Home Network

Act quickly and you can get the Fingbox for $69

NEWS – I reviewed the Fingbox in December 2017 here on the Gadgeteer. It is a small hockey puck-sized device that you connect to your router (it is NOT a firewall). It helps you to keep an inventory of the devices on your home WiFi network and will detect when a new device connects to your network. The Fing app then allows you to block the new device manually or automatically thus protecting your network from nearby intruders. It also allows you to detect all the new or anonymized devices that are within range of your network (Fings calls this feature the Digital Fence). In addition, it detects your home’s WiFi hotspots, detects bandwidth hogs, and allows you to schedule or manually pause internet access to your network devices. The app has been updated several times since 2017 and is now much more user-friendly.

Some commented to my review that the Fingbox was interesting but a little too pricey ($129 at that time). However, now it is available for $69 on Fing’s website – be sure to use code: VIPBLACKFRIDAY (not the advertised BLACKFRIDAY code which makes the Fingbox $74). I received an email that says the sale is good until the end of the day November 17, 2018. If you miss this sale you could try the code BLACKFRIDAY to try to get it for $74. Additionally, it looks like standard shipping is free! It’s a great device and I recommend it especially if you don’t have a newer router that provides a lot of the features this device provides.

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Act quickly and you can get the Fingbox for $69 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2018 at 5:36 pm.

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Netgear can now cover your home in mesh wifi with Orbi

NEWS – If you don’t know what a mesh wifi network is, you will. Mesh wifi allows devices to piggyback off one another as part of a network. Originally used mostly by the military and hospitals, mesh networking has now hit the home market. Eero was the first, followed by Google, Luma, and Netgear with their new Orbi mesh system—to name a few. 

The goal of mesh networking is to cover your home in a wifi signal without any dead spots. What makes Orbi special is that it comes from Netgear, a pioneer in networking technology. 

The Orbi system begins with the Orbi tri-band wifi router and uses a wall plug, stand-alone or outdoor satellites to extend the speed and performance of the wifi signal throughout the home. The size of the house and desired speeds determine how many satellites are needed or wanted. For instance, a home up to 3,500 sq. feet may need only one router and one satellite. In a hallway or kitchen, garage or basement, the wall plug satellite only needs an electrical outlet to deliver wifi. Extra satellites are available individually. 

Use the Ethernet ports on the router and the Satellite to connect your Smart TV, game console, streaming player and more. Orbi is capable of more than 100Mbps internet speed over 5,000 square feet.

An app is available to install & personalize the Orbi home wifi system. This app can:

  • Manage WiFi settings, share network credentials
  • Show the list of connected devices. 
  • Pause device access to the internet
  • Easily setup separate internet access for guests
  • Perform speed test

Also available is Circle with Disney—a smart way to manage any connected device. The Circle app helps parents filter content, manage screen time, and stay informed with what their kids do online.

Orbi can be set up and running in 3 simple steps. There are many Orbi configurations to choose from—among them: 

  1. Orbi Tri-Band Mesh WiFi Router
  2. Orbi WiFi System AC3000
  3. Orbi WiFi System with Orbi Voice Smart Speaker & WiFi Satellite
  4. Orbi WiFi System with Built-in Cable Modem
  5. Orbi WiFi System AC2200
    Many versions depending on routers and number of satellites

The Orbi system is available from Amazon. Prices range from $129.99 to $469.99. Additional satellites and other add-ons are priced extra. Visit Netgear for more information.

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Netgear can now cover your home in mesh wifi with Orbi originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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eBlocker Family anonymous surfing gadget review


REVIEW – Whenever I surf the internet or go”window shopping” or even look up something specific online, I notice that shortly thereafter, the items that I viewed pop up as ads on other websites that I visit. I soon realized that the ads “follow me” as a marketing tool that companies customize based on my online viewing habits. Seeing this got me to start thinking about how much of my privacy and the privacy of my family is being compromised and wondering about what else “the eyes” on the internet are seeing and doing. This device promises to protect me and my family when online and to be effective enough to prevent any snooping. Let’s see!!

What is it?


The eBlocker is a small computer, running the proprietary eBlocker Operating System. The eBlocker only needs to be connected to your router and it automatically protects all devices in your network. There is no software to install other than SSL certificates as needed for HTTPS. Even your mobile devices are comprehensively protected.

What’s in the box


1 x eBlocker
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Ethernet Cable
4 x AC Plug Adapters
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x License Card
1 x Feedback Card

Design and features

The eBlocker device is a small cube-like box that contains everything to perform its functions. Apart from the logo on the front side, there is an air vent and 2 USB ports, 1 ethernet port, one HDMI port (currently the manufacturer has not enabled this port for use), and the power port on the back.
Specifications

  • Processor: 1.2 GHz quad-core
  • Memory: 1 GB DDR3
  • Operating system: eBlockerOS 2
  • Usage: type 2 Watt, max. 10 Watt
  • Ethernet: 1 x Ethernet
  • 2 x USB 2.0
  • Weight: 153 g
  • Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 9 cm

    On the bottom of the eBlocker, there is the basic spec sticker that includes the serial number that you need to set up the device. There is also a mounting hole to mount the device to a wall.

Installation and performance

Connecting the eBlocker to your network is beyond simple. It just involves connecting power and the ethernet cable to a network port on your router or switch. My network includes several switches in different areas, and I just chose an available port on one.

After the hardware connections are done, you open a browser on any computer on the same network and go to http://setup.eblocker.com.

This link eventually takes you to a browser screen that provides you with a dashboard with all of the metrics for the computer that you are using and provides a conduit to another browser screen that provides the metrics for all of the devices connected to your network.

When I loaded the setup page, I was initially lost because the page is not in English, and there is no initial option for you to choose a language or to translate. The issue is resolved by right-clicking on the page and selecting translate. However, I would prefer a clear and present selection option.

Once translated into the language of choice, you follow the prompts which take you to a dashboard for the computer you are using. There are several configuration options to customize the dashboard and once set up, it presents the metrics associated with the network traffic and what is being blocked. It is difficult in a review to provide details of what information is available because of the amount of information available and the type of information available

In addition to the dashboard for the computer you are using, you can open another browser tab that shows metrics related to every device on the network.

When I connected the eBlocker, most of my devices continued to work as normal. However, some practical web pages were blocked and I had to pause the device and create exceptions for those web addresses. Some of the blocked pages are within an online University Portal and have the .edu domain. Also, initially when I wanted to pause the eBlocker effect on the laptop that was trying to get to the .edu page, I had a bit of a hard time because I did not see its IP address in the device list. Eventually, I used the search option on that eBlocker page and searched using the IP address and I found the laptop under a different IP address. I am assuming that the IP was being masked via the IP Anonymous function. I will confirm this as I spend more time with the device. I can see this becoming a more tedious process if many web pages are being blocked. In addition, I have close to a dozen different types of streaming devices on my network, and out of 4 Roku devices, the one connected wirelessly one seems to freeze and stop working once the eBlocker is connected. I have not yet been able to figure out why this happens. The other Roku devices are wired, and so far there has not been a problem with their connection. There is a large number of options and features available for the eBlocker. If you would like to get a better understanding and learn more about the features and possible customization, you can find the instruction manual here.

Here is a list of some of the main features/options/categories, and below the list is a small screenshot sample of some of the screens:
eBlocker Icon – this shows the eBlocker activity on each site and provides access to the control bar by clicking on the icon
Whitelist – This option allows you to disable eBlocker process on websites that you deem safe
Trackers – With this option you can see which trackers are being blocked on the web page
Ads – This is an Ad blocker option to see which ads are being blocked
Anon (IP Anonymous) – this hides your real IP-address
Device Cloaking – makes it seem like you are using a different device to provide you with even more privacy
Pause – Pauses the eBlocker on the device you are using for 5 minutes
Messages – Appears when there are system notifications or messages for you
Settings – Includes advanced setting like SSL support and network configuration settings










What I like

  • The size
  • The functionality
  • The lifetime license included with the Family device

What can be improved

  • Better software design so that additional information is available on the main screen for network devices
  • A language selection option on the first screen

Final thoughts

The concept of the eBlocker is great, and these days, we need to do all that we can to protect ourselves from the vulnerabilities we face when interacting electronically whether voluntarily or not. On a simple network with a couple of PCs and tablets, I can see the setup being very easy. My experience with it has been more complex, due to the number of and different types of network devices that are a part of my network. I feel very assured that this device does a great job at making your network presence mostly anonymous. It will take me some additional time to really get a sense of how to fully customize and take full advantage of the flexibility of the eBlocker, while still evaluating its ability to accommodate the unique challenges that some network devices and web pages can present. For now, I am giving it a conditional thumbs up, and I will follow up with an update if necessary and when I have spent quite a bit more time with it.

Price: $299
Where to buy: eBlocker.com and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by eBlocker.

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eBlocker Family anonymous surfing gadget review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 7, 2018 at 9:30 am.

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ELEGIANT 300Mbps Wireless Signal Booster WiFi Repeater review


REVIEW – When I  use my own mobile hotspot at work, I often lose connection to it as I roam about my floor which is quite large. Knowing that an extender/repeater could possibly provide a solution for better coverage and signal strength, I accepted the offer to test this device that boasted an easy installation and solution.

What is it?

The ELEGIANT 300Mbps Wireless Signal Booster WiFi Repeater is a device that can work as a signal relay or access point to provide extended wireless access to your router.

What’s in the box

1 x ELEGIANT 300Mbps Wireless Signal Booster WiFi Repeater

1 x Ethernet Cable

1 x Instruction Leaflet

1 x Contact Card

Design and features

The ELEGIANT 300Mbps Wireless Signal Booster WiFi Repeater is a small white box measuring 4″ x 1″ x 2.25″, with 4 antennas attached and a built-in AC plug.  The antennas are on hinges that allow you to move them around for the best signal strength. On the front of the device, there are 5 LEDs that represent the following from left to right:
1. Power
2. WPS
3. WLAN
4. WAN
5. LAN

It operates in 3 modes: Repeater Mode, AP Mode, and Router Mode. In the router mode, you can create a wireless network and share Internet access with to multiple Wi-Fi devices. In the repeater mode, you can extend the wireless coverage range, and in AP mode you can connect to a wired network and share your internet connection. It provides 360-degree coverage.


On one of the short side of the device, there are 2 Ethernet ports for the WAN and LAN connections.


On one of the long sides, there is a Reset button, a WPS button, and air vents.

Performance

The instruction booklet gave precise directions, and setup was easy once I connected to the Elegiant. I used my iPad Pro 12.9 to set up the device, and I did have to try a few times including starting over and refreshing the browser to get all of the settings to load completely. This started with the login screen. Since this could be caused by uncontrollable things like environmental interference, I will not blame the device. However, the distance between the Elegiant and my mobile hotspot was only about 2 feet. The actual configuration process was very easy and straightforward. For this review, I set mine up in the relay mode to extend the signal coverage. Here are some of the setup screens:



I work in a high security IT environment, and signal interference is very present. For several reasons, I was only able to place the repeater about 3 feet away from my mobile hotspot. Nevertheless, I was completely impressed by the performance of this device. It literally doubled my wifi range and that is despite the fact that when I move around my floor, there are multiple security doors in between me and the repeater. Based on this experience, I suspect that the other 2 modes will provide the same level of performance.

What I like

  • The small and compact size
  • The user-friendly browser GUI
  • The consistent wireless range it provides

What can be improved

  • The browser settings and how slowly and inconsistently they load.

Final thoughts

The ELEGIANT 300Mbps Wireless Signal Booster WiFi Repeater is a very useful device that performs a very useful and needed function and does it very well. The small footprint means that it can be present but hidden, and the range is superb for its specifications. I do know that there is an AC1200Mbps version that is available, and likely provides even more range and an even stronger signal. Based on the performance of this 300Mbps model, I am very pleased and now very eager to get the chance to test the 1200Mbps model.  For the price, this is a win.

Price: $19.99
Where to buy: Elegiant website or Amazon.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Elegiant.

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ELEGIANT 300Mbps Wireless Signal Booster WiFi Repeater review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 12, 2018 at 11:30 am.

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TRENDnet Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter review

REVIEW – The TRENDnet Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter extends a computer network almost to 1000 ft by transmitting an encrypted signal over existing electrical wiring. The adapter can also power PoE+ devices. Best of all it is ready to use out of the box. Read on to see what I think!

What is it?

The TRENDnet Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter creates a high-speed computer network on top of  your home’s existing electrical wiring. It does this by creating an encrypted radio signal within home wiring for transmitting and receiving network traffic. This is useful for using network components that require wired network connections in rooms where no such connection is available. The TRENDnet Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter also has PoE+ capability, which means that it can supply up to 30W of power over the ethernet connection for powering devices. Some devices which may benefit from this include IP cameras, wireless access points and VoIP handsets. 

What’s in the box?

The product review is for the TPL-331EP2K which contains two units for starting a network.

  • 2 x TPL-331EP
  • Quick Installation Guide
  • Safety note (about the dangers of using damaged electrical equipment and exposing the unit to extreme heat)
  • 2 x Network cable (1.2m/4 ft.)
  • 2 x mounting hardware

Mounting hardware includes a plastic drywall anchor, screw and foam spacer so that the base of the unit can be fastened to the drywall below the wall receptacle. You can see from the picture below that the spacer, on the left, is about the same thickness as the wall plate (on the right).

The mounting hardware also comes with an extended wall plate screw that can support the weight of the adapter in a standard duplex receptacle design. The unit weighs 7 1/4 ounces so it will generally stay installed without the screw – the hardware provides assurance that it will not be removed accidently. The picture below shows the unit fastened by the wall plate screw only. 

Design and features

Specifications

Standards  • IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u,  IEEE 802.3x,  IEEE 802.3af,  IEEE 802.3at,  IEEE 1901
Frequency Band • 2 – 28MHz
Modulation/Protocol • OFDM, 1024/256/64/16/8-QAM, QPSK, BPSK, ROBO; CSMA/CA, CSMA
Data PHY Rate • Up to 200Mbps
Networking Distance • Powerline: Up to 300m (980ft.) linear distance over electrical power lines***
Encryption • 128-Bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
Powerline Nodes • Up to 8 (max.)
Overlapping Powerline Networks • Up to 4 (per electrical system)
Special Features • Auto-connects to other TRENDnet Powerline adapters;  IPv6 support;  IGMP / MLDv2 Streams
Power • Input: 100 – 240V AC, 50-60Hz; Consumption: Active mode: 2.3W (max.); Standby mode: 1.7W (max.); PoE Budget: 30 Watts (max.)
PoE Delivery • Pin 1, 2 for power+ and pin 3, 6 for power- (mode A)
Operating Temperature • 0 – 55°C (32 – 131°F)
Operating Humidity • Max. 93 % non-condensing
Certifications • FCC;  IC
Dimensions • 156 x 67 x 43 mm (6.14 x 2.6 x 1.7 in.)
Weight • 205g (7.2 oz.)
Warranty: • 3 year

TRENDnet Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter Design

The power adapter will look at home in any fairly technical setting, such as an AV area or near a computer workstation area. However, it’s technical design and lines will be somewhat of an eyesore anywhere else. For instance, if you are using this to discreetly power an IP camera then the large TRENDnet box will certainly provide a hint that there may be surveillance in the area.  The front of the unit is well ventilated but it seems excessive for a device that only consumes 2.3 W.

The four LEDs on the front indicate the operating state of the unit. The top LED is always lit whenever the device is powered. The second from top LED is lit when the powerline network is connected and blinks when data is transmitted over the powerline network. The second from bottom is lit when the Ethernet port is connected and blinks when data is transmitting over Ethernet. Therefore, the middle two LEDs always blink together, but the second from the top may blink on its own (indicating the powerline network overhead). The bottom LED is lit when a PoE/PoE+ device is connected.

The left side of the unit has more ubiquitous venting but no other interface or indicators.

The right side of the unit looks similar to the left side but there is a sync button at the base. Pressing the sync button for 3 seconds initiates a synchronization session. The powerLED will begin to blink for 2 minutes. Pressing the Sync button on additional adapters within the time frame will synchronize encryption keys between these adapters and create a private network. Without performing this step any additional TRENDnet adapters introduced into the electrical circuit will also be allowed to join the network. Performing this step on a subset of adapters (if four or more adapters are connected) will create an isolated network of adapters.

The bottom of the device is shown in the picture below. The Ethernet port is a standard design. The reset button to the right restores factory defaults settings if it is pressed for more than 10 seconds. When resetting  all LEDs will turn off and on again. After reset the powerline network name will return to the default “HomePlug AV”.

Operation

Operation is the definition of simplicity. The adapters automatically establish a network out of the box. The adapters are also cross-compatible with Powerline 1200, 600, and 500 adapters.

The powerline communication works on a single electrical system. (Usually controlled by a single distribution panel). Power strip, GFCI outlets, and AFCI circuit breakers may degrade Powerline network signals. My first choice for outlets in my home was on two different end-runs powered by different breakers. One breaker is the standard design from 1973. The other breaker is a GFCI type installed last year. The Powerline signal did not transmit across the GFCI. However, it was easy to debug this situation by observing the LEDs on the front.

I tested the operation of the PoE with a VOIP phone from work and it successfully powered up. You can see the PoE LED illuminated in the picture below, and the Powerline LED in the middle of a blink. I didn’t have any PoE+ devices at my disposal.

Performance

Aside from the PoE capability, the most important aspect of the system is how quickly it can provide communications over the electrical system and how reliable it is. Every electrical system is a little different so these tests only indicate one set of results and can’t guarantee the maximum or minimum performance achievable in another application.

One thing I did notice is that I cannot use touch-sensitive lamps on the same line as the adapters. The adapters must introduce signal noise that triggers the circuitry to turn the touch light on and off.

To test performance, first I plugged my laptop directly into my router and then the router to the TRENDnet and the TRENDnet to another computer. I tested the speed between the systems using LAN SpeedTest Portable Ver. 4.1.0 Lite by Totusoft. The OS parameters the computer used for the test:

Operating System: Windows 10 Build 14393
Window ScaleFactor: 1
Network Cards: 1
HP Timers: 0 = 0.01 1 = 0.09 10 = 9.38 100 = 99.02
Packet Size: 1 MB to 1 MB
Packet Size Avg: 1,000,000 Bytes
Packets: 1
Write Cache: Enabled
Read Cache: Disabled

The results vary considerably from test to test. However, in general, the results using the Wi-Fi in my house (with the Ethernet ports disconnected):

Write Speed: 149.08 Mbps
Read Speed: 199.52 Mbps

The typical results using the TRENDnet without Wi-Fi:

Write Speed: 16.51 Mbps
Read Speed: 24.60 Mbps

And for comparison, the results at work (using a different source and destination):

Write Speed: 231.96 Mbps
Read Speed: 273.98 Mbps

The results above indicate that the Powerline is not operating at 200 Mbps. Unless the Powerline network is very clean there may not be sufficient bandwidth for 4k video, for instance. However, 25 Mbps is adequate for  general web surfing, email, social media, Online gaming, Video conferencing, and HD video streaming. It would be great if the TRENDnet could provide an indication of  signal quality. Maybe an LED that indicated the electrical system signal-to-noise ratio could be included in future designs.

The TRENDnet has been connected to my SmartThings hub for the past month. I have not had any reports from my hub that the internet signal has dropped. Therefore I can say that the connectivity remains very high.

What I like

  • Easy Set-up
  • PoE/PoE+ for devices that can use it

What needs to be improved

  • electrical system quality check

Final thoughts

The TRENDnet Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter provides network access through electrical wires when network cabling or Wi-Fi isn’t available. Setup is easy since the adapters auto-connect to an encrypted network out of the box. Even if the signal isn’t the fastest, it seems to be very reliable.

Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by TRENDnet.

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TRENDnet Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 25, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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