Networking myths debunked

>> WI–FI HOTSPOTS ARE SAFE IF PASSWORD–PROTECTED

not all wi–Fi hotspots employ wPA2-PSk encryption, even if protected by a password. never surf on a public wi–Fi hotspot without a VPn — windscribe (windscribe.com) offers 10GB monthly bandwidth for free.

>> 5GHZ WI–FI IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN 2.4GHZ

5Ghz networks are much faster when you’re close to the router, but 2.4Ghz networks have greater reach and perform better at range.

>> IT’S EASY TO FIND DEVICES CAUSING INTERFERENCE

Interference can emanate from all kinds of sources — even defective ballasts on fluorescent lights can cause rF interference.

>> THE INTERNET ONLY SLOWS DOWN DURING PEAK HOURS

If you’re a heavy internet user — particularly with certain types of traffic — then you may periodically fall foul of your ISP’s fair use policy, even if your plan offers unlimited downloads. when this happens, your connection may be temporarily throttled.

>> DISABLING SSID HIDES YOUR WI–FI NETWORK

even if you stop your network broadcasting its SSID (the name you give a wi–Fi network), hackers can still detect it using software. And many computers can still detect the presence of a network even if it’s not named.