraki Go by Cisco

The Meraki Go by Cisco is in a slightly different category. Instead of a big mounted tube with antennas, it’s a rectangular device a tad larger than a cell phone. This gives you a bit more flexibility in terms of installation. This access point can be installed anywhere you can put a switchplate. In fact, it includes a click-on mounting bracket that makes it look exactly like a switchplate. You also get your choice of power supply. The default option is to use PoE, but it’s by no means required. The kit includes an AC adapter for connecting to a nearby power outlet.

Despite this more minimalist design, weather-resistance is actually better than it was with our last two options. The rating of IP67 means it can withstand submersion, at least for up to half an hour. We wouldn’t recommend installing it underwater, but it’s no big deal if it gets dropped in a puddle.

Performance & Connectivity

The Meraki Go can be connected in three different ways. If possible, Ethernet is your best option. First, you can maximize your wireless bandwidth. Second, you can take advantage of PoE power. That said, you can also use a WiFi connection if need be. And just like the EAP225, you can also use multiple access points to create a mesh connection. We regret to report that there’s no stated maximum bandwidth, which is a bit disappointing from a Cisco product. That said, we had no issues streaming HD video from two devices. That’s as much as you can reasonably expect from any access point.

One thing we very much appreciated was the cloud management system. The Meraki Go app is free to install on Android and iOS, and allows for control from anywhere in the world. Even better, there’s no monthly fee, so you get lifetime access to remote monitoring and setup. The options are fairly robust. Not only can you block and limit individual devices, but you can also control content. You can block particular websites to reduce traffic flow, or create a separate guest WiFi network. This is particularly useful for businesses. You can offer free WiFi to your customers without giving them access to your business network.

Final Verdict

Which one of these access points is best will depend largely on what’s important to you. The WAVLINK High Power Outdoor Wireless Access Point is your best choice if you want the most bandwidth. It also has wide coverage, with a dual-band connection and four omni-directional antennas. If that’s not enough, it can be powered by either Ethernet or AC power. On the downside, there are no cloud controls. You can only configure this access point locally.

The TP-Link Omada EAP225 Outdoor is a more understated, compact choice. It’s a discreet option that can be installed in smaller locations and still cover a reasonably wide area. The range isn’t quite as wide as the WAVLINK, but you get the same maximum bandwidth of 1,167Mbps. That said, the only way to supply power is via PoE, and cloud controls require a separate monthly subscription.

The Meraki Go by Cisco is the best choice if you need cloud controls. The speeds are adequate, but it’s not as fast or as long-range as the last two options. But if you want to be able to manage your network from anywhere in the world, it’s tough to beat. Thanks to these extra features, it’s also a great choice for small businesses.

The post Guide to the Best Outdoor WiFi Range Extenders in 2021 appeared first on Nerd Techy.

As the most common type of cable used in hard-wired Local Area Networks today, the demand for Ethernet is higher than ever. However, most routers have a limited number of available ports. Ultimately, this restricts how many devices can be plugged-in simultaneously. This is an issue in offices or homes that need to connect many computers and other network devices, without the use of WiFi. Ethernet splitting circumvents this problem by using another device to expand the network.

If you find yourself short on Ethernet ports, different options for splitting a connection include switches, hubs, and splitters. Each solution functions differently with their individual benefits and drawbacks. When extending a network, it’s important to consider factors such as reliability, speed, security and flexibility along with the number of additional connections. While Ethernet switches are the most flexible and popular choice today, it’s important to choose the option that will best suit your home or office needs.

Why is Ethernet Important?

Unlike WiFi, Ethernet is a wired protocol. In a typical setting, Ethernet cables run from the modem or router to RJ45 ports on other network-connected devices. Many added benefits of Ethernet are due to the fact that network devices are directly joined by cables that leave them less vulnerable to connectivity issues or wireless security threats. Depending on a network’s protocol and size these cables can be coaxial, optical fiber, or twisted pair.

Despite the requirement for physical cables, Ethernet remains the global standard for connecting multiple devices over a single network for improved communication. These cables produce impressive network speeds and a very reliable connection. In addition, there’s typically less interference, latency, and security threats than other protocols. Ethernet is considered the most reliable solution for high-speed, confidential, and seamless data transmission.

What is an Ethernet Switch?

An Ethernet switch is a high-speed networking device that contains several additional ports. It’s the method of choice for Ethernet splitting due to its ability to split one connection into multiple with limited interference. The switch uses one port to connect to the router while all other locations are available for your network devices. Each individual client can be easily identified by its network address, allowing the switch to easily and efficiently direct traffic. Ethernet switches come in a range of speeds and sizes, including anywhere from 5 – 52 ports.

Switches split the network into smaller and less congested pathways through packet switching. This is a method of transferring small segments of data across the network, allowing for quicker and more efficient delivery. Devices receive the bandwidth they need without interference from other network traffic. This is because the connection to each entity is an individual pathway that does not slow down the overall network. The full-duplex communication provided by an Ethernet switch ensures that data can be sent and received at the same time, which improves the overall network speed.

Internet switches provide a faster network with limited interference which makes it a good choice for an environment with a significant amount of traffic from different devices. This is the most versatile solution to create more Ethernet ports as they come with different configurations and features to fit nearly any situation. These benefits are why Ethernet switches are the go-to option for Ethernet splitting.

However, there are some drawbacks to Ethernet switches that should be considered before installation. Although they provide much reduced interference in comparison to a Hub, switch users can still experience slowed connections when multiple devices are streaming at once. However, this connection will still be more stable and consistent than other wireless options.

Switches require some setup as well as a power supply, ultimately making them less ideal for the most basic splitting requirements. A power input is required to help divide the signal into a range of working signals that function at the same time. Finally, these devices are typically more expensive than hubs and splitters. There are many reasonably-priced Ethernet switches out there that are well-worth the cost when the additional flexibility and functionality is taken into account.

What is an Ethernet Hub?

Like Ethernet switches, hubs connect to the router with a single cable and produce multiple ports from the one connection. However, Ethernet hubs function by connecting multiple devices while making them act like a single network segment. These devices produce more available connections by repeating the network traffic that it receives.

As opposed to the communication method used by switches, hubs utilize half-duplex communication. This means that network devices cannot send and receive at the same time. Ethernet hubs, in comparison to switches, greatly reduce the connectivity speed and produce more interference between devices. This restriction is why hubs have been replaced by switches for almost all Ethernet applications.

Ethernet hubs successfully extend the network and create more connection points for all your devices. They’re also relatively cheap in comparison to more advanced switches. In some applications, a hub is actually preferred. For example, hubs can more effectively be used for protocol diagnosis due to their half-duplex operation. This allows the device to view all traffic sent over the network to any of the ports. Ethernet switches restrict port traffic and diagnostic tools will only be able to reliably view broadcast messages.

In most applications, hubs will not be the most efficient option for extending a network. Ethernet hubs result in high interference between separate network devices, slowed connection, and wasted bandwidth due to data collisions. This is particularly noticeable when running many devices at the same time. As Ethernet switch technology continues to improve, the prices of basic Ethernet switches are competitive with hubs, rendering them nearly obsolete. Although Ethernet hubs can be used to extend a network, other options are much more functional and reliable.

What is an Ethernet Splitter?

Ethernet splitters are the simplest method for dividing a network connection. The device, as the name implies, works as a coaxial cable transmission system to split one cable into two. They allow you to run a single cable throughout the walls and ceilings but still require two cables, one for each connected device. This eliminates the need to use two ethernet cables from one room to another but doesn’t necessarily increase the number of devices you can connect. Ethernet splitters must be used in pairs to unsplit the connection back into two cables for the two network devices.

Ethernet splitters take advantage of the fact that 10 Mbit and 100 Mbit Ethernet only require four wires even though most cables, such as Cat 5e, contain eight. The splitter reduces the number of utilized wires and data throughput into two separate ports which means that the maximum bandwidth is 100 Mb/s.

Splitters are passive and do not require any sort of power supply like hubs and switches. They’re also the most straightforward option and are very intuitive to setup and use. Due to their simplicity, Ethernet switches are the cheapest option for splitting an Ethernet connection. Splitters are best used to reduce the number of long cables travelling between rooms in a home or office setting.

In most cases, a switch would be a better method for Ethernet splitting due to the drawbacks of splitters. Connected devices are limited to a slower network speed of 100 Mbit. With this method, there’s a limited number of devices as splitters do not necessarily increase the number of devices that can be connected unless used in conjunction with a switch. The destination router must have two available ports to use a splitter, which is not always the case. For extending a network connection, it’s almost always better to use an Ethernet switch.

Conclusion

In today’s rapidly advancing world, a strong and reliable network connection is important to access data at a moment’s notice. Ethernet’s strong connectivity has made it the top choice in the home and office. In order to provide enough available connections, new devices such as hubs, splitters, and switches are necessary to extend the capabilities of traditional routers. Switches are the method of choice for splitting an Ethernet connection although hubs and splitters have their own specialized functionalities.

Beyond personal usage, the impressive speed and functionality provided by Ethernet drives innovation. Readily available access to data enables new technologies such as the Internet of Things and an industrial Ethernet. The fully connected and reliable network system provided by Ethernet revolutionizes industries across the globe including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and many more.

The post Ethernet Switch vs. Hub vs. Splitter: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Nerd Techy.

Nowadays, we almost take it for granted that internet will be available wherever we go. If you’re standing in line for coffee, for instance, you simply expect there to be free WiFi. This is also becoming increasingly true in our own homes. It used to be that the average family had one computer. Then, we all started getting laptops. Then came smartphones, followed soon after by streaming video services. By the time the Internet of Things (IoT) arrived, we were already connecting several devices per household. Now that our fridges, smoke detectors, and washing machines are going online, we need connectivity more than ever.

For many of us, this means ditching the old router and ushering in the new. Older routers can offer surprisingly capable speeds. A 10-year-old router, for instance, should be able to handle HD streaming without any trouble. Where older routers suffer is the number of devices they’re required to support. A smart sprinkler controller, for instance, won’t use a ton of bandwidth. But if you have six different moisture sensors connected via WiFi, that’s a lot of extra connections. If your router can’t multitask well, you’re going to run into trouble.

The solution is to upgrade to a router that supports the latest WiFi 6 protocol. Now we’re going to review one such router, the Speedefy AC2100 (Model K7) Smart WiFi Router. This router is designed with full WiFi 6 support, as well as 4×4 Mu-MiMo for connecting multiple devices. But does it live up to our expectations? Or does it fall flat on its face? To find out, we’ll need to take a look at everything this router has to offer. We’ll look at the connection speed, the setup process, and the coverage. We’ll also talk about the security features and app controls. After that, we’ll sum up what we’ve learned, and you can be the judge.

Design and Installation

The first thing we noticed about the Speedefy AC2100 (Model K7) was its forward-looking, futuristic appearance. It’s constructed from black polymer, with grooves in the front panel that lend it a somewhat aggressive appearance. The top has a peaked shape, with panels sloping to the front and sides. The finish is mostly blank, but does sport a silver “Speedefy” logotype in the top right. In total, there are an impressive seven antennas attached, two on each side and three in the back. These can be pivoted any direction, so you can improve your coverage wherever it happens to be needed.

This is a router, not a modem, and needs to be connected to a modem in order to get internet access. Installation is quick and painless, and can be done either via the smartphone app or your browser. Connect the router to your modem, follow the instructions, and everything should go smoothly. The router connects to your modem via Ethernet, and has an additional three Ethernet ports on the back. As a result, you can form two wired connections as well as a large number of wireless connections. This makes it easy not only to plug in your PC, but also to connect a network printer or wireless access point.

If you do want an all-in-one modem and router combo, there are a few options on the market. The Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 is a powerful combination unit that’s built specifically for gaming. This means virtually zero latency, which is also ideal for streaming. That said, because it’s a combo unit, you’ll probably need to call your internet provider to have it set up.

Speed and Coverage

The Model K7 has a maximum bandwidth of 2,100Mbps, or more than double Gigabit speeds. This is split between dual 5GHz and 2.4GHz channels. The 5GHz channel has a bandwidth of 1,733Mbps, and the 2.4Gbps is slower, at 300Mbps. The reason for the dual-band configuration is that the 5GHz channel is much faster, but also shorter-range. The 2.4Gbps channel, on the other hand, will always be slower, but can reach a lot further. By combining the two, a well-designed router can provide the best of both worlds. Even the slower channel is perfectly suitable for most purposes, although gaming performance definitely suffers at longer range.

In terms of WiFi coverage, you’re actually getting a bit less than we expected. In total, you can reach a maximum of around 1,500 square feet, depending on the layout of your home. Brick walls and other obstacles can shrink this, while performance is better in open areas. The antennas make a marginal difference at best. Pointing one directly at a particular device can sometimes work in an edge case, but that’s about it. That’s not to say that the coverage is terrible. Depending on your needs, it may be more than adequate. But if you need to cover a large home, you’ll need a bigger router or a range extender.

Another potential solution is to use a mesh router. Mesh routers, like the TaoTronics AC3000, connect multiple routers together to form an overlapping “mesh” network. This allows you to cover very large areas, albeit at a higher cost, and with more complicated installation.

One way to improve your wireless performance is to wire in devices that are close enough for wiring. For one thing, this takes some bandwidth out of the air and frees it up for remote devices. For another thing, Ethernet connections are usually faster to begin with. We say “usually” because the Ethernet ports on the K7 don’t ever seem to deliver Gigabit speeds. 600 to 700Mbps is more the norm, which isn’t terrible, and is more than you’ll normally need. Still, this makes the router less future-proof than it otherwise would be. Then again, it’s also very affordable, so it’s not as if you’re investing a small fortune on a top-tier router.

Under the hood of the K7, there are some extra features that make it ideal for smart homes. First off, it supports all versions of the 802.11 protocol, including the latest version, also known as WiFi 6. This will allow you to take advantage of bleeding edge smart home devices that require multitasking. To further aid with multitasking, the router also has 4X4 Mu-MiMo support. In a nutshell, this means that at any given time, four devices can be uploading, and four can be downloading. By switching rapidly between tasks, you can connect far more devices than that.

To aid with this, the K7 boasts a dual core CPU to enable fast processing. This means less buffering, less lag, and near-zero latency for gaming and streaming.

App and Extras

There are two different ways of controlling the K7. First, you can use the smartphone app, available for free on iOS and Android. The app will walk you through the process of setting up your router when you first configure it. After that, you can use the app to change your settings, such as your password and security options. As an alternative, you can use the Speedefy web interface. This requires you to connect the router directly to a PC via Ethernet in order to get it set up. Follow the instructions, and you’ll be able to connect to the web in no time.

The K7 utilizes the WPA2 protocol for encrypting your network. This is the latest version of network encryption, used by almost all manufacturers. So far, so good. But does it go above and beyond to help you secure your network? In fact, there are a couple of bonus security features.

To begin with, you’ll have a separate guest network with its own password. This network shares your home’s internet connection, and works just like any other WiFi network. However, it’s separate from your personal network, where all your devices are connected. Even if your guest network password is compromised, hackers won’t have access to your smart home devices.

In addition, the Speedefy K7 comes with a parental control suite to help keep your kids safe online. You can designate specific permissions for specific devices, so all family members have age-appropriate access. You can block specific websites and apps, and even limit the time of day specific devices can go online. No more worrying if your kids are staying up half the night chatting on social media.

If security is first and foremost in your mind, but you want to save a few bucks, there are other options. For instance, we’ve recently reviewed the Rock Space AC2100. It has similar security features to the K7, and keeps you and your family safe on the web. However, it’s also not as fast, so you won’t be able to connect as many devices.

Final Verdict

For most applications, the Speedefy AC2100 (Model K7) is one of the better routers on today’s market. To begin with, it’s very easy to setup. Unlike a lot of third-party routers, it doesn’t require you to install any firmware or complete any exotic steps. Everything is more or less plug and play, once you’ve set up your basic network profile. This makes it easy to install, even if you’re a relative novice. The option for both app and web controls is appreciated, as is the attractive physical design. We also liked the multiple antennas. Even though they’re only marginally effective, they’re a nice aesthetic touch on an already-slick router.

To be fair, the Speedefy K7 isn’t perfect. The Ethernet performance is a bit slow, and the range isn’t as wide as some other routers. That said, it’s blazing fast when you are in range, and can support a large number of devices. It’s suitable both for modern, IoT-rich homes as well as for people who do a lot of gaming or streaming. The CPUs and other internal features do a great job of pulling their load, and keeping lag to a minimum. When all is said and done, this router is going to make a lot of people happy.

The post Speedefy AC2100 (Model K7) Smart WiFi Router Review appeared first on Nerd Techy.

In the world of computing, it seems like nothing ever stays the same. In the course of a decade, generations of hardware and even entire protocols can come and go. And while change is slower than it was in the past, a ten-year-old computer is still woefully obsolete. In this constantly-shifting landscape, it’s comforting to know that server racks have been around for decades. Why is it that server racks, of all things, have stood the test of time?

Simply put, they’re relatively unaffected by advances in computing technology. Think about the design of a bare rack. It’s a blank canvas where you can build any system or network you want. By its very nature, a server rack is designed for you to be constantly replacing and upgrading hardware. Hardware manufacturers, on the other hand, have an incentive to make their products rack-mountable. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel and build a whole new standard. So here we are, with 19 or 23-inch server racks and 1U or 2U hardware.

Another advantage of server racks is that they can help you manage your cables. Imagine a bunch of variously-sized and shaped components stacked in a case in a Tetris-like pattern. It’s easy to see how the wiring could turn into a rats’ nest. By stacking all of your hardware neatly, a server rack makes it easy to run straight, clean connections. That said, you can still end up with a lot of hanging, drooping, or crossed wires. If you want a really well-organized rack, a cable management system is practically a requirement.

Today, we’ll be reviewing three of the best server rack cable management systems available. To begin with, we’ll examine the StarTech.com 2x2in Server Rack Cable Management Finger Duct. This is a modular management system that works for walls and furniture as well as for server racks. Next, we’ll look at the iFJF 19 Inch Server Rack Wire Management System. This is a 19-inch metal horizontal system for standard server racks. Finally, we’ll review the Raising Electronics Horizontal Cable Management Unit. This is similar to the iFJF, but plastic, with hinged toppers instead of a snap-on design. Let’s take a closer look at each system, and see how they stack up!

Why is Good Cable Management so Important?

So, other than making your server rack look nice, why is good cable management so important? There are actually a number of reasons. Some are more hardware-related, while others are related to human factors. Here’s a quick rundown of why it’s smart to keep your cables well-organized.

To begin with, let’s look at basic performance. Most people are vaguely aware that cables can interfere with each-other. If you’ve ever installed a speaker system, for example, you know how important it is to properly isolate your wires. But the greatest potential for interference comes when you mix power and data cables. The reason is that data cables themselves are low-voltage. In most cases, they don’t produce enough of an electromagnetic field to create interference. Power cables, on the other hand, can create a lot of noise in your data. With a good cable management system, you can keep your power and data cables completely separate.

Another hardware-related reason to organize your cables is to maximize your cooling efficiency. By keeping the cables well organized, you create more space for air flow around your equipment. This keeps your energy bills lower, and helps prevent your servers from aging prematurely. Along the same lines, well-organized cables are easier to access, which makes it easier to make changes. This helps with scalability, as well as making it easy to make upgrades.

On the human side of the equation, well-organized cables reduce the risk of everyday human error. It’s not hard to understand why. If you’re presented with a nightmarish tangle of cables, it’s tough to tell what’s what. At the very least, you have to waste a lot of time tracing wires. At worst, you get your wires crossed, and waste even more time diagnosing the issue. With well-organized cables, this is much less of an issue. You know which bundles are running to where, so tracing any given wire is a piece of cake.

Server Rack Cable Management Basics

We’ve talked about why cable management is important. But how do you get started? The first step is to have a plan. Before you even begin, look at where the cables enter and leave your equipment. For example, does power come from the floor or the ceiling? Now, plan separate routes for your data and power cables. If you have both fiber and copper data cable, you should also isolate both types of data.

During the process, you’ll inevitably need to unplug some cables. This makes it easy to lose track of what’s what, which can cause you to make errors. Avoid this by labeling your cables in advance. A label maker is very useful here, since you may need to make a whole lot of labels as quickly as possible.

Now, route your cables. It might be tempting to zip tie them as you go along, but don’t. First, route them loosely, to make sure you don’t need any more slack. You’ll also want to make sure they’re not pressed hard against a sharp edge, or routed through a hot area. This might mean reworking your plans as you go along, so keep the cables loose for now. Once everything’s in place and you’re happy with your routing, go back through and zip tie bundles of cables together where appropriate. This will keep different bundles from mixing together, and makes it easier to trace wires later.

Whether or not you make a network diagram is up to you. Strictly from a best practices standpoint, you should always document all of your wiring. That said, in the real world, this can be easier said than done. Use your own judgement, but remember, this equipment may remain untouched for a long time. If you have to come back two years later and upgrade something, are you really going to remember the wiring?

In terms of cable managers themselves, there are two broad categories: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal cable managers are designed to sit between individual units in the racking. They collect wires from the top and bottom, and route them cleanly to the edge of the racking. Depending on the type and number of wiring, you may want either a 1U or a 2U design. Finger ducts are also highly desirable, since they make the inside of the managers easier to access.

Vertical cable managers are positioned on the vertical supports of your server rack. They’re designed to keep the bulk of your cables out of the way for vertical runs, providing maximum airflow. In an ideal system, a cable comes out the back of one device and into a horizontal cable manager. At the side of the rack, it enters a vertical cable manager. There, it runs up or down to the level of the second device. It will then go through a second horizontal manager until it reaches the correct port.

StarTech.com 2x2in Server Rack Cable Management Finger Duct

StarTech.com is known for a variety of computer accessories. From PCIe cards to computer tool kits, they service both commercial and individual customers. The StarTech.com 2x2in Server Rack Cable Management Finger Duct is a grey PVC system that’s highly versatile. Each section is 5.6 feet long, and has a 2-inch square profile. The PVC material can be cut to length easily with a hacksaw, so it can be used in any length of run. You could cut it with a wood saw if you wanted to, but you’d need to sandpaper the edges smooth.

In addition to the standard size, this management system can also be ordered in two other sizes. First, there’s a low-profile 2×1-inch variant, which can be useful when clearance is an issue. Second, there’s an oversized 3×3-inch variant which is better-suited for large vertical runs. Yes, this system can be used both vertically and horizontally. Sections can even be joined together to form tees, so you can build a system with zero exposed cable.

Each section comes with a snap lid, which makes it easy to get inside and adjust the cables. That’s if you didn’t already get plenty of access via the finger ducts. It’s designed with regularly-spaced holes, so it’s easy to screw into place. In addition, because of it’s design, the StarTech.com system isn’t just for server racks. You can also use it to organize cables for TVs, game systems, and home computers. Finally, it’s covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you don’t have to worry about any defects.

iFJF 19 Inch Server Rack Wire Management System

The iFJF 19 Inch Server Rack Wire Management System is engineered for horizontal use. At 19 inches in length, each section will fit perfectly in any standard rack mount. It’s designed to screw into a standard 1U slot, so it can be easily positioned between devices in a rack. Mounting hardware is included in the kit, and you can order a multi-pack of up to 20 for larger jobs.

The black metal design is very durable, but we were worried at first that it might create sharp edges. This is not the case. All of the edges are rounded, so they won’t dig into your cables and cause damage.

The overall dimensions are 2.8 inches deep and 1.75 inches high, providing more than enough space. Like the StarTech.com system, these channels have removable, snap-on lids. They also sport wide finger ducts, which makes it largely unnecessary to open them.

Raising Electronics Horizontal Cable Management Unit

Raising Electronics is a manufacturer that specializes in rack-mounted hardware and accessories. Not long ago, we reviewed their 1U Rack Mount Sliding Keyboard Tray, and it impressed us with its strength. Their Raising Electronics Horizontal Cable Management Unit, meanwhile, impressed us with its capacity.

The standard 1U version was nothing to write home about. But the 2U variant allows you to run multiple fat cables on horizontal runs. You probably won’t need it for fiber or Ethernet. But for placement near a surge protector or uninterruptable power supply, it makes sense.

Both the 1U and 2U variants are designed to fit standard 19-inch racks, and both are molded from black plastic. This plastic is fairly thick, and seems tough enough to take a bit of abuse. Each unit has 12 separate finger ducts, allowing for plenty of access. If that’s not enough, the lid is also hinged. This makes it easier to open and close when compared to a snap-on design. Mounting screws are included, so you should be ready to install on any modern rack.

Final Verdict

So, where does this leave us? To begin with, when it comes to vertical cable management, the answer is clear. The StarTech.com 2x2in Server Rack Cable Management Finger Duct is the best of the bunch. If you order the 3×3-inch variant, you can potentially route very large bundles without a lot of hassle. The StarTech.com system is also the most versatile. Because it can be cut and spliced, it can be used for applications other than server racks. All in all, it’s a great system, if not quite as rugged as our other options.

The iFJF 19 Inch Server Rack Wire Management System, meanwhile, takes the crown when it comes to durability. Being constructed entirely from metal, it can take beatings our other options can’t. It’s also well-engineered, with rounded edges that won’t damage your cables. If you want a horizontal management system that will outlive the rest of your rack, pick this one.

The Raising Electronics Horizontal Cable Management Unit is a great choice if you need large capacity. The 2U version provides plenty of space for running multiple power cables. Even on the 1U variant, you can take advantage of the hinged lid, making it easier to work.

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Rack mounted servers have been around for years, and will probably be with us indefinitely. They’re simply the most convenient way to organize large quantities of processing power. You can swap individual machines in and out with ease, and power and cable management are simplified. That said, a well set-up server rack contains more than just servers and switches. It should also include an uninterruptable power supply (UPS). After all, you’ve invested a lot of money in your equipment. You don’t want to lose a server just because of a power outage, especially not when it’s easily preventable.

An uninterruptable power supply consists of two essential components: a power strip and a backup battery. The power strip supplies normal AC power to your devices, while the battery steps in as needed. In the event of a blackout, this will buy you enough time to properly shut down your servers. Of course, a good UPS should include more than the basics. For example, almost every UPS on the market provides surge protection, another essential feature for server power. Power conditioning, voltage regulation, and remote monitoring are also important. With the right UPS, you’ll have an all-in-one solution for powering your rack-mounted equipment.

We’re about to review three of the best 1U and 2U rackmount UPS battery back-ups. We’ll begin with the Tripp Lite Smart UPS Battery Back Up. This is a highly-efficient 2U UPS with an impressive three-year warranty and insurance policy. Next, we’ll look at the APC Smart UPS. This is a long-running 2U UPS that comes with advanced online controls. Finally, we’ll review the CyberPower Smart App LCD UPS System. This 1U UPS provides the same wattage as our previous two options, but in a slimmer package. Which backup system is the best? We’re about to find out.

Different Types of Server Rack

In the early days, finding the right equipment for your server rack could be a rocky process. There were no universal standards! Thankfully, this has not been the case for some time. Modern server racks come in two widths: 19 and 23 inches. In addition, they come in two different heights: 1.75 inches and 3.5 inches. The 1.75-inch size is considered one “unit” tall, or “1U,” while the thicker size is designated as “2U.” As a result, there are four sizes of rack-mounted equipment: 19-inch 1U, 19-inch 2U, 23-inch 1U, and 23-inch 2U. And because of the way their built, you can install any 19-inch device on any 19-inch rack. The same is true for 23-inch devices. So basically, as long as you have the right width for your rack, any given machine will fit.

That said, it took longer for manufacturers to agree on a standardized hole type. Early server racks used pre-threaded holes, but manufacturers couldn’t agree on threading. Depending on what you bought, you were using either M6, 10-32, or 12-24 screws. This isn’t a big deal, but it does mean you have to keep a stash of your own screws for mounting. Threaded holes have long gone out of style on server racks. If you have them, you probably already know about it. Still, it’s something you should be aware of.

In the late 90s, IBM started using round, unthreaded holes again. The idea was simple: you could use cage or clip nuts along with any kind of screw. In other words, installation was easier and faster. HP, Dell, and others soon started doing the same, and Dell built an entire new rail system, the Versa Rail.

Eventually, though, the industry settled on square cage nuts as the best option, necessitating square holes. The reasoning is that once inserted, a square cage nut doesn’t have to be manually held in place. You can use one hand to support whatever you’re mounting, and the other to turn your screw. Nuts can use a variety of threadings, but will always have an outside measurement of 3/8 x 3/8 inches. Square holes also allow a standard size for snap-in rails, although these vary by manufacturer.

Today, we’ll be looking strictly at newer UPS battery back-ups designed for square holes. This means that if you have an older rack, you’ll need to provide your own mounting hardware. All of today’s options are 19 inches in width, as well. We chose this size as it’s the most common, and 23-inch equipment is usually more specialized. Simply put, more people are using 19-inch racks. With that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at each of these UPS systems!

Tripp Lite Smart UPS Battery Back Up

Tripp Lite is a well-known manufacturer of power equipment. Among their other offerings, we’ve reviewed their rackmount surge protectors in the past. The Tripp Lite Smart UPS Battery Backup is even more full-featured, providing not just surge protection but emergency power. This is a fat, 2U battery backup with eight grounded electrical outlets on the backside. The housing is a durable polymer, and comes as a standalone unit by default. However, you can also order it with a shelf, with a secondary power strip, or as a floor-standing UPS.

The front of the housing sports a blue LCD display that keeps you posted on the current power status. The current voltage is shown in big, bold numbers, so you know whether you’re getting sufficient juice. Underneath, you’ll see a battery meter. This is a simple visual meter, nothing fancy. But in the event of an outage, it gives you a reasonably good idea of how much power is remaining.

Battery Power and Extras

In total, the Tripp Lite UPS can provide up to 1,500VA of power. Because of the way computers are rated, this works out to 900 watts, not 1,500 as you might expect. Long story short, wattage = voltage x amperage, unless you’re dealing with computers. Even so, you’re looking at the full amount of power provided by a standard 15-amp outlet. At half load, the internal battery will provide enough power for 11.8 minutes of runtime. At full load, this drops to 4.4 minutes. But it’s still long enough to shut down all your equipment, as long as you’re not fooling around. To ensure that a power outage doesn’t catch you by surprise, the system has an audible alarm. This will sound whenever power is lost, but can be turned off if you don’t want it.

This UPS has an impressive efficiency rating of 98 percent. It also manages your power to ensure consistent voltage. During brownouts, the battery will compensate for any drop in power. During any power spike, the extra energy will be diverted either to the battery or to the ground. This automatic voltage regulation (AVR) is ideal for sensitive electronics, which can be damaged by small fluctuations. Not only that, but all eight outlets have built-in surge protection.

Using the companion software, you can connect the UPS to your servers via USB. When configured in this fashion, the Tripp Lite system will automatically save files and shut down during a blackout. There’s no human intervention required to shut your computers down safely. Moreover, the Tripp Lite UPS is covered by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. In addition to replacing the UPS itself, Tripp Lite will also reimburse you up to $250,000 for any damaged equipment.

APC Smart UPS

APC is another company whose products we’ve reviewed in the past. In fact, we already reviewed their desktop uninterruptable power supply, and we liked how well it performed. Like the Tripp Lite UPS, the APC Smart UPS is a 2U machine. It’s durably built, with a black aluminum front and sides and plain silver top and back. The six grounded outlets are less than the Tripp Lite’s, but are also conveniently located on the back.

The front LCD panel displays all the same information as the Tripp Lite. You’ll see the current incoming voltage, along with a battery meter. However, there’s also a meter showing you the current load. You can see in real time exactly how much power is being delivered in total to all your devices. This is very useful if you’re not sure how many watts your equipment is drawing.

Battery Power and Extras

The APC Smart UPS delivers 1,500VA, or 900 watts of power. This power is pure sine wave, which ensures that it’s safe for even the most sensitive equipment. You also get a much more powerful battery than the Tripp Lite. Bizarrely, APC advertises its performance under 100 watts of draw (1 hour, 47 minutes). But who uses a rack-mounted UPS for 100 watts of power? At a full 900 watts, this battery will last for 11.8 minutes. That’s more than enough time to save your work and safely shut down any connected equipment.

An AVR system keeps the power running at a consistent 120 volts, without any dips or spikes. It also protects the battery from overcharging, ensuring that it lasts for several years. In addition, there’s an audible alarm, which can be deactivated by pressing the mute button on the front panel.

The most important feature of the APC Smart UPS, though, is its SmartConnect system. This is a cloud management app that allows you to monitor the UPS from anywhere in the world. The portal is encrypted, so hacking is not a concern. Meanwhile, you can receive alerts or check your system’s status whenever you like. You’ll also get manufacturer notifications for firmware upgrades, so you’ll always be running the latest version.

CyberPower Smart App LCD UPS System

CyberPower is well known for their power systems, such as their wall-mounted surge protectors. Their Smart App LCD UPS System is a slim, 1U system designed to save space on your server rack. It has six grounded outlets, all of which are surge protected. However, only the four grey outlets on the left are connected to the battery backup. The two black outlets are surge protected only.

As with our first two UPS systems, the CyberPower has an LCD display. In addition to the voltage and battery meter, it also displays the current remaining runtime. In the event of a blackout, you’ll know exactly how much time you have before power runs out.

Battery Power and Extras

Despite its small size, the CyberPower UPS can provide a full 900 watts of power across all six outlets. It also sports a reasonably-powerful internal battery. At half load, it can power your devices for 11 minutes, dropping to about 2 minutes under full load. That’s cutting it a bit close, but remember, we’re dealing with a compact unit.

The AVR system delivers consistent power regardless of any minor fluctuations in the grid. It also delivers power as a simulated sine wave, so it won’t damage sensitive devices. Everything is protected from under-voltage and over-voltage, and the battery is protected from overcharging. All of this, including the battery, is covered by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. To top it all off, you get a robust $300,000 insurance policy to cover any damaged equipment.

Final Verdict

So, which one of these rackmount UPS battery back-ups is your best choice? It largely depends on what you need. The Tripp Lite Smart UPS Battery Back Up is an affordable system that still has a lot to recommend it. It’s efficient, its AVR system is effective, and it provides a full 900W. The only downside is the battery, which offers less than five minutes of power at full draw.

The APC Smart UPS is a bit more powerful, with enough juice to run for almost 12 minutes under full load. Not only that, but the cloud management app is a great extra feature. You don’t have to be on site to always have eyes on this system.

The CyberPower Smart App LCD UPS System provides a full 900 watts in a slim, 1U package. The battery backup isn’t as powerful as the others, but it’s still enough to safely shut down any connected devices. Not only that, but the warranty is the most robust of the bunch, with $300,000 in insurance coverage.

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