[Hidden-tech] Security and coverage for shared WiFi

[Chris Hart, MyMacTech.com]

802.11N routers are yesterday's technology.  Anyone buying a router today should be getting one with 802.11AC.  Even if all your devices are only N capable, the AC router still benefits you.  It's been proven in tests by respected tech web sites that signal strength and consistency are better for N devices with an AC router (which are backwards compatible with N devices).

Chris Hart
     Computer Support & Technology Consulting
        for Connecticut and Western Massachusetts
            Tel: 860-291-9393
                chris at chrishart.net
                    http://www.MyMacTech.com
			

> On Jan 10, 2016, at 11:21 AM, Zach Fried, LPP LLC <zach at localprosper.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Well said, Jan.
> 
> Duane, you will want to look for a 3rd party "Comcast-certified" modem (Arris is a popular brand). Also purchase the N-wireless router that has a guest network option (most do). When replacing yours, it will have a sheet inside to walk you through the activation process. It takes 5 minutes if it proceeds automatically or about 30 minutes if you have to talk to a Comcast rep. Get the info for sending theirs back, and also check your next bill to make sure you're no longer being billed for it. 
> 
> 
> --
> Zach Fried
> Local Prosperity Partners, LLC
> Technology <http://localprosper.com/services/mac-pc-support-repair/> • Design <http://localprosper.com/services/design/> • Skills <http://localprosper.com/services/skills-training/> • Strategy <http://localprosper.com/why/>
> 
> PO Box 1232
> Amherst, MA 01004
> 
> zach at localprosper.com <mailto:zach at localprosper.com>
> Office: (413) 461-0617
> 
> 
> On Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 9:15 AM, Jan Werner <jwerner at jwdp.com <mailto:jwerner at jwdp.com>> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Don't use the Comcast box as a router!
> 
> Most third part wireless routers will give you far better coverage than
> a combined modem/router and many of them allow you to set up one or more
> guest networks that are isolated from your main network.
> 
> You are probably paying a fee to Comcast to lease their modem/router box
> which you could amortize in a year or two by buying your own cable modem
> (You can find lists of those that Comcast supports on their website) and
> your own router.
> 
> Furthermore, Comcast's own routers are designed to let them be used as
> open access WiFI hotspots - if you ever wondered about how Comcast and
> Time Warner can offer thousands of free WiFi access points nationwide,
> that's how. So if you are worried about security, you should not use ae
> Comcast provided router in the first place.
> 
> Here's a link to an article you might find useful.
> 
> http://blog.chron.com/techblog/2014/06/want-to-use-your-own-modemrouter-with-comcast-heres-how/ <http://blog.chron.com/techblog/2014/06/want-to-use-your-own-modemrouter-with-comcast-heres-how/>
> 
> If you Google, you will find plenty of other information online, and
> there was a recent discussion of wireless routers here as well.
> 
> Jan Werner
> ______________
> 
> 
> Duane Dale wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Dear H-Techers:
> >
> > In advance, forgive me if these are naive questions or have been
> > addressed previously.
> >
> > Consider this scenario:
> > * A homeowner has a "mother-in-law apartment" which is rented to tenants.
> >     Imagine that these parties don't know each other well.
> > * The chosen internet option is Comcast.
> > * A Comcast-provided cable modem-wireless router is the default option.
> > * Because it's nominally a single-family house, Comcast says it's
> > prohibited from providing two separate accounts.
> > * Comcast says it could (for an additional fee, of course) install two
> > separate cable modem-routers on the same account.
> >
> > The security question:
> > * If the two parties share one WiFi account, is there a security risk?
> >    (Assume, of course, that banking and other sensitive use is with
> > https sites.)
> > * If there is a security risk, how does it compare to risks at an airport?
> >      ... in an apartment building (without shared WiFi access)?
> >       ...drive-by "listening" to WiFi activity.
> > * Would the second Comcast WiFi "box" reduce security risks?
> > * Would hard-wiring a third-party wireless router into a single Comcast
> > box provide a separate log-in? ...and would that reduce security risks?
> >
> > The coverage question:
> > If the house is large enough to have coverage issues (or has
> > out-buildings where coverage is weak)...
> > * Is there a WiFi Extender device that anyone would recommend?
> > * Would hard-wiring a third-party wireless router into the Comcast box
> > -- with a long Cat5 cable to take that second box into the weaker zone
> > -- help?
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Duane Dale
> >
> >
> >
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