Tag: network

The Versatility of USB Ports on Routers

In an era dominated by wireless connectivity, the USB port on your router may seem like a relic of the past. However, its capabilities extend far beyond mere charging. These ports offer a plethora of practical applications that can elevate your networking experience. Let’s explore the myriad uses of USB ports on routers and how different manufacturers are harnessing their potential to innovate networking solutions.

Enhancing Connectivity Beyond Wires

USB ports on routers facilitate a diverse range of functionalities that transcend traditional wired connections. They can be leveraged for WAN connections via cellular modems, providing a backup or primary internet link in areas with limited wired infrastructure. This feature is invaluable for rural homes or businesses susceptible to frequent internet outages, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in challenging network environments.

Example Use Case: A small business operating in a rural area relies on a stable internet connection for daily operations. By connecting a 4G/5G modem to the router via USB, they ensure continuous connectivity, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Expanding Local Network Capabilities

USB ports serve as additional LAN ports, accommodating devices like printers, external storage drives, or gaming consoles. This functionality is especially beneficial for households or offices with numerous wired devices but limited Ethernet ports on the router. Users can seamlessly extend their local network by connecting peripherals directly to the router via USB.

Example Use Case: A family home with multiple desktop computers, a network printer, and a network-attached storage (NAS) device requires additional LAN ports. By connecting a USB hub to the router’s USB port, they expand their network capacity, allowing all devices to communicate seamlessly.

Streamlining Power Management

USB ports on routers double as power sources for compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, or wireless cameras. This eliminates the need for multiple power adapters and sockets, simplifying cable management and reducing clutter. Some routers even feature USB ports with enhanced power output, enabling fast charging for supported devices.

Example Use Case: A homeowner sets up a wireless security camera system around their property. By connecting the cameras to the router’s USB ports for power, they eliminate the need for individual power outlets near each camera, simplifying installation and maintenance.

Manufacturer Innovations in USB Technology

Different router manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of USB technology to enhance router functionality. For instance, the XR80 and XR90 models from Sierra Wireless/Semtech feature USB-C ports that offer LAN connectivity at USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds, ensuring optimal throughput comparable to high-speed RJ45 network ports. Inseego routers like the FX2000e and S2000e leverage USB 3.1 Type C ports for enhanced networking capabilities, including USB tethering and WAN modem support. Peplink, Cradlepoint, and Digi routers cater to specific networking needs with USB WAN or power functionality, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with diverse USB devices and accessories.

Considerations Before Implementation

Before utilizing USB ports on routers, it’s crucial to address certain factors that can mitigate security risks, ensure seamless device interoperability, and optimize data transfer speeds, ultimately enhancing the overall networking experience.

  1. Security Considerations: USB-connected devices can potentially introduce security vulnerabilities, such as malware infections or unauthorized access to network resources. Suggestions include regularly updating router firmware, using reputable antivirus software, and avoiding connecting unknown or untrusted USB devices.
  2. Compatibility and Interoperability: Compatibility issues may arise when connecting different USB peripherals, such as external storage drives, printers, or modems. Check with the router manufacturer to see if they have a list of USB devices they have tested and can confirm work with their hardware.
  3. Performance Optimization: Many things can impact data transfer speeds, such as USB port specifications, cable quality, and device compatibility. Be mindful of the router specifications as well as those of your USB device to better understand throughput limits. 

Anticipating Future Trends

USB ports on routers are indispensable tools that offer versatility and flexibility in networking solutions. From enabling alternative internet connections to streamlining device management, these ports empower users with enhanced connectivity options. By understanding the diverse applications and manufacturer innovations in USB technology, users can maximize the potential of USB ports on routers and elevate their networking experience to new heights. 

As USB technology continues to evolve, future router models may leverage advancements like USB 4.0 to enhance network performance, connectivity, and user experience. Exploring emerging trends and developments in USB technology can provide insights into potential innovations in router design and functionality.

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Why You Should Connect Your Smart Devices to a Separate WiFi Network

In the era of smart homes and interconnected devices, transforming a mundane living space into a technological haven is easier than ever. Smart speakers, thermostats, and robotic vacuum cleaners offer convenience and efficiency. However, with the increasing number of devices in our homes, it’s crucial to consider the potential drawbacks, particularly concerning security and network performance. One effective solution is to connect your smart devices to a separate WiFi network. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this recommendation and the benefits it brings to users.

Enhanced Security Precautions

The foremost reason to connect smart home devices to a separate network is security. While smart devices provide numerous advantages, they can also pose significant risks if not adequately protected. Instances of hackers gaining control over baby-monitoring cameras or smart speakers have been reported, leading to privacy breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. By isolating smart devices on a separate network, users create an additional layer of protection, minimizing the potential impact of security breaches on personal computers and laptops.

Isolate Devices from the Rest of Your Network

Simply creating a separate SSID for your smart devices is not enough. Using VLANs to isolate your smart devices from the rest of your network is advised for further protection. This means devices cannot communicate with devices on separate networks. It ensures that if something affects the smart devices, it has less of an opportunity to affect your personal devices. VLANs can be set up for both wired and wireless devices, giving you the flexibility to protect any connection on your network. 

Protection Against Digital Intruders

Digital invaders can exploit seemingly harmless smart devices to wreak havoc. Imagine a scenario where a skilled hacker gains control of a smart speaker, leading to unauthorized access or even a denial-of-service attack on connected devices. By segregating smart devices from personal networks, users reduce the risk of such incidents and safeguard their valuable information from falling into the wrong hands.

Reduced Network Congestion

As the number of smart devices in homes continues to rise, so does the risk of network congestion. A single individual might have a handful of devices, but those committed to creating a smart home could easily have over ten. When too many devices share the same network, it leads to low bandwidth and slow internet speeds. This is particularly problematic when using devices that operate on a 2.4GHz network, which supports a limited number of channels. Connecting smart devices to a separate network ensures that they don’t compete for bandwidth with personal computers, laptops, and smartphones, resulting in a smoother and more responsive network.

Optimized Performance for Smart Devices

Smart devices often rely on a stable and fast internet connection for optimal performance. By dedicating a separate network to these devices, users ensure that their smart speakers, thermostats, and other gadgets operate seamlessly without interruptions caused by network congestion. This can significantly enhance the overall user experience, making smart homes more efficient and enjoyable.

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Beyond Basics: Advanced Router Features for Optimizing Event and Trade Show Wi-Fi Performance

A robust Wi-Fi network is no longer just a convenience for events and trade shows — it’s a critical component for success. While basic routers may suffice in less demanding environments, organizing large-scale conferences, bustling trade shows, or corporate events requires a more sophisticated approach. From point of sale (PoS) transactions, presentations, and other internet communication needs, the amount of network traffic at large events can put a serious strain on a Wi-Fi network. This strain can cause slow connections, unreliable service, and other adverse effects that can cause frustration for everyone involved.

In this blog post, we will explore advanced router features that go beyond the basics to help you achieve the best network performance at your next event. Read on to learn about seven of the newest Wi-Fi features available in today’s high-value routers to ensure patrons, attendees, and customers are well-connected.

1: Dual-Band and Tri-Band Support

Basic routers often struggle in high-density environments due to congestion in the 2.4GHz band. Advanced routers with dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) or tri-band support alleviate this issue. The 5GHz band offers faster speeds and reduced interference, which is crucial for optimizing Wi-Fi performance in crowded event spaces. Tri-band infrastructure takes it further, improving efficiency by up to 50%. These routers provide an additional 5GHz band (or a separate 6GHz band, if they are equipped with Wi-Fi 6E) for faster devices to increase your available Wi-Fi bandwidth. Tri-band routers also effectively minimize congestion and ensure optimal connectivity for all devices.

2: MU-MIMO Technology

Traditional routers communicate with devices one at a time, which may create potential bottlenecks, particularly in crowded areas like conferences, trade shows, and other events. Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology addresses this challenge by enabling routers to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. This multi-path radio signal technology helps cut down on bottlenecks and congestion. This is invaluable in large event scenarios where numerous attendees and exhibitors are concurrently accessing the Wi-Fi network, improving overall network efficiency.

3: Beamforming Technology

Beamforming enhances Wi-Fi signal strength and coverage by directing the signal toward connected devices (instead of the signal being transmitted in all directions, such as from a broadcast antenna). This technology is particularly beneficial in large event spaces where the distribution of attendees and exhibitors can be unpredictable. Instead of broadcasting the signal uniformly, beamforming technology focuses the signal where it is needed. This feature reduces interference and enhances both the stability and speed of users’ Wi-Fi connections.

4: Guest Network Management

Advanced routers offer robust guest network management features, which are crucial for events and trade shows. These features allow the creation of secure and isolated networks with customizable login credentials and bandwidth limits. Not only do these features enhance security, but they also ensure that the main network remains dedicated to event operations and critical activities.

5: Mesh Networking for Extended Coverage

Maintaining consistent coverage can be a formidable task in large event venues or those with challenging layouts. Mesh Networking tackles this challenge head-on by deploying multiple access points that work collaboratively with each other to provide extended Wi-Fi coverage. If one access point experiences interference or goes offline, other networks will seamlessly pick up the slack. The result? Continuous connectivity across the event space, ensures attendees and exhibitors stay connected without interruptions.

6: Quality of Service (QoS) Settings

From live streaming and video conferencing to basic web browsing, events involve a mix of various online activities. Quality of Service (QoS) settings on advanced routers allow prioritization of certain types of traffic over others. This advanced router feature ensures that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and low-latency connections, even during heavy network traffic. QoS settings work to offer better, seamless experiences for both presenters and attendees.

7: Bonding for Enhanced Wi-Fi Connectivity

When it comes to optimizing event Wi-Fi, Bonding emerges as a game-changing feature, providing not only increased speed but unparalleled reliability. Trusted high-value router manufacturers, such as Digi and Peplink, lead the charge with this bonding technology.

Digi and Peplink have both pioneered Bonding solutions that combine multiple internet connections into a single, powerhouse connection. This dynamic approach not only boosts the speed of your network but ensures unwavering reliability, even in challenging connectivity environments.

By leveraging Digi WAN Bonding or Peplink SpeedFusion, event organizers can harness the combined strength of diverse internet sources, guaranteeing a seamless online experience for all attendees and exhibitors. This innovative technology is a testament to the commitment these brands have to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the demanding connectivity needs of events and trade shows. With Bonding, users will not only just experience faster speeds, they will unlock a new level of network reliability that is indispensable in the dynamic landscape of modern events.

Elevating Event Connectivity

The success of events, conferences, and trade shows hinges on a robust and advanced Wi-Fi network that includes the newest features that go beyond the basics. The discussed technologies collectively contribute to an optimized and reliable network performance in high-density environments. For those who seek to elevate their event Wi-Fi experience to unparalleled heights, reach out to the knowledgeable 5Gstore sales team. Our team’s expertise can guide organizers in their router and networking technology purchases and recommend selections with features that are tailored to the unique demands of their specific events. Give us a call or email us to find routers with advanced features to make your next large event, trade show, or conference a success!

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Enhancing Network Reliability: Incorporating Cellular Routers for Automatic Failover

We all know how crucial a reliable internet connection is for both personal and business operations. However, even the most dependable internet service providers can experience outages or downtime. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, it’s essential to have a failover solution in place. One effective way to achieve this is by incorporating a cellular router or adapter into your existing network. 

The Need for Failover Solutions

Downtime caused by internet service interruptions can have significant consequences. For businesses, it can lead to lost revenue, productivity, and damage to reputation. For individuals, it can disrupt essential online activities like remote work, streaming, and communication. This is where automatic failover solutions come into play.

A cellular router or adapter acts as a backup internet connection when your primary service fails. It seamlessly switches over to cellular data, ensuring continuous connectivity even during ISP outages. Setting up this failover mechanism is relatively straightforward and can save you from the hassle and losses associated with downtime.

Topology: How Cellular Routers Fit into Your Network

To incorporate a cellular router or adapter into your existing network, you need to understand the network topology. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Evaluate Your Network Setup: Before you begin, assess your current network configuration. Identify the primary modem and router (or combination modem/ router unit) that connects your network to the internet and locate the devices that require internet access.
  2. Select the Cellular Router or Adapter: Choose a cellular router or adapter that suits your needs. Do you have a separate modem and router in place or has your Internet Service Provider (ISP) supplied you with a combination modem/ router unit? If you have a separate modem and router, you can simply select a cellular adapter. If using a combination modem/ router, look at cellular routers instead. In this case, you would configure your modem/ router unit in a bridge or passthrough mode and then connect it to the WAN port of the cellular router. In either case, ensure the cellular router or adapter supports automatic failover and is compatible with your cellular provider. 
  3. Position and Install the Cellular Router: If using a cellular adapter, place this between your ISP’s modem and your router. The modem’s Ethernet cable should plug into the WAN port of the adapter. Then, from the LAN port on the adapter, connect it to the WAN port of your router. When you have a combination modem/ router, take an Ethernet cable from a LAN port and plug it into the WAN port of the cellular router. Place the cellular router or adapter in a strategic location where it can receive a strong cellular signal. This may require an external antenna to be installed if the signal inside is not usable.
  4. Configure the Cellular Router or Adapter: Access the router’s web-based configuration interface using a computer connected to the router. Typically, you can do this by entering the router’s IP address in a web browser. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the cellular connection. In a lot of cases, this may be a plug and play setup!
  5. Confirm Failover is Enabled: Most failover capable routers will have this feature enabled by default. In other cases, you may need to enable it and/or prioritize your Internet connections. The router will likely include some sort of connection health monitor as well. This setting determines when the router should switch to the cellular connection and back to the primary connection. It simply verifies that the connection is online or offline multiple times before it triggers the failover or failback [to the primary Internet connection]. 
  6. Test and Monitor: After configuring the cellular router, thoroughly test the failover mechanism to ensure it works as expected. Also, set up monitoring and alerts to be notified of any failover events. This way, you can take action or troubleshoot issues promptly.

Benefits of Cellular Failover

Incorporating a cellular router or adapter into your network can be quite simple with features like drop-in mode or IP Passthrough mode. These are features that allow you to utilize the settings of the failover router or adapter, while seamlessly incorporating it into your existing network. It also offers several other advantages: 

  1. Seamless Connectivity: The failover process is automatic and swift, ensuring minimal disruption to your online activities or business operations.
  2. Reliability: Cellular networks are independent of your ISP, reducing the risk of simultaneous failures. This redundancy improves overall network reliability.
  3. Remote Access: Cellular routers are invaluable for remote locations or areas with unreliable wired internet connections. They provide a dependable connection for monitoring and managing remote devices.
  4. Business Continuity: For businesses, uninterrupted internet access is critical for customer service, financial transactions, and data backup. Cellular failover ensures business continuity even during network outages.

Putting a cellular router or adapter in place for automatic failover is a smart investment in ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. By understanding your network topology and following the steps outlined in this article, you can enhance your network’s reliability and minimize the impact of internet service disruptions. Whether for personal use or business continuity, cellular failover solutions are a valuable addition to any network. 

Do you still have questions? Let the 5Gstore team help you with your setup! We’ll guide you through the pre-sales process to determine the best solution and then assist you with the configuration once the product is received. We’re here with you through the whole process! 

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Why You Might Use Bridge Mode

Sometimes referred to as IP Passthrough mode, in networking terms, bridge mode refers to a configuration on a networking device, such as a router or modem. That router or modem is configured to function primarily as a bridge, forwarding all network traffic between two or more networks without performing any network address translation (NAT) or routing functions. This means that any device connected to the bridge will receive an IP address from the network it is connected to, rather than from the bridge itself. Everything stays within the same network in this case, so you can maintain things like file and printer sharing across devices. 

Why, or Why Not Bridge Mode?

If you have multiple routers in your home or office, you can use bridge mode to connect them and extend your network coverage. This can be useful if you have a large area to cover and need to ensure that all devices are connected to the same network.

When you want to add wireless connectivity to an existing wired network, you can use a wireless access point in bridge mode to provide access. This can be useful if you have a wired network in your home or office and want to add wireless connectivity without having to replace your existing network infrastructure.

You might not want to use bridge mode unless you have a reason to keep a piece of hardware active. In the event you have to use an Internet Service Provider (ISP) supplied router in order to retain its functionality, you need to keep that piece of hardware active. However, if you’re upgrading your router by replacing it with a newer model, there is no reason to put the old model in bridge mode and connect it to the new one. Instead, you should make note of its configuration settings and then retire the hardware by factory resetting it and taking it to be recycled.

Advantages

There are several advantages to using bridge mode in networking:

  • Improved performance: Bridge mode can help to improve network performance by eliminating any unnecessary routing or NAT functions that can slow down traffic.
  • Simplified network management: By using bridge mode, you can simplify network management by reducing the number of devices that need to be configured and managed.
  • Increased network flexibility: Bridge mode can provide increased network flexibility by allowing you to connect different types of networks together, such as wired and wireless networks.
  • Improved security: Bridge mode can assist with network security by reducing the number of devices that need to be secured and minimizing the risk of configuration errors. Of course, your devices are only as safe as the firewall of the network so make sure you have this configured properly.

Disadvantages

While there are many advantages to using bridge mode, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

  • Limited functionality: When a device is set up in bridge mode, it typically loses some of its functionality, such as the ability to perform NAT or routing functions. In other words, you normally can no longer connect directly to the bridged device without some additional configuration on the device you’re trying to connect.
  • Increased complexity: Setting up a device in bridge mode can be more complex than simply configuring it to perform routing or NAT functions, which is typically its default state.
  • Potential compatibility issues: When connecting different types of networks together, there may be compatibility issues that need to be resolved before bridge mode can be configured. For example, the IP address may conflict with the existing network and need to be changed first. 

How do I Enable Bridge Mode?

To set up a device in bridge mode, you typically need to access the device’s configuration interface and enable the bridge mode or IP Passthrough option. This may be found under the WAN connection details or general network settings. Once enabled, bridge mode will disable any routing or NAT functionality and configure the device to simply forward traffic between the networks.

Looking for instructions on your 5Gstore devices? We have a few videos available below: 

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Understanding Firewalls: The Key to Network Security

In today’s digital age, network security is more important than ever. With the rise of cyber threats such as malware, phishing, and ransomware, it’s essential to have robust security measures in place to protect your organization’s data and network resources. One such measure is a firewall.

What is a firewall?

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of predefined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted, internal network and an untrusted, external network, such as the internet.

Firewalls can be implemented as hardware devices, software programs, or a combination of both. They typically work by examining the data packets that are being transmitted between networks and applying predefined rules to determine whether or not the packets should be allowed through. These rules can be based on various criteria, such as the source and destination IP addresses, the type of traffic (e.g. HTTP, FTP, etc.), and specific keywords or patterns in the data.

Why is a firewall important?

One of the key benefits of using a firewall is that it helps to protect a network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. By blocking potentially harmful traffic and limiting access to certain network resources, a firewall can prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data or disrupting network operations.

Firewalls can also be used to enforce corporate security policies and ensure regulatory compliance. For example, a firewall can be configured to block access to websites that are known to be sources of malware or other security threats, or to limit access to certain types of data to only authorized users.

Types of firewalls

There are several types of firewalls that are commonly used, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

  • Packet-filtering firewalls: These firewalls examine individual packets of data as they are transmitted across a network and filter them based on specific criteria. Packet-filtering firewalls are relatively simple and efficient, but they may not provide sufficient protection against more sophisticated attacks.
  • Stateful inspection firewalls: These firewalls maintain a record of the connections that are being established between different network devices and use this information to make more informed decisions about which traffic to allow or block. Stateful inspection firewalls provide a higher level of security than packet-filtering firewalls, but they may be more resource-intensive.
  • Proxy firewalls: These firewalls act as an intermediary between a client and a server, and can be configured to filter and modify network traffic as it passes through. Proxy firewalls provide a high level of control over network traffic, but they may introduce additional latency and complexity into the network.
  • Next-generation firewalls: These firewalls combine traditional firewall functionality with additional security features such as intrusion prevention, malware detection, and application control. Next-generation firewalls provide the highest level of security, but they may be more expensive and complex to implement.

Choosing the right firewall

Choosing the right type of firewall for your organization depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of your network, the types of applications and data that you need to protect, and your budget and resource constraints.

It’s also important to configure your firewall properly to ensure that it provides maximum protection against cyber threats. This includes regularly updating your firewall software and security rules, monitoring network traffic for unusual activity, and conducting regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Firewalls are an essential component of any network security strategy. They help to protect against unauthorized access and malicious attacks by monitoring and controlling network traffic based on predefined security rules. By choosing the right type of firewall for your network and configuring it properly, you can help to keep your organization’s data and network resources secure.

Need help finding a firewall with cellular connectivity? Look no further than 5Gstore.com. Our team is available to assist Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm CT by phone, email, or chat!

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OpenSignal Reports: Who is the Best Cellular Provider?

OpenSignal has released their collection of data from cellular providers over the dates of September 16 to December 14 of 2022. It will be no surprise to some of us that in these cellular reports, T-Mobile has won out above the rest, yet again. 

On the mobile network experience report, multiple factors were tested. For overall experience, the cellular report included video, games, voice app, download speed, and upload speed. For coverage, they checked availability across the providers. Lastly, they checked for consistency in excellent quality and core quality. 

Experience and coverage might make sense, but what about consistency? Per OpenSignal, “Consistent Quality measures how often users’ experience on a network was sufficient to support common applications’ requirements. It measures download speed, upload speed, latency, jitter, packet loss, time to first byte and the percentage of tests attempted which did not succeed due to a connectivity issue on either the download or server response component.”

Core Consistent Quality represents common, but less demanding use cases such as SD video streaming, web browsing, and email use. Excellent Consistent Quality is designed for higher quality applications such as live video streaming and streaming video games. See how Consistent quality metrics are calculated here.

The only awards that T-Mobile did not take was in the Availability section. That award goes to the previous champion, AT&T. AT&T and Verizon were only 0.2 percentage points away from each other. T-Mobile came up last with a score of 98%.

OpenSignal’s 5G Experience Report awards were a bit of a toss up between Verizon and T-Mobile. The UnCarrier took a slight lead by winning in 4 categories (download and upload speeds, as well as availability and reach), versus Verizon’s 3 (Video, Games, and Voice app experiences). Much like the mobile network experience report, the 5G cellular report tests the same categories, but with 5G specifically, and less the consistency awards. Instead, in coverage, they checked both availability and reach.

Experience awards were all quite close, with Verizon just barely winning out over T-Mobile. The only exception being 5G download speeds. T-Mobile was the clear winner here, topping out at 186.3 Mbps versus 84.9 Mbps from Verizon and 71.1 Mbps from AT&T. Regarding coverage and 5G Availability, T-Mobile won again with a far lead of 30% over its closest competitor, AT&T. 

Per OpenSignal, “5G Reach measures the 5G mobile experience in all the locations that matter most to everyday users – i.e. all the places where they live, work and travel. 5G Reach for each operator is measured on a scale from 0 to 10.” The results were a bit closer on this one. With a score of 8.3, T-Mobile had a little over a 2 point lead ahead of AT&T and about 4 points from Verizon.  

Something to keep in mind when reviewing the results for yourself – tests were done at the national and regional level. While T-Mobile may be the majority winner, take note of the winners in your state. You may find a different provider is more appropriate.

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Why T-Mobile Standalone Ultra Capacity 5G is Important for Network Advancement

As of Monday November 14, T-Mobile has made Ultra Capacity 5G on 5G SA (Standalone) available nationwide. This bold move by the Un-Carrier just topped the charts for 5G advancement by offering even faster speeds and lower latency for customers. This can improve your gaming experience, as well as any application that requires near real-time responsiveness. 

The upgrade also opens up new possibilities for 5G carrier aggregation (NR CA), which means combining different layers of 5G spectrum together for greater speed and capacity. This year the carrier will begin combining three channels of Ultra Capacity 5G. According to tests, they were able to produce peak speeds topping 3 Gbps. Customers with the Samsung Galaxy S22 will be the first to leverage this new capability in the coming weeks, and it will expand to additional devices in the near future.

“5G is making a meaningful impact today – changing the way people use their smartphones, bringing choice and competition to home broadband, improving disaster response and so much more … but we’re only scratching the surface on what 5G can do,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “Transformative 5G networks are here, and T-Mobile is leading the charge with not just the largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network, but the most advanced as well. We’re driving the industry forward with 5G standalone and delivering a level of performance for customers that can’t be achieved otherwise.”

T-Mobile is the network leader, delivering a 5G network that is larger, faster and more reliable than any other in the US. The Un-carrier’s Extended Range 5G now covers 321 million people across 1.9 million square miles – more than AT&T and Verizon combined. 250 million people nationwide are covered by T-Mobile’s super-fast Ultra Capacity 5G, and the Un-carrier plans to reach 300 million people with Ultra Capacity next year.

As many reports have found, T-Mobile is the leader in delivering customers a 5G network that is larger, faster, and more reliable than the others available in the U.S. Their Extended Range (low-band 600 MHz spectrum) 5G now covers 321 million people across 1.9 million square miles, while 250 million people nationwide are covered by T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity 5G (2.5 GHz spectrum). The carrier plans to reach 300 million people with its Ultra Capacity 5G offering next year.

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How Do I Expand My WiFi Network?

Are you as excited about the announcement of the AP One Rugged coming back as we are? We wanted to talk to you about the key differences between this newly relaunched model and a few others that are similar. With all of the options available we find it is helpful to highlight key features and differences for us all. The more you know, the more you realize you didn’t know!

How does this product work and what is the main purpose of it?

  • To give you a cost effective and easy installation option when you are in need of extending your WiFi signal or adding one in(if your router does not have built-in WiFi).
Use Case: Mobile/Outdoor/Large Warehouse/RailroadUse Case: 
Home/Small Office/ Small # of Users
Use Case: 
Larger Office or Location/ Large # of Users
Model: APO-AC-RUG
Model: APO-AX-LITE
Model: APO-AX
Enclosure: 
Ruggedized Metal
Enclosure:
Plenum-rated Indoor Plastic
Enclosure:
Plenum-rated Indoor Plastic
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
Ethernet Ports: 
3x Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet Ports: 
1x Multigigabit Ethernet
Ethernet Ports: 
1x Gigabit Ethernet
Data Rate:
2.4GHz: 300Mbps
5.0GHz: 866Mbps
Data Rate:
2.4GHz: up to 574 mbps
5GHz: up to 1200 mbps
Data Rate:
2.4GHz: up to 1147 mbps
5GHz: up to 2402 mbps
Recommended # of Users: 60Recommended # of Users: 256Recommended # of Users: 256
Dimensions:
4.8 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
Dimensions:
5.9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
Dimensions:
8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Operating Temps:
-40° – 149°F
-40° – 65°C
Operating Temps:
32° – 104°F
0° – 40°C
Operating Temps:
32° – 104°F
0° – 40°C
Package Contents:
AP One Rugged,
12V2A Power Supply (ACW-632),
2 x Wi-Fi Antenna (ACW-342)
Package Contents:
AP One AX Lite,
Ceiling Mount Base (9/16” T-Rail),
Ceiling Mount Base (15/16” T-Rail),
Mounting Screw Set
Package Contents:
AP One AX,
Ceiling Mount Base (9/16” T-Rail),
Ceiling Mount Base (15/16” T-Rail),
Mounting Screw Set
Price and additional information:
Click Here!
Price and additional information:
Click Here!
Price and additional information:
Click Here!

A few key differences with the AP One Rugged

  • Provides the option of supplying a hardwire ethernet connection in addition to the wireless extension.
  • The enclosure is designed so that the unit can be used in locations that might be exposed to temperature changes(higher/lower temps).
    • Like in a warehouse building, farm building, locations that would not be classified as indoor(i.e. an office building or home).
  • Has the capability of external antennas – for higher gain and to get coverage in areas where the signal may be a challenge.

Want to know more about these items – visit our site by using the links below for more information on each product.

Still unsure what might be a good fit for your needs? Contact Us Today!

  • Email: sales@5gstore.com
  • Call: 1-833-5GSTORE (1-833-547-8673)
  • Chat: Click HERE to chat with an expert at 5Gstore!
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How do I connect to the internet between two buildings?

The Long Range WiFi Bridge System is a product that so many can take advantage of whether it be for personal or professional use. 

As working from home and continuing education from home continue to become a new norm – many have found that this is a solution to assist in making it easier to do successfully without having issues due to the location or poor WiFi signal. This is specifically useful when you are in need of an Ethernet connection, in a location that does not currently support that. 

  • This system gives you the option of reaping the benefits of Ethernet in location 2 like you have in the main location(where you router is setup) without having to go down the path of working with a company to:
    • Dig up a trench
    • Run Cable
    • Having holes cut/drilled out in the walls for new entry points for ethernet ports. 

Product Highlights:

  1. The Long Range P2P Wireless Ethernet Bridge is built to be waterproof and dustproof
  2. It’s dependable even in a harsh environment
  3. Delivers Long and short range point to point links
  4. Supports a wide range of outdoor applications
  5. Links two networks together so that files can be shared on the Internet.

Use Case: 

The main router is setup in office building 1, and you are in need of a better signal in office building 2.

How It Works:

  1. You would need to connect one of the kit’s antennas to your main router in building 1 via an ethernet cable (Power Is Required). 
    1. This is mounted either in a window or outside the home, but pointed in the direction of building 2. 
  2. The other antenna mounts at building 2 and must connect via Ethernet to another Router, WiFi Access Point, or Ethernet Switch – depending on what’s needed to connect at the building. 
  3. This antenna points back to the antenna in building 1.
  4. Here is a video that also demonstrates how this system works! 

The biggest benefit of doing this is not having to run any cabling to the second location in order to create a bridged network.  You may ask “Why not a WiFi Repeater?,” but that type of solution may not work in this case.

Have questions about the Long Range WiFi Bridge System? Contact us today!

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