Routers and Basic Connectivity

a row of servers with different colored lights on them

Majority of companies utilize some sort of wireless internet connectivity, also known as Wi-Fi, during their daily business operations. When discussing the different speeds of routers and the data they can transfer, many do not fully understand what this all means. Continue reading to learn more about dual band routers and how your organization can benefit from this information.

What is a Dual Band Router and How Does it Work?

First, a dual band router connects to your modem. It can transmit two different speeds of wireless connections simultaneously, a 2.4 GHz and a 5.0 GHz. Obviously, one connection, 5.0 GHz, is faster than the other, making it optimal for specific tasks. Although it varies, typically a 2.4 GHz connection can support speeds up to 600 Mbps. While a 5.0 GHz connection is capable of supporting speeds up to 1300 Mbps. These speeds are considered the maximum. The speed you actually get will all depend on the technology you are using and the specific transfer protocols that it utilizes. 

As previously mentioned, these speeds are ideal conditions and may never be fully achieved. Therefore, we recommended that you use both types of networks simultaneously. This will help you get the most out of your wireless technology. 

What should run on the 2.4 GHz connection?

The 2.4 GHz connection can be beneficial as its range is larger. Also, it can go through walls and solid objects much easier. Unfortunately, since it can be used by so many devices, the connection ends up being poor. Thus, making it not the best choice when it comes to connectivity.

What should run on the 5.0 GHz connection?

Clearly, the 5.0 GHz connection is much more ideal in comparison as it has higher wireless speeds and reliability. On the other hand, this type of connection uses short range signals that are not able to penetrate through walls and objects. To make up for this, some people use signal boosters to improve the range of their connection. If you can invest in this technology, it is worth it to have enhanced reliability and stability of the internet connection.

What is the Best Connection for You?

In the majority of situations, a 5.0 GHz connection will be better than a 2.4 GHz. Although it is important to keep in mind that some devices do not give much of a choice with which connection should be utilized. Some devices are simply not compatible with others, forcing you to choose one over the other. A dual band router is commonly used in both the consumer and business environment to help alleviate this issue. Since some devices require the reliable connection of a 5.0 GHz, while others can thrive on the slower, 2.4 GHz connection. It can be helpful to keep some devices off the 5.0 GHz network to help improve the quality and speed of the overall connection.

If you notice that some devices are losing their connections more frequently than you would want, you can always make adjustments, provided that the device is compatible with both networks. A wired connection is typically preferred for situations where reliability is an absolute must.

If your business needs wireless internet connectivity installed or if you want to learn more information, you know you can contact us at 4 Corner IT for all of your needs. Call us today at 954.474.2204.

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What’s So Bad About USB Drives?

a metal usb drive sitting on top of a laptop computer

It is not uncommon to find random USB flash drives lying around the office. Even with the use of cloud storage in everyday life, USB drives are so convenient and can come in handy. The negative aspect of these USB drives is you don’t know what is on them until you plug them into your computer. Sometimes, the contents saved on the drive can mess up your day.

USB Drives Can Be a Gateway for Malware to Enter Your Network

When access to the Internet is unavailable, hackers tend to choose USB drives to introduce malware to one’s network. Due to the “plug and play features,” USB flash drives can be used with most, if not all, network-connected endpoints. The Stuxnet worm targeted unsecured devices with operating systems between Windows 2000 through Windows 7. This worm was so malicious that it took down 20% of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges. The facilities were not connected to the Internet; therefore, it is assumed that the threat was introduced through a USB drive.

USB flash drives can also be utilized to introduce remote access to those in other network systems. Hackers can also attempt to steal credentials or additional important information. Ransomware can also be used to shut systems down to prevent people from getting their work done. Simply plugging a USB drive into a device can compromise the entire system. You or members of your team can spread malware without knowing.

Another kind of threat is known as the “USB killer,” which is a device that can also infect the hardware aspect. The USB killer is basically a drive that discharges power to a connected device, damaging the device’s hardware. These types of threats do not introduce malware to the corresponding network but can cause other issues, such as irreparable damage that may result in replacing the entire system. 

What Can Be Done About This?

The best way to prevent these kinds of attacks is actually quite simple but requires two parts:

First, people need to understand that these types of threats really exist. Acknowledging that USB drives can introduce malware to a system will make you more conscious in the future. Sometimes, this is not enough.

People should also apply the knowledge they learned to real life. Employees who know about these threats and still continue to use random USB flash drives can be an issue for the entire company. Ensure that all team members know not to insert USB drives left lying around. Following up with IT security training can also be very helpful for the organization.

We Can Help Protect Your Business

4 Corner IT can work with you and your company to ensure that the entire team has the knowledge and training to understand the dangers of using known and unknown USB flash drives on the company network. We can also remotely monitor your network for suspicious activity and make sure to address it appropriately. 

To learn more about what we can do for your business, contact us at 954.474.2204.

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Network Support Tips: Are You Still Maintaining Your Network?

network support tips are you still maintaining your network

Moving forward, the number of businesses and organizations that are operating and maintaining their own networks will start to decline. The rationale is simple: managed solutions will result in lower costs, an increased value, and life will be simpler and easier for the businesses that need to focus on improving their brand and their value rather than focusing so much on complicated networks.

Staying on track with the technological improvements and advances are becoming more complex and frustrating for many organizations. Implementing new strategies and tools in complicated networks will generally involve a significant amount of risks. This is why many of the organizations that choose to operate their own networks will fall behind their competitors who are using managed network support and other services.

Your organization has the opportunity to achieve the same results as your competitors or much better results. A Network support and management service is a simple and secure way to improve the overall business processes across the field while improving your methods of communication.

It is important that you remember not all network services will be the same. When you are creating your managed networking plan, we want you to remember the following:

Unified Communication

Your business is going to need a variety of tools that will give you the best opportunity to collaborate externally and internally. You will probably find yourself using a variety of video, web, voice, etc. tools, and all of these tools will depend on various hardware and software. It may not be cost-efficient to depend on your in-house team to take on all of the responsibility, but it will be cost-efficient to depend on a network support provider.

Problem Solvers

The infrastructures that are used today are made up of dispersed networks that use cloud-based technology and physical workstations. What does this mean for your in-house technicians? This means they will have work twice as hard on a daily basis to maintain these systems. Network support providers will be able to eliminate any risks and eliminate downtime by quickly responding to minor issues before they lead to major issues. A proactive solution is highly beneficial. This type of approach will allow you to improve your overall efficiency and maximize the overall impact of your networks.

We know that staying on track with the major advances is not easy for every business or organization, and this is why many organizations are making the decision to use network support services. Are you ready to improve your overall operations? Contact us today for more information.

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