What’s the Cheapest Way to Test Throughput on a 5–10 Gb/s Network Link?
I manage an older 1 Gb/s network, and we're getting a multi-gigabit wireless bridge to test between two buildings. I'd like to stress-test the connection and measure its…
network hardware
Is UniFi suitable for a wireless-first office of around 250 people?
We're planning a network refresh for a Sydney office with roughly 250 staff across two floors, with around 150–200 people onsite at a time. The office will become…
Is UniFi Suitable for a Wireless-First Office of 250 People?
We're evaluating UniFi as the network platform for a Sydney office with roughly 250 employees, normally 150–200 people onsite. The office occupies two floors in a high-rise building…
What could deform and corrode multiple Ethernet switch-port pins?
I found seven Ethernet ports on an operational polar icebreaker with badly deformed contact pins. The affected pins also look corroded, even though the switch is not especially…
Ants Are Infesting My Wi‑Fi Router—Could They Damage It?
My router is plugged into an older wall switchboard, and ants keep coming out around the switchboard and covering the router. I'm worried they may get inside and…
Should I renew Aruba management or replace our nine access points?
I recently took over a single-site network with nine Aruba AP-535 access points managed through HPE Aruba/GreenLake. The foundation subscription is expiring, and I may be able to…
Can I Use Android USB Tethering Through My Old Fiber Modem?
I recently moved and do not currently have a fiber connection, but 5G mobile service is available cheaply and usually reaches over 100 Mbps, sometimes much higher. Wi‑Fi…
Can I use a Wi‑Fi bridge to connect an Ethernet-only printer?
I have a work printer that needs to connect through Ethernet, but installing a new Ethernet drop in its location isn't currently an option. I'm considering using a…
My basic cable tester died after touching a 60W PoE++ injector—what should replace it?
My dependable generic two-piece network cable tester finally released its magic smoke after roughly 15 years and well over 2,000 cable tests. It has the usual eight indicator…
Ethernet connects physically but receives no IPv4 address on Windows or Bazzite
My self-built PC dual-boots Windows 11 and Bazzite Linux, and Ethernet stopped working after about two months of trouble-free use. The Realtek PCIe 2.5GbE controller shows link lights…
Can a CAT3 cable reliably slow down a home network?
I'm dealing with roommates who regularly expect me to troubleshoot their internet problems, and I'm exhausted from handling technical issues early in the morning after work. I wondered…
Do I Need an Ethernet Switch for Two PCs in One Room?
Hey everyone! I'm setting up an office and I've got one Ethernet port available. I plan to connect my new gaming and editing PC, and soon my wife's…
Issues Installing Debian - Freezing on Network Hardware Detection
I'm attempting to install Debian on my PC using a flash drive, but the installation keeps freezing at the point where it tries to detect network hardware. Just…
Can I Flash Custom Firmware on Old Firewalls?
Hey everyone! While cleaning out storage today, I stumbled upon some old firewalls - specifically Palo Alto and FortiGate devices. We were given the option to take them…