HOW TO Manage network devices
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NETWORK KNOW–HOW Most routers provide an app that allows you to adjust various settings. The features in these apps can vary quite a lot, but they generally start by giving you an overview of all the devices that are currently connected to your network.
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TAKE BACK CONTROL You can control individual devices, perhaps blocking devices you don’t recognize, or pausing the kids’ internet at dinner time. Some apps provide filters to block unsuitable material – but watch out for additional subscription fees here.
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DAY BY DAY Another really useful feature – but not found in all apps – is the ability to create daily or weekly schedules to control your kids’ internet access. That way you can make sure they’re not on Instagram or TikTok all night long.
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TEST AND TRACE The Linksys router here has a good app, which includes a speed test to check your Wi–Fi performance. It can even monitor the Wi-Fi channels being used by nearby networks and suggest which channels will work best for you.
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GAME ON! Some activities, such as gaming or streaming video, need a really fast connection. Many apps allow you to give priority to specific tasks – or to individual devices, such as a games console – so that they get the best possible speeds.
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BROWSER INTERFACE The apps provided with most routers tend to be fairly basic. To find additional controls you may be able to use a web browser to log directly in to your router’s advanced interface (check the router’s manual to find this option).
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DUAL BANDS Some routers merge the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into a single network – which means you can’t choose which band you connect to. However, this interface allows you to create two separate networks on those bands.
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WI-FI ASSIST If your Wi-Fi is really unreliable, you can use “Wi-Fi Assist” on your iPhone (or iPad with mobile broadband), to automatically switch to mobile broadband. Go to Settings/Mobile Data and scroll right down to find this option.
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PERSONAL HOTSPOT In emergencies, you can use your iPhone’s mobile broadband to create a “personal hotspot” that acts as a temporary Wi-Fi network. These last two options both use mobile broadband, so watch out for extra charges!