Items tagged with routers
TP-Link is hoping to give your home network a speed boost with its new Archer AX73 router based on the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard introduced a few years ago. Pricing checks in at $200, so it is not a budget model by any stretch. However, on the surface it appears to offer some decent value for the asking price, particularly in terms of raw speed/bandwidth. First let's talk about Wi-Fi 6. Routers based on the Wi-Fi 6 standard are better equipped to handle multiple connected devices, by way of a technology called orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). This essentially shares channels to both increase network efficiency and reduce latency, for better all-around performance. The...
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This week will see lots of product announcements, as is always the case each year during the multi-day Consumer Electronics Show (CES) event. Among them is a new line of Wi-Fi 6E hardware from TP-Link. What exactly is Wi-Fi 6E, and does that mean you should toss your Wi-Fi 6 (non-E) router in the garbage? Let us explain. First off, hold onto your Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) hardware—the standard has only begun to get its feet wet, and will really make a splash when more Wi-Fi 6 adapters (like the Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650) enter the marketplace. That's because Wi-Fi 6 is designed to handle multiple devices connected at the same time much better than previous standards, but to take full advantage of...
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About two months ago, a high-severity security flaw was disclosed that impacted 79 different Netgear router models. The security flaw's disclosure came seven months after it was first reported to Netgear, giving it a total of nine months to patch the security issues. Despite having plenty of time to address the high-severity security flaw, it has yet to issue fixes for 45 of its popular router models, leaving those owners unprotected. Netgear confirmed last week that it would leave 45 router models unpatched with no further support; you can view the full list here. The exploit in question is a remote code execution vulnerability initially disclosed on June 15. If attackers could leverage the...
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Does your home network feel lethargic, or suffer from those dreaded dead spots that your router just has a tough time reaching? If so, it's time for an upgrade. And if retiring your old router, you may want to consider replacing it with a mesh system, which can open up a whole new world of wireless connectivity. You can score a Eero Mesh WiFi System (3-pack) for a deep discount right now. The nifty 3-pack is marked down from $249.99 to $169.99 at Best Buy. That's a nifty $80 savings over the system's regular price, and to sweeten the pot, Best Buy is tossing in an Amazon Echo Dot speaker at no additional charge. That's an added $49.99 value. Factor that in and you're getting $299.98 worth of...
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We know that Google has a hardware event coming up next month, but what exactly will the company introduce? One of the items is rumored to be a new mesh router system, presumably built around the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard. Assuming the info is accurate, it will be sold as a "Nest Wifi" system with accompanying beacons. Google already sells a mesh router called Google Wifi. Pricing starts at $99, which gets you the main router, which is covers up to 1,500 square feet. There is also a 3-pack available for $259. By the power of mesh networking, the 3-pack covers larger spaces, up to 4,500 square feet. Citing sources who are apparently familiar with the matter, 9To5Google says a refreshed...
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Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become more prevalent over the last few years, but they are often susceptible to hackers. Researchers recently discovered 125 security vulnerabilities on 13 NAS and routers. It is believed that these vulnerabilities are far-reaching and likely affect many similar devices. Independent Security Evaluators (ISE) researchers started their investigation in 2013. Their first round of research focused on NAS and routers that were intended for home office use. Their second round titled “SOHOpelessly Broken 2.0” assess security vulnerabilities in a wide range of device. They chose 13 devices that “ranged from devices designed for general consumers...
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Netgear on Tuesday announced its new Cybersecurity AC2300 Wi-Fi Router (RS400) with special software baked inside to keep networks safe from online threats. Called Netgear Armor, it is essentially an implementation of Bitdefender Total Security 2019, though there are some key differences between what's integrated in the router versus the off-the-shelf version. For one, Netgear Armor protects an 'unlimited' number of devices (subject to Netgear's fair use policy), including every PC, smartphone, tablet, IoT, and smart gadget in your home network. It also ups the ante with an entire network scan, rather than running on individual devices, and provides real-time updates remotely with Netgear's Nighthawk...
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Government intelligence agencies in the United States have held firm that Huawei's products present a security risk and could be used as conduits of sensitive information to China. Huawei has repeatedly denied the claims, but is there any truth to it? Well, as an interesting twist to the situation, it's being reported that a major telecom had previously found "hidden backdoors" on Huawei's networking equipment. In security parlance, a backdoor is a means of bypassing authentication or encryption in a product or service. Technically, it is not the same thing as a vulnerability (usually), but can have the same consequences. That is the reason why Apple refused to build a backdoor into iOS for the...
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Netgear on Tuesday announced four new high-end Wi-Fi 6 wireless routers for increasingly connected homes. The expanded lineup arrives as households see an increasing number of gadgets vie for bandwidth, from PCs and game consoles, to smartphones and a growing base of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This is where Wi-Fi 6 is designed to shine. Otherwise known as 802.11ax under the old nomenclature, Wi-Fi 6 does not just bring faster speeds compared to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), but also better handling of multiple devices simultaneously. This is accomplished through a technology called Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM). "Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) enables efficient...
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Look out, cable internet service providers (ISPs), the rollout of 5G networks could disrupt your business. While 5G networks are still being fleshed out across the country, D-Link is ready on the hardware side with a new high-speed 5G NR Enhanced Gateway (DWR-2010), which is essentially a router that taps into mobile 5G networks to deliver Wi-Fi connectivity to household devices. "With expanded spectrum and new applications, 5G is going to bring more competition to the broadband market within the coming years," said Raman Bridwell, vice president of product and services, D-Link Systems, Inc. "This gateway will help more people access that network in more places with the same wireline experience...
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Do you own a crummy or outdated wireless router? If so, you may not be getting the Internet service you're paying for, especially if you are situated a fair distance away from your router. You can rectify this by buying a modern, high-performance router, and it just so happens that the Linksys EA7500-RM Max-Stream AC1900 is on sale for a ridiculously low $51.99 right now. The sale is good for today only, or until the earmarked units sell out. This router model normally has an MSRP of $159.99, and currently sells on Amazon for $139.99. However, Woot (owned by Amazon) is selling "factory recertified" units for $51.99 today, saving you at least $88. Factory reconditioned means it was "returned,...
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Cisco, the world's largest networking company in the world, has published additional details in regards to VPNFilter, a nasty piece of malware that was discovered to have infected half a million consumer network devices scattered across 54 countries last month. The company's latest findings indicate that VPNFilter is targeting even vendors, including ASUS, D-Link, Huawei, Ubiuiti, UPVEEL, and ZTEL. It's also attacked new devices from previously affected vendors, including Linksys, MikroTik, Netgear, and TP-Link. "In the days since we first published our findings on the campaign, we have seen that VPNFilter is targeting more makes/models of devices than initially thought, and has additional capabilities,...
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Linksys has launched a new version of its Velop mesh router system, one that is smaller and more affordable than its previous offering. The new Velop Dual-Band series is intended to be the world's first mass-market mesh Wi-Fi system, with Linksys claiming it provides the same software features found in its Velop Tri-Band family, including Intelligent Mesh, advanced parental controls, website block, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and more. "Velop is now the most flexible whole home mesh W-iFi system on the market," said Justin Doucette, senior director of product management at Linksys. "We have a Velop offering that fits any home or small business environment as well as options for different broadband...
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Apple is discontinuing its line of wireless routers, including its AirPort Extreme base station and AirPort Express, both of which support simultaneous dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity and can be configured and managed through an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. It's a somewhat surprising move when there is so much focus in the tech industry on the fast growing Internet of Things (IoT) market and connecting homes, though the writing has been on the wall for more than a year. In late 2016, Apple dismantled its AirPort division and reportedly reassigned employees who had been developing the company's branded routers to other projects. Once Apple disbanded the AirPort team, it was really...
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Security researchers at Kaspersky Lab have discovered a rather nasty malware strain that has been hiding in certain wireless routers for over half a decade. Called Slingshot, the security researchers who discovered the malicious code believe the malware is part of a sophisticated cyberespionage campaign. The malware is present in certain routers manufactured by MicroTik, though Kaspersky says it might also be affecting models by other brands as well. Part of what makes Slingshot particularly dangerous is that it uses a trick to run in kernel mode. This is almost impossible do to in updated operating systems, though Slingshot manages the feat by searching computers for signed vulnerable drivers,...
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Upgrading to a mesh network can improve wireless coverage in your home, allowing for faster speeds on devices that sit further away from your router and eliminate dead spots in remote corners. This is especially true if there are several obstructions (walls, doors, and so forth) in your home that sit between your wireless device and router. Unfortunately, upgrading to a mesh setup can be expensive, as it typically requires new equipment. However, ASUS has issued an "AiMesh" update for several of its existing router models that enables them to act as nodes in a mesh network. The update can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading to a mesh network, provided you already own at least one compatible...
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WikiLeaks has published secret documents belonging to the United States government that reveal the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been building and maintaining cyber tools designed to compromise wireless routers. These tools are the work of the CIA's hacking unit called Engineering Development Group. Among them is a specialized firmware referred to as Cherry Blossom. "The wireless device itself is compromized by implanting a customized Cherry Blossom firmware on it; some devices allow upgrading their firmware over a wireless link, so no physical access to the device is necessary for a successful infection. Once the new firmware on the device is flashed, the router or access point will...
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Most wireless routers are equipped with a series of LEDs to indicate things like network connectivity and activity, though if a router has been compromised with malware, those blinking lights could reveal more than the owner bargained for. Using specially crafted malware, an attacker could instruct those LEDs to transmit data in a binary format.Image Source: TP-Link The attack was outlined in a paper by a team of researches from the Cyber Security Research Center at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. It is the same team of security researchers that previously wrote about data exfiltration schemes involving hard drive LEDs, coil whine, headphones, and other unique methods. A proof-of-concept...
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It's a good idea to periodically check for firmware updates for your wireless router, even if it appears to be working perfectly. Why? Firmware releases don't just potentially add more features and increase performance, they can also fix security vulnerabilities. Case in point, Netgear said there's a "serious" vulnerability affecting several thousand routers out in the wild.Security researcher Joe Giron discovered the vulnerability when he noticed some funky admin settings on his routers, settings that had been altered by an outside source. Those settings told his Netgear brand router to send web browsing information to a suspicious IP address. According to Giron, all of his DNS traffic over...
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Linksys routers have become virtually ubiquitous in consumers’ homes over the years, but parent company Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is reportedly looking to sell off the brand. Cisco is looking to get out of the consumer business and focus more on enterprise software and services, and unloading Linksys will be a big step in that direction. Linksys will most likely be fine; it’s a valuable brand and will bolster some lucky company’s consumer portfolio, despite some cuts and reductions that Cisco enacted since buying the company for half a billion bucks in 2003. Bloomberg’s sources indicate that TV makers could be interested in Linksys. Cisco headquarters in California According...
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The FBI recently uncovered approximately 3500 fake Cisco systems routers in government networks, but that isn’t the end of the problem. Now it seems that Cisco routers may soon come under attack by rootkits:"A security researcher has developed malicious rootkit software for Cisco's routers, a development that has placed increasing scrutiny on the routers that carry the majority of the Internet's traffic.Sebastian Muniz, a researcher with Core Security Technologies, developed the software, which he will unveil on May 22 at the EuSecWest conference in London."Considering how many Cisco products are in use in various ISPs, hosts, and even backbones, this could be a massive problem for anyone who's...
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