Computer networking

For the longest time, all internet was run along the same copper cables that we’ve been using for our phone lines, and while that was revolutionary for the time, there is a limit to how fast they can go, which poses a problem. Luckily, the future is here in the form of fiber optic internet, which is a lot faster than copper. How much faster? Well, fiber lines can theoretically go up to several gigabytes a second, which completely blows out the internet speeds of yesteryear and is perfect for those who consume a lot…

A printer's IP address is a group of four sets of numbers separated by periods that allows wireless access to your printer's settings and information via a web browser. A WPS PIN (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is an eight-digit number that lets you connect your printer to the Wi-Fi network without a password. At some point you’ll need your printer's IP address or WPS PIN to set up and manage it. Having that information can help with Wi-Fi connections. Whether you have an HP, Epson, Canon, or Brother printer, we'll show you…

Thunderbolt is a type of hardware interface technology that is used to connect various devices to a PC. You’ve likely already seen Thunderbolt in the form of its distinctive ports and cables — the latest generations use the USB-C connector. That’s the quick definition. But if you’re here, you’re probably looking for a more comprehensive explanation of what Thunderbolt is, and why it differs from USB-C. In this guide, that’s exactly what you’ll get: We’ll go over some of its current iterations and how they compare,…

Wi-Fi makes it easy to connect your laptop, smartphone, gaming console, and more to the internet without the need for pesky cables. However, folks with large homes that span multiple floors have probably run into reception issues in rooms far away from the router. Wi-Fi routers work best across short distances – meaning far-flung rooms or outdoor locations might not be able to properly connect to the internet. Thankfully, you can use a second Wi-Fi router to boost your signal throughout your property and eliminate…

USB cables and ports are one of the most common types of connectors for everyday devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, A/V receivers, game consoles, and many other components. Engineered for data transmission and charging capabilities, there are currently two main types of USB cables and ports: USB-A and USB-C.  When it comes to data transfer, charging, and other useful features, there are quite a few differences between USB-A and USB-C. This is why we’ve put together this guide to explain how…

Qualcomm It’s that time of year again when Qualcomm ushers in its next generation of 5G modem technology. Announced at Mobile World Congress (MWC ) 2024, this year’s Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF system is the successor to last year’s Snapdragon X75, and it builds on the 5G Advanced foundation laid last year with more raw power and new AI features. While the Snapdragon X75 moved the needle by adding support for the latest 5G Advanced standards, we’re still in that fourth phase of 5G technology, otherwise known as 3GPP…

TCL TCL is having a busy start to 2024. First, it announced a staggering number of new smartphones and two new tablets at CES, and now it’s unveiling something else at MWC 2024 — one of the world’s first 5G dongles that takes advantage of the latest power-efficient 5G standards. TCL Mobile’s Linkkey IK511 is a pocketable new 5G adapter that’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF system, which debuted last year as the first 5G modem to support the new NR-Light “RedCap” standard. 5G for everyone,…

As much fun as Helldivers 2 is for those who are able to play, there have unfortunately been a number of issues preventing fellow soldiers from doing their part. Some, like matchmaking issues, do have methods to get around them and back into the fight, but what if you see the "Login limit reached" message when reporting for duty? While none are guaranteed to work, there are a few workarounds you can try to get back to the game. How to fix the login limit reached errorThe "Login limit reached" error stems from…

NurPhoto / Getty Images T-Mobile’s rivals may be nipping at its heels in the 5G race, but the Uncarrier is determined to stay ahead of the game. It not only boasts the fastest and most expansive 5G network in the U.S., but it’s actively working on technologies that will help it reach even greater peak speeds. Two years ago, T-Mobile used a relatively new technique known as 5G Carrier Aggregation (5G CA) to achieve the kind of 3Gbps download speeds on midband frequencies that had previously been the exclusive domain…

It seems like just yesterday that people were excited about 3G networks -- but here we are, with 5G readily available throughout the country. Offering the fastest possible speeds, 5G provides you with incredible connectivity and an overall improved smartphone experience. However, 5G isn't perfect. Select locations still don't have the best support, and if you're not actively using it, you might be tempted to turn 5G off entirely. Thankfully, its possible to turn off 5G networks on Samsung smartphones, including…