Servers & Networks - Appuals.com Tech from the Experts Sat, 16 Sep 2023 00:40:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 How to Turn OFF BT Wi-Fi on your Smart Hub 2 https://appuals.com/turn-off-bt-wifi-smart-hub-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=turn-off-bt-wifi-smart-hub-2 https://appuals.com/turn-off-bt-wifi-smart-hub-2/#disqus_thread Sat, 16 Sep 2023 00:40:09 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=364603 BT Wi-Fi is a Wi-Fi broadband service that is accessible in public places known as hotspots. These usually include motorway service stations, city centers, coffee shops, and hotels. The majority of these hotspots are in the UK and Ireland, while some are outside the UK in specific places. Now you can either get these services …

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BT Wi-Fi is a Wi-Fi broadband service that is accessible in public places known as hotspots. These usually include motorway service stations, city centers, coffee shops, and hotels. The majority of these hotspots are in the UK and Ireland, while some are outside the UK in specific places.

Now you can either get these services on your BT mobile or a BT broadband router like the Smart Hub. Since BT routers offer free Wi-Fi to those with BT mobiles, you might not want to share your router’s connection with them for some reason.

But for that, you will need to turn off BT-WiFi on your Smart Hub, Smart Hub 2, or any other model that you have. Today, we’ll be looking at how to do this on Smart Hub 2.

Just for your information, your home broadband bandwidth will be the utmost priority, and any roaming BT Wi-Fi user won’t be preferred over you. This means your internet speed won’t slow down.

Also, keep in mind that opting out of BT Wi-Fi will disable your permission to use BT Wi-Fi spread across millions of hotspots in the United Kingdom.

How do I Disable BT Wi-Fi on My Smart Hub 2?

Opting out of BT WiFi is a very simple process and can be done from any internet browser. I will list down all the steps below:

  1. Open any web browser and log in to MyBT.
  2. Select Your Products and go to the Included in your product section.

  1. Click Learn More inside the BT Wi-Fi section.

  1. Now click Opt out of BT Wi-Fi.

After opting out, there’s always the option to join them again by signing up for BT once more. The steps will be the same as the first time you signed up for the broadband service.

If you’re unable to go through any step, then write it down in the comments below, and we’ll look into the matter. Moreover, you can contact BT Support for further information related to any issue with your BT Wi-Fi, BT mobile, or BT broadband.

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URI vs URL: Explainer, Differences, Relation & Uses [2023] https://appuals.com/uri-vs-url/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uri-vs-url https://appuals.com/uri-vs-url/#disqus_thread Wed, 13 Sep 2023 11:08:20 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=362469 URI and URL are terms you will encounter during web development or general computer studies. While these terms may sound similar and are often interchangeable, in reality, they are different, and each has its unique purpose. This article will delve into URIs and URLs, exploring their differences, relation, and uses. What Is URI and URL? …

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URI and URL are terms you will encounter during web development or general computer studies. While these terms may sound similar and are often interchangeable, in reality, they are different, and each has its unique purpose.

This article will delve into URIs and URLs, exploring their differences, relation, and uses.

What Is URI and URL?

URI: Acronym for Uniform Resource Identifier, URI is used to identify a resource such as an image or video on the web.

URL: Acronym for Uniform Resource Locator, URL is used to locate a resource such as an image or video on the web.

Still not clear about the concept? Let me explain with an example: You go to the public library near your home and ask the librarian, “Do you have the novel The Hobbit?” The librarian replies, “Yes, it is on Shelf 3, Row 7 in the Fiction section.” You go to Row 7 in the Fiction Section and find the novel there. In this example, “The Hobbit” is the URI as it identifies the book, and “Shelf 3, Row 7 and Fiction Section” is the URL as it locates the book in the library.

URL and URI are closely related to one another. In most cases, the URL is a subset of the URI. This is because while URI is used to identify the resource, it can also contain the address of the resource. Whereas the URL only contains the address of the resource but does not identify the resource.

SEE ALSO: How to Find Your IP Address on Windows & Mac ➜

Pictorial representation of the relation between URI and URL

As you can see in the illustration above, all URLs are URIs, but not all URIs are URLs. This is because there is also another subset of URI known as URN, but we won’t be discussing it as it would only further complicate the idea.

Another thing to clarify is the difference between URLs and hyperlinks (links for short). Many people confuse both of the terms and think they are the same. However, this is not the case. As we know from before, URLs locate a resource on the internet. HyperLinks, on the other hand, is an HTML element that allows you to navigate between different URLs on the web. Let me show you an example:

If you want to know about the best applications for insect identification, click here.”

In this example, the “here” hyperlink will use the URL of our article “The Best Bug Identifier Apps for Android & iPhone in 2023” and load it on your browser on a separate tab. Sometimes it might load in the same tab depending on the website settings, but you get the point.

Syntax of URL and URI

URL is the subset of URI, so their syntax is almost identical. Given below is the generalized syntax for both of them.

  • Scheme: Scheme indicates the protocol or method used to access the resource. Typical schemes include “http,” “https,” “ftp,” “mailto,” and more.
  • Domain: The domain name (or IP address) identifies the server where the resource is hosted. In this case, the resource was hosted at Appuals.
  • Path: The path specifies the location and structure of the resource on the host server.
  • Parameters: This is the additional information provided with the resource.
  • Anchor: Anchor represents the specific resource on the hosting server. In this example, it was an image, hence .jpg.

These are the main parts of URI and URL; however, kindly note that most are optional. The only required URL parts are Scheme, Domain, and Path. The only mandatory part of a URI is the Scheme.

Difference Between URI and URL

Now that we have a general idea about URIs and URLs, let’s look at their fundamental differences:

URIURL
URI stands for Uniform Resource Identifier.URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.
A URI comprises a scheme and the specific resource identifier.A URL contains the scheme, domain, path, parameter (optional), and anchor (optional).
The primary purpose of a URI is to uniquely identify the resource.The primary purpose of a URL is to locate a resource on the web.
URI has two subsets URL (specifies the location) and URN (specifies the name).URL is the subset of the URI.
An example of a URI can be urn:ISBN:0000000000An example of a URL would be https://appuals.com
A table summarizing the key differences between URL and URI

Uses of URI and URL

We will mention some technical terms while listing the uses of URI and URL. Do not worry if you do not understand them. Those are intended for our technical audience.

URI

  • URIs serve as resource identifiers, applicable to multiple types of resources on the web.
  • They are used in technologies like XML namespaces to provide unique identifiers for elements in documents.
  • URIs are used in distributed computing, naming resources in web services, APIs, and RESTful architectures.

URL

  • URLs are important for navigating the World Wide Web, linking between web pages, and accessing resources online.
  • URLs provide a complete web address, including the protocol, domain name, and path, providing the exact location and access to web content.
  • URLs are used for search engine optimization (SEO) to help search engines rank web pages.

Conclusion

Hopefully, by now, you are pretty clear about URL and URIs, their differences, and their uses. We have tried to keep this article as simple as possible to be accessible to a broader audience. If you are still unclear or have any additional questions, feel free to drop them down below.

FAQs

What is the difference between a URI and a URL?

A URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a broad term for identifying any resource. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a specific type of URI that gives the address of a resource.

Can URLs and URIs be changed?

Yes, both of these can be changed. However, for the stability of web resources, you should keep a permanent URI and URL.

What are the essential parts of a URL?

The essential parts of a URL are scheme, domain, and path. All of the other parts are optional.

Do URLs impact search engine optimization?

URLs play a role in SEO because search engines use them to rank web pages. Having clear, descriptive URLs can improve a website’s search engine visibility.

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Guide: Check Browser History Stored on your Router https://appuals.com/check-your-browsing-history-on-router/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-your-browsing-history-on-router https://appuals.com/check-your-browsing-history-on-router/#disqus_thread Tue, 01 Aug 2023 23:14:44 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=350412 Most modern and enterprise-grade routers nowadays keep logs of IP addresses of websites visited on the network, specific URLs, and the time of the visits as a security measure. Although it is a security measure, some users will want to check what it is that the routers are keeping track of for privacy concerns, or …

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Most modern and enterprise-grade routers nowadays keep logs of IP addresses of websites visited on the network, specific URLs, and the time of the visits as a security measure. Although it is a security measure, some users will want to check what it is that the routers are keeping track of for privacy concerns, or parents wanting to look at their kids online browsing history.

In this guide, we will explain what these logs are, how to access and download them using the router’s admin panel, and ways to implement them on routers that don’t store such data.

What are Wi-Fi Router Logs?

Most modern Wi-Fi routers keep track of browsing history and other important operational data by maintaining logs. These logs contain valuable information such as the websites visited, corresponding IP addresses, and timestamps of each visit. By accessing the router’s admin panel, individuals can review and analyze these logs to gain insights into the browsing activities on their network.

Find Your Default Router IP address

You will need your routers default IP address to access its admin panel. In Windows, you can easily find your default router IP address using Command Prompt. You can follow the steps below to find your default router IP address in Windows:

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Start button to open the Start Menu.
  2. Type “cmd” (without quotes) in the search bar. This will search for the Command Prompt application.
  3. Click on the Command Prompt app from the search results to open it.
  4. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter to execute the command.
    ipconfig

    Type "ipconfig" and press Enter to execute the command.
    Type “ipconfig” and press Enter to execute the command.
  5. Scroll through the results and locate the entry that says “Default Gateway”. The value next to it represents your router’s IP address.

    Scroll through the results and locate the entry that says "Default Gateway".
    Scroll through the results and locate the entry that says “Default Gateway”.
  6. Take note of the IP address next to the “Default Gateway” entry. This will be your default router IP address.

Now that you have found your default router IP address, you can use it to access your router’s administration panel and configure its settings.

It’s important to note that the default router IP address may vary depending on the router model or manufacturer. If the above method does not work for you or you encounter any difficulties, you can refer to the router’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance.

Check Your Browsing History via Router’s Admin Panel

To check the browsing history on a Wi-Fi router, you need to access the router’s admin panel. In order to access the router’s admin panel, follow these steps:

  1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network of the router you want to check the logs of.
  2. Open a web browser on the connected device.
  3. Enter the IP address of your router in the browser’s address bar.

    Enter the IP address of your router in the browser's address bar.
    Enter the IP address of your router in the browser’s address bar.
  4. Enter the login credentials for your router. These credentials are usually provided on the router or in the router’s documentation. If you haven’t changed the default login credentials, you can find them in the router’s manual.

    Enter the login credentials for your router.
    Enter the login credentials for your router.
  5. Once logged in, navigate to the “Logs” or “History” section in the admin panel. The exact location may vary depending on the router’s manufacturer and firmware.

    Once logged in, navigate to the "Logs" or "History" section in the admin panel.
    Once logged in, navigate to the “Logs” or “History” section in the admin panel.
  6. Look for options related to browsing history or logs. It may be labeled as “Internet History”, “Activity Logs”, or similar.
  7. Review the recorded data, which usually includes the date, time, website URLs, and IP addresses of the visited websites. Some routers may also provide additional information such as the duration of each visit.

    Download the log files to thoroughly review them.
    Download the log files to thoroughly review them.

Analyzing the browsing history logs can provide valuable insights into the online activities on your network. By reviewing the recorded data, you can identify the websites visited, the frequency of visits, and even potential security threats. This information can be particularly useful for parents monitoring their children’s online activities or individuals ensuring their own browsing history remains private.

Note: Most Wi-Fi routers provided by your ISP don’t log specific URLs but just IP addresses of Websites accesed on the Wi-Fi network and times of each visit; even some routers don’t even log that. So this method will differ from router to router. Using a Parental Control Software can be useful if your Wi-Fi router does not support this method.

Monitor Your Browsing History using Parental Control Software

If your Wi-Fi router does not log Browsing history, you can also employ parental control software to monitor and manage online activities. Most Parental control software offer additional features and flexibility in monitoring and restricting browsing history for specific devices or users on your network.

Benefits of Parental Control Software

Parental control software provides a range of benefits for monitoring browsing history:

  • Customizable Restrictions: Parental control software allows you to set specific restrictions and filters based on age appropriateness or specific websites or categories.
  • Time Limits: You can enforce time limits on internet usage, ensuring a healthy balance between online activities and other responsibilities.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Some parental control software provides real-time monitoring, allowing you to track browsing activities as they happen.
  • Usage Reports: Detailed usage reports give you insights into the browsing habits of users on your network, helping you identify patterns or concerns.

Configuring Parental Control Settings

To utilize parental control software, research and select a reputable parental control software that suits your requirements.

Research and select a reputable parental control software that suits your requirements.
Research and select a reputable parental control software that suits your requirements.

Install the software on your devices or configure it on your router if it offers built in parental control features. Set up individual profiles for each user, specifying the appropriate restrictions and filters. Monitor the browsing history and activities through the parental control software’s interface or dashboard.

Monitoring and Restricting Browsing Activities

With parental control software, you can monitor and restrict browsing activities effectively:

  • Browsing History Monitoring: Most parental control software provides a detailed browsing history report, including visited URLs, timestamps, and search queries.
  • Website Blocking: You can block specific websites or categories deemed inappropriate or unsafe for the users on your network.
  • Safe Search Filters: Enable safe search filters on search engines to prevent explicit content from appearing in search results.
  • Time Management: Set time limits for internet usage, ensuring controlled access and promoting a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
  • Remote Monitoring: Some parental control software offers remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to monitor browsing history and activities even when you’re away from home.

By using a parental control software, you can have more granular control over the browsing history and activities on your Wi-Fi network, ensuring a safer and more secure online environment for everyone.

In conclusion, Monitoring your browsing history on your Wi-Fi network is essential for maintaining privacy, managing online activities, and ensuring a secure browsing experience. It’s always recommended to stay informed about the latest privacy practices and employ multiple layers of protection for a more secure online experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check browsing history on a WiFi router without accessing the admin panel?

No, accessing the router’s admin panel is necessary to check the browsing history. The admin panel provides access to the router’s logs, where the browsing history is recorded.

Is it legal to monitor someone’s browsing history?

Monitoring someone’s browsing history without their knowledge or consent may violate privacy laws. It is important to respect privacy rights and obtain proper authorization before monitoring someone’s online activities.

Does using a VPN guarantee complete anonymity?

While a VPN can significantly enhance your online privacy, it does not guarantee complete anonymity. Other factors such as the websites you visit and the information you provide online can still affect your privacy.

Can clearing browsing history erase all traces of online activity?

Clearing your browsing history removes local records of your online activities, but it does not erase all traces of your online activity. Internet service providers and other entities may still have access to your browsing history.

How often should I change my WiFi router password?

It is recommended to change your WiFi router password periodically, such as every few months, to maintain security. Additionally, change the password if you suspect unauthorized access to your network.

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How to Monitor Website Performance with Pingdom? https://appuals.com/monitor-website-performance-pingdom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=monitor-website-performance-pingdom https://appuals.com/monitor-website-performance-pingdom/#disqus_thread Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:12:35 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=348091 In today’s digital landscape, maintaining the performance of websites is crucial for businesses. To achieve this, organizations rely on robust monitoring solutions to manage their websites’ performance. In this article, we will introduce you to Pingdom, one of the best tools on the market for monitoring website performance. Pingdom, a SaaS-based web application performance and …

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In today’s digital landscape, maintaining the performance of websites is crucial for businesses. To achieve this, organizations rely on robust monitoring solutions to manage their websites’ performance. In this article, we will introduce you to Pingdom, one of the best tools on the market for monitoring website performance.

Pingdom, a SaaS-based web application performance and digital experience monitoring tool, is a product from SolarWinds. This powerful and versatile tool helps businesses proactively monitor their website performance. In doing so, Pingdom enhances visibility for web application performance and troubleshooting. Click here to download and try SolarWinds Pingdom!

Features Offered Pingdom

Pingdom is packed with the below features.

  1. Uptime Monitoring
  2. Real User Monitoring (RUM)
  3. Transaction Monitoring
  4. Page Speed Monitoring

Let’s explore all these features individually to gain a comprehensive understanding of how they contribute to efficient website monitoring.

Uptime Monitoring:

Ensuring the availability and accessibility of the website to visitors is important for businesses. By monitoring uptime, businesses can identify any potential issues and fix them before they create any major impact. Pingdom Uptime Monitoring regularly checks the availability of websites through over 100 probe servers available from different locations in four different regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. You have the freedom to choose the region as per your business requirements.

Setting up uptime monitoring for your website is very easy and it is highly customizable. You can choose the protocol that you wish to use for uptime monitoring. Uptime monitoring also provides root-cause analysis for the websites in case they are down, which helps in troubleshooting. To learn how to set up uptime monitoring using Pingdom click here!

Real User Monitoring (RUM)

Pingdom’s Real User Monitoring (RUM) provides valuable insights into the user experience. RUM tracks the active sessions of the websites, the time taken by the pages to load, new sessions, and returning sessions, among other things. These insights can be used to identify any performance bottlenecks in order to optimize web pages and continuously enhance the user experience of the websites.

Transaction Monitoring

Pingdom’s transaction monitoring allows you to simulate and monitor user interactions on your website and get alerted in case any issues are observed in between the transaction flow. You can create step-by-step transactions that Pingdom wants to monitor on your website. This synthetic monitoring enables organizations to proactively identify and resolve potential issues before they impact real users. You can monitor essential functions like signup, login processes, shopping carts, and form submissions that are functioning correctly.

Page Speed Monitoring

Pingdom’s Page Speed Monitoring tracks the website’s load time using its advanced analysis technology. Pingdom can easily track exactly when each element loads on your website and what is slowing down your website. You can check the Load Size, Page Time, and Performance Grade based on the website’s page speed. Pingdom also provides details like which content type has a larger size. Using all these details you can identify the bottlenecks that affect your website’s speed and fix them to provide a better user experience.

Solarwinds Pingdom offers an effective solution for monitoring website performance. Uptime Monitoring ensures the availability and accessibility of the websites. Real User Monitoring (RUM) provides insights into the user experience for continuous improvement. Transaction monitoring allows you to simulate and monitor critical user interactions, identifying and resolving issues before they impact real users. Page speed monitoring enables the identification of performance bottlenecks, optimizing load times, and enhancing user satisfaction. By utilizing all these features you can proactively monitor and optimize the website’s performance.

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How to Set Up Uptime Monitoring with Pingdom? https://appuals.com/set-up-uptime-monitoring/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=set-up-uptime-monitoring https://appuals.com/set-up-uptime-monitoring/#disqus_thread Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:30:10 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=349395 For any business, it is crucial to ensure its website is always available and accessible to its customers. Any downtime can result in revenue loss, customer dissatisfaction, and damage to reputation. To prevent such negative outcomes, businesses need to monitor their website’s availability to ensure it is available to their customers. To achieve this, SolarWinds …

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For any business, it is crucial to ensure its website is always available and accessible to its customers. Any downtime can result in revenue loss, customer dissatisfaction, and damage to reputation. To prevent such negative outcomes, businesses need to monitor their website’s availability to ensure it is available to their customers.

To achieve this, SolarWinds offers a SaaS-based web application performance and digital experience monitoring solution called Pingdom. Pingdom is a powerful and versatile tool that assists businesses in proactively monitoring their website performance. It enhances visibility of web application performance and facilitates troubleshooting. To download and try SolarWinds Pingdom, click here!

In this article, let’s discuss one of the features available in Pingdom, called “Uptime Monitoring”. We will introduce you to Pingdom’s uptime monitoring, demonstrate how to set it up, and show you how to check the uptime details of websites. Additionally, we’ll explain how to set up alerts and how to pull reports.

Pingdom Uptime Monitoring

Pingdom Uptime Monitoring regularly checks the availability of websites from more than 70 different global locations. It checks the availability of your website every minute and instantly alerts you if the website is not available. Additionally, Pingdom provides root cause analysis which contains vital information such as HTTP error codes, request contents, and traceroute details.

To set up uptime monitoring in Pingdom follow the below steps.

  1. Login into your Pingdom web console.
  2. Click on Synthetics Icon from the left pane menu.
  3. Click on Add New.
  4. Provide an appropriate name, select an appropriate check interval time by dragging and dropping the cursor, and then choose HTTP or HTTPS from the Web tab based on your requirement.
  5. Enter the URL that you want to monitor and select from which region you want to check the website’s availability. Each region has multiple test servers from different locations to test the availability of the website.
  6. Select the importance from the drop-down list and then select to whom you want to trigger the alert. We will discuss how to set up the recipient’s email address later in this article.
  7. Select the threshold using the cursor, if Pingdom didn’t receive any response from the website after the threshold, it determines the website is down. Select after how many minutes you want to receive an alert if the website is down. You can alert resend interval as well.
  8. Provide custom message for the Email alert if you would like to set up any. If you would like receive an alert once the website comes up check “Alert when back up”.

    Once done, click on Test Check.
  9. Now, you will recieve a check ok message, then click on create check and save it.
  10. Now the website is added to monitoring.
  11. You can see the response time and uptime graph once enough details are collected by Pingdom.
  12. Click on the website to check more details.
  13. You can see availability graph, availability and down time percent. Also, You have option to check the availability of your website from any required duration. You can use the predefined values or choose any custom duration.
  14. You can use the toggle key as well to switch between the days to check availability on a specific day.
  15. Click on the Probe Filter to check availability from any specific location.
  16. Scroll down to check the uptime monitoring log.
  17. Click on Test Log to check the uptime data for the website from different locations.
  18. Pingdom automatically delivers weekly reports to the Email IDs selected for the specific website monitoring check.

Scheduling Reports in Pingdom

If you would like to recieve daily or monthly reports, Pingdom provides options to schedule reports. Follow the below steps to schedule reports in Pingdom.

  1. To schedule reports, click on Synthetics and then Email Reports.
  2. Click on Add Email Report.
  3. Provide an appropriate name for the report, and then enter the requried recipient Email addresses.
  4. Select the report type you want and then select how frequent you want to receive the report.
  5. Select the website check that you wish to receive in this report, or choose to view an overview of all uptime checks to receive a comprehensive report on all the websites. Once complete, click confirm to save the schedule.This is how we can scheduele reports in Pingdom.

Adding Recipients for Email Alerts

To add recipients Email addresses to alerts follow the below steps.

  1. Click on Settings and then click on Alert Recipients.
  2. Click on Add User to add Email address.
  3. Click on Invite User.
  4. Enter the user Email Address and select the role of the user, select Pingdom and then click on invite.
  5. Mentioned user will recieve the below Email, they will start receiving alerts once they click on Accept Invitation.
  6. You can also add mobile number to send the alert as a text message. To do that click on Add Contact.
  7. Provide the details to receive the text alerts.
  8. You can also create a team using multiple email addresses to use as a distribution list to trigger alerts. You can utilize this team to avoid typing multiple email addresses into the recipient details while creating an uptime monitoring check.
  9. To create team, click on Teams.
  10. Click on Add Team.
  11. Provide an appropriate name for the team, and select the users.
  12. Click on Add Team to create the team.
  13. You can use the created team as alert recipients for Email Alerts.

This is how we can use SolarWinds Pingdom’s Uptime Monitoring feature to monitor website availability, ensuring the website is always accessible to customers and preventing any revenue loss due to unexpected outages.

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How To Change Your Wi-Fi Name and Password – Easy Guide https://appuals.com/change-wifi-pass-ssid/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=change-wifi-pass-ssid https://appuals.com/change-wifi-pass-ssid/#disqus_thread Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:29:27 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=353073 Every Wi-Fi network is setup with a password so that only select people have access to it. And like any other key, the Wi-Fi password should be a secure one. If you feel that your Wi-Fi password is a bit on the weak side, read on below to learn how you can change your Wi-Fi …

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Every Wi-Fi network is setup with a password so that only select people have access to it. And like any other key, the Wi-Fi password should be a secure one. If you feel that your Wi-Fi password is a bit on the weak side, read on below to learn how you can change your Wi-Fi name and password.

Intersted in learning more about your network and hwo it works? Check out our comprehensive guide on jitter and how it affects your online gaming experience.

Accessing Your Router’s Settings Remotely

The router is the central hub of your Wi-Fi network which connects devices to the Internet | Pixabay

Your router is the central hub of your Wi-Fi, and you can manage it by visiting its configuration portal or page through a web browser on any device.

You usually access this page through an IP address, typically something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Simply typing this into the search bar of your web browser should lead you to your router’s configuration page.

If you have a router from certain brands like TP-Link, you may access your settings via specific URLs, for example, http://tplinkwifi.net. Some routers even come with dedicated apps for easy access.

In case you’re not sure about your router’s configuration page address, look at the bottom of your router; you’ll often find a sticker with this information. Another way to find your router’s address is to use the “ipconfig” command in Command Prompt (for Windows) or Terminal (for Mac) and look at the “Default Gateway” value. That should be the address you type into your browser.

Finding the IP address of router

Changing the Wi-Fi Name and Password

To make changes in your router’s settings, you’ll need a username and password. This isn’t your Wi-Fi password or SSID but a different set of credentials usually found on the same label at the bottom of your router. If all else fails, reach out to your ISP and they’ll help you out.

Follow the steps mentioned below to change your Wi-Fi network’s password and name. It should be kept in mind that every router configuration page is different. But since these differences are not too substantial, these instructions act as a general guide for most types of routers.

Make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi network you’re trying to change the name/password of.

Changing your Wi-Fi SSID (name)

The Service Set Identifier (SSID), which is simply the technical term for your Wi-Fi network’s name, is often left unchanged. Usually, your ISP sets it as something generic that includes the brand’s name. To modify it, first visit the configuration portal at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 or a custom site.

  1. Log in with your username and password on the router’s configuration page. In most cases, the username is admin”. To confirm your credentials, check the underside of the router again.
    Click “Log In” once the correct credentials are entered
  2. Next, head on over to the Wireless section. It might be called Wi-Fi or WLAN for you.
    Select “Wireless”
  3. : Now, look for a tab labeled Basic or General. You should find a box where you can input the SSID, or your Wi-Fi name.
    Change the Wi-Fi name to your liking
  4. Finally, click on Apply/Save to lock in your new Wi-Fi SSID.
    Click on “Apply/Save” to save your settings

    to save your settings

You should now be seeing a new name for your Wi-Fi network across all your devices. You might need to reconnect to the Wi-Fi after these changes.

Changing your Wi-Fi password

To change your Wi-Fi password, follow these instructions:

  1. Revisit your router’s configuration portal, just as you did when changing the Wi-Fi name, and log in using the same credentials.
    Click “Log In” once the correct credentials are entered
  2. Look towards the side or the top of the page and direct yourself to the Wireless/WLAN/Wi-Fi section.
    Select “Wireless”
  3. Now, in most cases the password can be changed through the Basic/General configuration tab. However, sometimes, this might not be the case. Therefore, in these cases the password can be changed through the Security tab.
    Under the “Wireless” section, select “Security”
  4. You can change your password in the input box labeled WPA/WAPI passphrase. The exact name of the input box can differ but it should be in the realm of key/pass or might just be called “password” in more modern setups. Here, simply type out your new password. 
    The “WPA/WAPI passphrase” input box holds your password
  5. Likewise, click on Apply/Save to save your changes.
    Click on “Apply/Save”

After this change, you will certainly be logged out of all devices currently connected to your Wi-Fi. Make sure to re-login with the new password so that you’re up and connected across the board.

Why Change Your Wi-Fi Password?

Your Wi-Fi password is crucial as it safeguards your Internet connection and all data logged on it. Unauthorized access could expose private data or invite malware. It’s important to maintain a secure Wi-Fi password. Using the steps provided earlier, you can change your password to enhance your network security in no time.

Now that you’ve successfully changed your Wi-Fi name and password, it’s crucial to keep them secure. Regularly updating your password and ensuring it’s strong can protect your network from unauthorized access.

Wi-Fi Name & Password Change - FAQs

What if I forget my router’s username and password?

Check the sticker on the router for the default credentials. If you changed and forgot them, you may need to reset the router to factory settings.

How often should I change my Wi-Fi password?

Change your Wi-Fi password every 3-6 months or immediately if you suspect a security breach. Make sure it’s strong and unique.

What should I do if I can’t access my router’s configuration page?

Check your network connection and entered details. If issues persist, reset your router or contact your ISP or router manufacturer.

What is a strong Wi-Fi password?

A strong password has at least 12 characters, with a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid easy-to-guess information like your name or birth date.

Can I change my Wi-Fi name and password from my phone?

Yes, you can change these settings from your phone by accessing the router’s configuration page via a browser or a dedicated app.

Why can’t I connect to the internet after changing my Wi-Fi password?

After changing your password, all devices must reconnect using the new password. Check for correct password entry and consider a router and device restart if issues persist.

Should I change both the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password?

Changing your password generally enhances security. Altering the SSID makes the network more identifiable for you and less identifiable for hackers.

Can I use special characters in my Wi-Fi name (SSID)?

While some special characters are allowed, others may cause issues. Stick with alphanumeric characters and simple punctuation for best results.

The post How To Change Your Wi-Fi Name and Password – Easy Guide appeared first on Appuals.com.

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How to Find Your IP Address on Windows & Mac https://appuals.com/find-ip-address-mac-windows/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=find-ip-address-mac-windows https://appuals.com/find-ip-address-mac-windows/#disqus_thread Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:55:18 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=350800 In the world of computer networking, every device connected to the internet is assigned a unique address known as an Internet Protocol address, aka IP address. While troubleshooting any network issue or configuring your network settings you may need to know your IP address. In this article, we will explore multiple methods to find your …

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In the world of computer networking, every device connected to the internet is assigned a unique address known as an Internet Protocol address, aka IP address. While troubleshooting any network issue or configuring your network settings you may need to know your IP address.

In this article, we will explore multiple methods to find your IP address on Windows and Mac.

Types of IP Addresses

There are generally 2 types of IP addresses. One is your private IP address and other is your public IP address. Let’s take a look at the difference between both.

Public IP: This IP address is uniquely assigned to each device connected to the internet. It allows your device to access and communicate with websites and retrieve. When sending data requests to website your public IP is send along with other info, so websites know exactly who is requesting the data and where to send it back.

Private IP: A private IP address is a non-unique identifier assigned to devices within a local network. This means that other devices can have the same private IP address but in a particular network only your device will have that. The purpose of this is to allow devices within the same network to communicate with each other. Devices and websites outside of your network will not be able to access your private IP, making it more secure.

Locating Your Public IP Address

When it comes to locating your public IP address the process is very simple. When you connect to the internet and interact with a browser or website, they access your public IP. Hence, regardless of the device (Windows or Mac) simple open your browswer and search “What’s my IP?.” On the new page that loads up your public IPv4 or IPv6 address will be displayed.

IP address on Google Chrome

Find Your IP Address on Windows

While locating public IP address is very simple, finding out your private IP address is a bit more technical. The methods below are for Windows 10 and 11. If you’re using Windows 7 or 8 for some reason, update your systems to the latest versions for proper support as both have reach end-of-life and are unsecure.

1. Using Command Prompt

The easiest method to locate your IP address on a Windows system is through the Command Prompt.

  1. Press the Windows key, type in “cmd” and press the Enter button.
  2. This will launch the command prompt, in that window type in “ipconfig” and press Enter.
  3. You’ll now see a list of numbers, where the “IPv4 Address” is the IP address you’re looking for:
    Your IP address
    Make sure you check the IP address of the network adapter currently in use. For example, in the picture above there are two IP addresses; the first one is for ethernet, and the second one is for the Wi-Fi. Most computers will only have one at a time.

2. Through Network & Internet

You can also check your IP address withing the Settings app in Windows. The steps are essentially the same for both Windows 10 and 11, with only a visual difference. So we’ve attached their screenshots together.

  1. Press the Windows button and type “network properties.”
  2. Click on the first option that says “View your network properties.
    Search network properties and open them
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the new page that opens, over there all the information regarding your IP address will be displayed.
    Your IP address in Windows 10 (left) and Windows 11 (right)
Make sure you check the IP address for the right adapter. For instance, in the screenshot above we scrolled down till we found our Wi-Fi adapter displaying our network name.

3. Using Control Panel

  1. Press the Windows key and type in Control Panel.
  2. Once the control panel opens, click on “View network status and tasks” underneath the Network and Internet heading.
    View network status and tasks option
  3. Now click on Change Adapter Settings in left column of the page.
  4. On the new page that opens click on your internet network.
    Selecting Internet network
  5. Double click on your network and then on the new window that opens click on Details.
  6. All your connection details along with IP address will be displayed.

Find Your IP Address on Mac

If you’re on macOS Ventura or later, you can lookup your IP address directly thanks to the new updates made by Apple.

  1. Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search and type in IPv4. Press Enter.
    IPv4 in spotlight search bar
  2. A new window will open, directly showing you your IP address and all the information regarding it:
    Your IP address

Old macOS Versions

If you have a Mac running macOS Monterey or below, you won’t be able to just search the IP address with Spotlight. Instead, you’ll have to follow a slightly longer method that’s still easy:

  1. On your Mac, click the Apple logo on to top left corner of your screen.
  2. In the menu that opens up, click on System Preferences.
    System Preferences option
  3. On the new page that opens up click on the Network option.

    Select the Network option
  4. Now select your Wi-Fi network and now click on Advanced option.

    Advanced option in Wi-Fi
  5. In advanced settings click on TCP/IP heading. Doing so will reveal to your IP address.
    Your IP address

Scenarios You May Need To Know Your IP Address In

  • Troubleshooting network issues: If you’re experiencing issues with your internet connection, knowing your IP address can help you diagnose and troubleshoot the problem with your internet service provider or network administrator.
  • Setting up a network: When setting up devices on a network, such as printers, file servers, gaming consoles, other PCs knowing your IP address can be important for establishing a connection between said devices.
  • Remote Desktop Access: If you are not in physical contact with your system but need to access it you can do so through a software by using the IP address of your computer.
  • Hosting a website or server: If you’re hosting a website, or any other online service on your own hardware, knowing your IP address is necessary to direct incoming traffic from other users onto your server.

Protecting Your IP Address

Something a bit off topic that I wanted to discuss about is the protection of your IP address. As discussed above all the websites you visit, online orders you place, messages you send in short, all your digital activity has your IP address linked to it. All these big companies use this data to do geological targeted advertising to you. Now while this may not exactly be harmful, but your privacy is at stake especially in case of a data breach.

Hence, it is fundamental that whenever you visit the internet, you take special precautions. The best precaution would be to use a trusted VPN while using the internet. VPNs work redirecting your traffic through another IP address from some other part of the world, masking your original IP from websites and keeping your location hidden.

Find IP Address - FAQs

Can I check my IP address on Mac?

Yes, simply search IPv4 in Spotlight. On older macOS versions, go to System Preferences > Network > Select Wi-Fi > Advanced > TCP/IP.

Can my IP address change?

Yes, your IP address can change. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often assign dynamic IP addresses that can change over time. However, some ISPs offer static IP addresses that remain constant no matter what.

Are the methods to find IP address same on Windows 10 & 11?

Although the layout may be a little different but the overall steps for both versions are essentially the same.

What is the difference between IPv6 and IPv4?

The main difference between both is address format. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address, expressed in decimal (numbers between 0-9) format whereas IPv6 uses a 128-bit address expressed in a hexadecimal format (numbers plus letters A-F).

What’s the difference between MAC Address and IP Address?

A MAC address is a hardware ID for your device’s network card, while an IP address is the address assigned to your device on a network.

How to check IP address on Windows

Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. The IPv4 address should be your current IP address.

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Troubleshoot Network Latency Issues with SolarWinds NPM https://appuals.com/troubleshoot-network-latency/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=troubleshoot-network-latency https://appuals.com/troubleshoot-network-latency/#disqus_thread Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:06:35 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=343821 Network latency can be caused by various reasons such as network congestion, bandwidth limitations, and distance, among others. It can lead to various issues such as slowing down application performance, user interactivity, data transfer, and financial transactions. Hence, network latency needs to be addressed before it causes any major problems. Various manual methods like PING, …

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Network latency can be caused by various reasons such as network congestion, bandwidth limitations, and distance, among others. It can lead to various issues such as slowing down application performance, user interactivity, data transfer, and financial transactions. Hence, network latency needs to be addressed before it causes any major problems.

Various manual methods like PING, traceroute, and Network Performance Monitoring tools are available to identify network latency. Among these, the SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (SolarWinds NPM) stands out as an exceptional tool for identifying network latency. Network administrators can easily identify performance-related issues before users notice them, using the Network Latency Test tool available in SolarWinds NPM. Additionally, SolarWinds NPM’s advanced alerting feature allows network administrators to trigger alerts whenever there’s a decline in network performance or an increase in Network Latency.

In this article, we will discuss the features available in SolarWinds NPM to identify and troubleshoot Network Latency. Click on this link to learn more and download SolarWinds to try its features.

Response Time Monitoring

Response time is one of the factors that contributes to network latency. Longer response times lead to latency in the network because data takes more time to travel back and forth between the source and destination, which may result in severe issues, particularly in high-frequency production environments. Therefore, it is essential to monitor response time.

SolarWinds NPM features intelligent response time monitoring that detects and alerts whenever the response time breaches the threshold limit we set.

Follow the below steps to monitor the response time for any device in the environment.

  1. First, we need to add the device to SolarWinds. To do this, enter the IP Address or hostname of the device that you want to monitor. Then, select the SNMP version and provide the community string if it is v1 or v2. If it is v3, you need to provide the authentication method and its password, as well as the encryption method and its password. Once these details are provided, click on ‘test’. You should then receive a ‘Test Successful’ message.
    add node
  2. Once the device is added to monitoring, open the device from the Solarwinds summary page or from the Manage Nodes page.
  3. Click on Vital Stats from the left navigation menu.
  4. You can see the current response time as well as Network Latency data for the Last 12 hours based on the response time data of the device.
  5. This Network Latency widget is an interactive dashboard. You can change the duration of the historical data that you want to view on this widget.
  6. To change the duration, click on Last 12 hours.
  7. Select the duration you want to view on this widget from the Quick Picks option or you can use custom duration using the Specific Date option.
  8. If you are unable to see this widget, you can add it to your dashboard through the Customize Page option.
  9. To add this widget, click on Customize Page from the left navigation pane.
  10. Click on Add Widgets.
  11. Search for Network Latency in the search box.
  12. Drag and drop the Network Latency & Packet Loss widget from the search results.
  13. Using these data you can review the current and historical response time of any device.

Now, let’s see how to configure an alert for response time for any device in monitoring.

Configuring Alert for Response Time

If you are new to SolarWinds or Alert configuration, check the article Using Solarwinds Advanced Alerts to Manage Network Issues to learn how to configure alerts in detail.

Follow the below steps to configure alerts based on device response time.

  1. Go to Settings and then All Settings.
  2. Click on Manage Alerts under Alerts & Reports.
  3. Click on Add New Alert.
  4. Provide an appropriate name and description for the alert. Select the required evaluation frequency and severity for the alert.
  5. Select Node from I want to alert on the drop-down list.
  6. Set up the below alert condition, you can increase and decrease the response time threshold as per your environment. Alert triggers whenever the response time goes beyond 200 ms and the node should not be in down status. 

    To learn how to choose the variables for the trigger condition refer to the article Using Solarwinds Advanced Alerts to Manage Network Issues.
  7. Click on Next once the condition is set.
  8. You can use the default reset condition, click on Next once you set the reset condition.
  9. Select the necessary option in the Time of Day section based on your need, if you would like to enable the alert always select the first option and if you would like to enable/disable it at certain time periods then select the second option and then select the time that you would like to schedule.
  10. Solarwinds has various trigger action options, here let’s see how to set up an Email notification action.
  11. In the Trigger Actions section, click on Add Action.
  12. Scroll down, select Send an Email/Page, and click Configure Action.
  13. Provide a name for the action, and enter the recipient’s Email ID. You can also add Cc and Bcc in the Email action if required.
  14. Configure the sender details.
  15. Expand the Message section. We can see the default message configured by Solarwinds. We can use it or modify it.
  16. Let’s modify the default message. We can use the Insert Variable option to call the device and alert related fields like device name, IP address, alert name, alert triggered time, etc.
  17. Provide an appropriate subject for the Email. You can use the Insert Variable option to call the device-related information in the Email subject as well.
  18. Now, let’s modify the message body using the Insert Variable based on our needs.
  19. Enter a custom message in the message body based on your needs and then click on Insert Variable to bring the node related information.
  20. Search node name in the search box, select Node Name from the result and then click on Insert Variable.
  21. Using the same method add all the necessary variables that you would like to add in the message body.
  22. Expand SMTP Server and select your SMTP server. If you configured your SMTP server already in Solarwinds, you could choose Default Server as your SMTP server.
  23. Expand the Time of Day. You can disable or enable the trigger action if required using this option.
  24. Expand the Execution Settings and modify them if required. Once done, click on Add Action.
  25. Click on Next once the action has been added.
  26. You can copy the trigger action to reset the action section and make a few changes to configure the reset action. Click on Copy Actions from Trigger Action Tab and perform the necessary changes and click on Save.
  27. Once the action is configured, click on Next.
  28. On the Summary page, review the summary of the configured alert and then click on submit to save the alert.
    Before submitting the alert, you can see how many alerts will be triggered for the condition. With this, we can validate whether the alert condition is correct. If it is not, reconfigure the alert condition.

This is how we can configure an alert if the response time is high for any devices that are being monitored by SolarWinds.

Monitoring Network Latency Through Netpath Services

NetPath is one of the extraordinary features available in SolarWinds NPM. Netpath provides a visual representation of the Network paths, displaying all the hops between a source to a destination. Netpath continuously analyzes and discovers dynamic network paths. Netpath also collects performance data for all the devices in the path. This helps to identify if any issues are detected anywhere between a source and the destination.

To create a Netpath between any source and destination and learn more about Netpath refer to the article How to Download and Use Open Visual TraceRoute?

Now, let’s see how to check Network Latency and create an alert for latency issues detected in the Netpath.

  1. Go to My Dashboards -> Network and then click on NetPath Services.
  2. Click on any of the created NetPath to open.
  3. You can see the response time of the path and if it is beyond the SolarWinds threshold then it will be marked as critical and visible in Red color.
  4. You can click on the path to see more details about the path and the issue.
  5. By creating NetPath services for critical paths in the environment, network latency issues can be easily identified and fixed even before it causes any major outages.

Now, let’s see how to configure alerts for latency issues detected in NetPath.

Configuring Alert for NetPath Services

Follow the below steps to configure latency issues observed in NetPath services.

  1. Go to Settings and then All Settings.
  2. Click on Manage Alerts under Alerts & Reports.
  3. Click on Add New Alert.
  4. Provide an appropriate name and description for the alert. Select the required evaluation frequency and severity for the alert.
  5. Select NPM NetPath Endpoint Service on Probe from the I want to alert on drop-down list.
  6. Click on the drop-down list and select Browse all objects.
  7. Select Node from the Orion Object drop-down list.
  8. Select Response Time from the Node’s table and then click on Select.
  9. Configure the trigger condition as shown below and then click on Next.
  10. Configure all other sections as we have shown earlier or read the article Using Solarwinds Advanced Alerts to Manage Network Issues to get a better understanding of how to configure alerts.

This is how we can use Solarwinds NetPath services to detect and alert if any latency issues are observed in the Network.

Solarwinds QoE (Quality of Experience)

SolarWinds offers yet another extraordinary feature called QoE (SolarWinds QoE) for performing deep packet analysis. By using SolarWinds QoE, Network Administrators can monitor latency issues more closely. SolarWinds QoE intelligently analyzes the traffic and determines whether the latency occurred at the Network layer or the Application layer. This reduces the effort needed to identify where the issue occurs, whether it’s in the Network or the Application. Respective administrators can immediately start troubleshooting issues to mitigate any major impact on the organization.

To learn how to configure and use the Solarwinds QoE refer to the article How to use Solarwinds QoE for Deep Packet Analysis?

Solarwinds also offers few other modules like NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (Solarwinds NTA) and VoIP & Network Quality Manager (Solarwinds VNQM), we can integrate these modules with Solarwinds NPM to leverage monitor options to get a better overview of the entire network. 

In conclusion, Latency issues can have a significant impact on the environment, it is crucial to address Network Latency issues before it leads to any major impact on the environment. Using all these Solarwinds features makes a Network Administrators’ life easier to identify and troubleshoot the latency issues. By leveraging the capabilities of SolarWinds products, organizations can mitigate the impact of network latency and ensure optimal network performance.

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How to Monitor Network’s Power Supply Status Using SolarWinds? https://appuals.com/monitor-power-supply-status-network/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=monitor-power-supply-status-network https://appuals.com/monitor-power-supply-status-network/#disqus_thread Sun, 09 Jul 2023 12:48:24 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=341710 Monitoring a device’s availability isn’t enough to keep your network stable. There are many other parameters that need to be monitored to maintain network stability and availability at all times. One of the essential parameters on that list is Power Supply status. Monitoring the status of the power supply is very important as it aids …

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Monitoring a device’s availability isn’t enough to keep your network stable. There are many other parameters that need to be monitored to maintain network stability and availability at all times. One of the essential parameters on that list is Power Supply status.

Monitoring the status of the power supply is very important as it aids in preventing unplanned downtime and hardware failure due to voltage drops or peaks. An unstable power supply can cause hardware failure. By proactively monitoring the health of the power supply, you can avoid such issues and maintain a stable and available environment for your customer at all times.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (SolarWinds NPM) can assist you with proactive monitoring. SolarWinds has built-in features that enable monitoring of the power supply health for your network devices and servers. Once you enable the hardware health monitoring feature on your device, SolarWinds can oversee the power supply health of that device, providing information like whether the power supply status is up, or whether it’s in a critical or normal state, etc.

In this article, we will explore how to monitor the power supply status of your network device, and set up alerts to detect any problems in your network device’s power supply using SolarWinds’ advanced alerting feature. To learn more about SolarWinds and to try this feature, please click on this link.

Monitoring the Power Supply of Your Network Device

While adding a network device, such as a router, switch, firewall, or any other device, ensure that the Hardware Health Sensors are checked for monitoring.

Hardware Health Sensors are enabled by default for devices supported by SolarWinds. If you are unable to see hardware information as illustrated below, check whether the device is part of the supported device list from SolarWinds. Refer to this link for the list of supported devices.

If the device is part of the supported devices and you are still unable to see the hardware details for it, follow the steps below to fix this.

  1. Ensure the SNMP polling is working fine on the device.
  2. To check that, open the node summary page of the device and click on Edit Node.
  3. Click on Test to validate the SNMP string, you should get a Test Successful message like below. If not, fix the SNMP issue.
  4. There could be multiple reasons for the SNMP issue. It might be due to a wrongly configured SNMP string in Solarwinds, a blocked SNMP port in the firewall, or a Solarwinds IP that is not part of the allowed IPs (Whitelist) on the device. Please check and fix these issues to resolve the SNMP communication problem between Solarwinds and the device.
  5. If there is no issue with SNMP follow the below steps to enable hardware monitoring on your device.
  6. Click on List Resources.
  7. Check the Hardware Health Sensors.
  8. Wait for the node to poll in the next cycle or click on Poll Now to poll manually.
  9. Click on Network from the left navigation pane. If Network is not available then click on Platform.
  10. You can see the Hardware Health details for your network device now.

How to Check the Power Supply Status of Your Network Device

Follow the below steps to check the power supply status of your network device.

  1. Go to the node summary page of your device.
  2. Click on Network or Platform from the left navigation pane.
  3. Scroll down to the Hardware Health widget.
  4. Expand Power Supply. You can see all the available power supply modules on your device and the status of each power supply module separately.
  5. Based on SolarWinds’ default thresholds, the status of the power supply module will be populated, and you can see the voltage values if they can be fetched by SolarWinds.
  6. If there are any issues in any of the power supply modules, based on the issue status of the module will be changed to critical, major, off or etc. A few of the examples are below for your reference.

Using Solarwinds NPM’s hardware health monitoring feature, you can monitor your Network device’s power supply in detail to avoid any potential threat to the device.

Now let’s see how to create alerts for your network device’s power supply status to alert whenever the power status goes to critical or down.

Creating an Alert on the Power Supply Status of Your Network Device

Follow the below steps to create an alert on the power supply status of your network device.

  1. Go to Settings and then click on All Settings.
  2. Click on Manage Alerts under Alerts & Reports.
  3. Click on Add New Alert.
  4. Provide an appropriate name, and description for the alert. Choose the evaluation frequency, and severity and then click on Next.
  5. Select Hardware Sensor (Node) from I want to alert on the drop-down list on the Trigger Condition page.
  6. Select Only following set of objects under The scope of alert.
  7. Select Browse all Fields from the drop-down list.
  8. Select Hardware Type Name from the list and click on Select.
  9. Select Power Supply from the drop-down list.
  10. Select Browse all Fields from the drop-down list under The actual trigger condition
  11. Select Status from the list and then click on Select.
  12. Select Critical from the drop-down list next to Equal to.
  13. If the power supply status goes to critical then an alert will trigger. If you would like to set up multiple trigger conditions for the status, follow the below steps.
  14. Select At least one child condition must be satisfied (OR) from the drop-down list next to Trigger alert when.
  15. Now, click on the plus icon and then select Add Single Value Comparision (Recommended). 
  16. Now, select Status and then select the required the option from drop-down list that you would like to set up as an alert condition.
  17. Once you are done with the alert condition click on Next.
  18. You can use the default reset alert condition available in the Reset Condition section, unless until you don’t need a custom reset alert condition.
  19. Select the necessary option in the Time of Day section based on your need, if you would like to enable the alert always select the first option and if you would like to enable/disable it at certain time periods then select the second option and select the time that you would like to schedule.
  20. Now Solarwinds will take us to the Trigger Actions section. This is where we configure the Email or Text alert notifications. Solarwinds alert manager also provides various trigger actions we can use based on our needs.
  21. In the Trigger Actions section, click on Add Action.
  22. Below are the available trigger actions provided by Solarwinds alert manager.
  23. Scroll down, select Send an Email/Page, and click Configure Action.
  24. Provide a name for the action, and enter the recipient’s Email ID. You can also add Cc and Bcc in the Email action if required.
  25. Configure the sender details.
  26. Expand the Message section. We can see the default message configured by Solarwinds. We can use it or modify it.
  27. Let’s modify the default message. We can use the Insert Variable option to call the device and alert related fields like device name, IP address, alert name, alert triggered time, etc.
  28. Let’s see how to add the network device name in the alert Email subject.
  29. Modify the subject as you wish and click on Insert Variable.
  30. Search for caption in the search box, select the caption (Node) from the list, and click on Insert Variable.
  31. We can see the variable added in our subject.
    Using this Insert Variable option, we can include more details like IP address, vendor, and custom property details if we have any. 
  32. You can include your custom inputs as well in the subject and message body.
  33. Use Insert Variable option available for the message body section to add the required details for the alert Email.
  34. Expand SMTP Server and select your SMTP server.
    If you configured your SMTP server already in Solarwinds, you could choose Default Server as your SMTP server.
  35. Expand the Time of Day. You can disable or enable the trigger action if required using this option.
  36. Expand the Execution Settings and modify them if required. Once done, click on Add Action.
  37. Click on Next once the action has been added.
  38. You can copy the trigger action to reset the action section and make a few changes to configure the reset action. Click on Copy Actions from Trigger Action Tab and perform the necessary changes and click on Save.
  39. Once the action is configured, click on Next.
  40. On the Summary page, review the summary of the configured alert.
  41. Before submitting the alert, you can see how many alerts will be triggered for the condition. With this, we can validate whether the alert condition is correct. If not, reconfigure the alert.

This is how we can configure an alert for power supply status for your network or any other device using SolarWinds.

Using SolarWinds NPM’s advanced monitoring and alerting capabilities, you can easily monitor the device’s power supply status and act proactively to avoid unwanted downtime and keep your environment up and running all the time.

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What is Jitter? Decoding The Key to Faster Internet Speeds https://appuals.com/what-is-jitter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-jitter https://appuals.com/what-is-jitter/#disqus_thread Mon, 19 Jun 2023 22:17:27 +0000 https://appuals.com/?p=347335 The domain of digital communications relies heavily on critical parameters like “jitter.” Without proper management and optimization of jitter, users may experience a range of issues, including delayed communication and suboptimal interaction experiences. In the following guide, we will explore the concept of jitter in detail and discuss how you can optimize it to facilitate …

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The domain of digital communications relies heavily on critical parameters like “jitter.” Without proper management and optimization of jitter, users may experience a range of issues, including delayed communication and suboptimal interaction experiences.

In the following guide, we will explore the concept of jitter in detail and discuss how you can optimize it to facilitate smoother and more effective communication.

What is Jitter?

Data packets carry information from your computer to its destination via the internet. They take a certain period and are often transmitted at regular intervals. Jitter occurs whenever there is a pause in the transmission of these data packets over your network.

Congestion in the network or a shift in the route are the most likely cause of this problem. In a nutshell, Jitter is a problem that can arise when data packets take too long to arrive.

Jitter can create several problems, including the flickering of a display monitor, the interruption of audio signals, and the corruption or loss of data during transmission across a network. It is worth noting that jitter-tolerance is very application-specific.

Jitter in VOIP | Integrated Research

Take the example of a business situation where jitter is extremely annoying in IP telephone calls and video conferences since they are examples of real-time communications. In addition, this is a major issue for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and hosted desktops. Jitter can cause artifacts in audio and video transmissions, which are irregularities or inconsistencies that diminish the quality of the signal.

VDI allows users to access a centralized virtual desktop hosted on a server. This technology enables secure remote access to a complete desktop experience over a network, offering centralized management and enhanced flexibility for organizations.

Latency refers to the time delay between the transmission of a data packet from the source to its arrival at the destination. It is the time taken for the data to travel across a network or a communication link.

Jitter refers to the variations in the arrival time of data packets. It is the irregularity or inconsistency in the latency of packet delivery rather than time taken between source and destination.

The relationship between latency and jitter lies in the fact that jitter contributes to increased latency. When packets arrive with inconsistent delays or variations, it introduces additional latency as the receiving system must compensate for the irregular arrival times.

Latency spikes occur when packets experience significant delays due to high jitter. However, this disrupts the flow of data and potentially causes performance issues in real-time applications.

Jitter vs Latency | Tech Differences

Causes of Jitter

Here are some potential sources of jitter:

  • Hardware performance is poor: Jitter in a network can be caused by using an old network with antiquated hardware.
  • Lack of Available Bandwidth: When there are too many devices connected to a network, the connection slows down because there is not enough bandwidth to go around.
    Disturbances in a Wireless Network: The quality of the network connection is affected while utilizing a wireless network. When it comes to video and phone communication solutions, a wired connection usually means a superior UX. In case of any disturbances to the network, like a high ping, jitter can occur.
  • Lack of Packet Prioritization Implementation: Jitter arises in voice-over IP (VoIP) systems when audio data is not given delivery priority over other forms of communication.

It is important to know that jitter can occur in the execution time of software processes or the latency of system events. This can be attributed to factors such as task scheduling, interrupt handling, cache misses, and variations in system load.

Jitter can negatively impact real-time systems and applications that require precise timing, leading to timing violations, missed deadlines, or decreased performance.

Network Jitter | Cisco

How Much Jitter is Acceptable?

There’s no rulebook “amount” as to how much Jitter is acceptable and we can call it “The Lower, the Better”. As a result, there exist degrees of “acceptable jitter.” A certain amount of transmission fluctuations, called jitter, is considered acceptable.

Time variations, or jitter, are quantified in milliseconds (ms). Calls might get garbled and disrupted if there is a delay of 30 milliseconds or greater.

How Much Jitter is a Standard for Applications?

It is note-worthy that “how much jitter for wireless networks” depends mainly on the type of application as well.

For instance, in real-time audio applications, jitter values below a few milliseconds (ms) are typically desirable to ensure smooth playback without noticeable disruptions. In contrast, for non-real-time applications like file transfers or web browsing, higher levels of jitter are somewhat acceptable as long as they do not significantly affect overall performance.

Illustration of Jitter | Comparitech

In other cases, like real-time multimedia applications, such as video streaming or online gaming, low jitter is essential to ensure smooth playback or real-time interaction. Higher levels of jitter result in buffering delays, video artifacts, or lag in gaming.

VoIP applications require low jitter to maintain clear and uninterrupted voice communication. You won’t like a WhatsApp call which keeps on “reconnecting” even if your internet is working fine. For this reason, low jitter is a standard in these applications.

Record WhatsApp Calls...

If you want to record your WhatsApp calls for future reference, especially if your connection is weak at the moment, follow our detailed guide that walks you through the process for every device.

How Much Jitter is a Standard for Networks?

For different networks, Jitter varies, and every network has a different standard limit set for Jitter.

Ethernet

The IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet typically specifies jitter limits in terms of the maximum allowed deviation from the ideal timing. For example, the Gigabit Ethernet standard (IEEE 802.3ab) defines a maximum jitter limit of 2.8 ns (nanoseconds) for the transmitter side and 0.5 ns for the receiver side. These limits ensure reliable data transmission over Ethernet networks.

Ethernet Wire Used to Connect Terminal Server to a LAN Network | Pixabay

USB

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) specification defines different acceptable levels of jitter depending on the specific USB version. For USB 2.0, the maximum allowed jitter is typically specified as 480 ps (picoseconds). USB 3.0 and later versions have more stringent requirements as well with jitter limits in the range of tens of picoseconds.

USB | Pixabay

Check out our comprehensive breakdown of USB 2.0 vs. 3.0 vs. 3.1 if you’re interested in learning more about the difference between the most common USB specs used today.

PCI-Express

The PCI-Express (PCIe) standard, which is commonly used for high-speed data transfer in computer systems, sets specific jitter limits for different transmission rates. For example, in PCIe Gen3, the jitter limits are typically specified as 70 ps (peak-to-peak) for the transmitter side and 0.5 UI (unit interval) for the receiver side.

How to Reduce Jitter?

Follow these simple troubleshooting methods to try to reduce jitter for your network.

Check the Quality of your Connection

Jitter problems often result from a subpar internet connection. If the speed and reliability of your internet connection are not up to par, you may want to inquire with your service provider about upgrading to a faster plan or even business-grade service. Alternatively, restarting your router is also a fix that works in most situations.

Checking Internet Speed | Fast

Use Ethernet Cable

An Ethernet connection may seem antiquated, but it is useful if you are working from a desktop computer rather than a laptop. Although Wi-Fi connections are convenient when traveling, they are susceptible to interference from nearby devices.

This implies that the connection strength in the workplace is improved by using an Ethernet cable and ultimately helps to reduce jitter.

Sort Packets by Priority

It is possible that your router has a QoS feature that lets you prioritize some kinds of traffic over others. Prioritizing packets can assist if your jitter is caused by network congestion. You only need to do this if you prioritize internet calls above other traffic. If the network or application you are using is sorting packets with priority, there can be excessive jitter for certain applications.

Packet Transfer | Ring Central

Error Detection and Correction

Implementing error correction codes (ECC) or forward error correction (FEC) mechanisms can help compensate for errors caused by jitter. These techniques add redundancy to the transmitted data, allowing the receiver to detect and correct errors introduced by timing variations.

Besides, ensuring accurate and synchronized clocks between transmitting and receiving devices can minimize timing discrepancies and reduce jitter. Techniques such as clock recovery circuits, phase-locked loops (PLLs), or precision clock references can be employed to synchronize clocks and improve timing accuracy.

Get Yourself a High-Powered Router

These days, the internet is used for both data and phone calls in most workplaces. The quality of your calls may suffer if your router does not support packet prioritizing. Jitter issues on the internet are mitigated by upgrading to a router that prioritizes phone calls above all other network activity.

Besides, a high-powered router is also crucial to the faster transfer of data packets resulting in lower jitter. Make sure your bandwidth can support all of your devices at home or at the workplace, and if possible, utilize a modem in addition to a router.

3-Antenna Router | Pixabay
Refer to our detailed guide on how to setup and configure a new router for your home to get a head-start when you make that investment.

Reduce Bandwidth Use

If you are a telecommuter, you probably utilize your laptop for a wide variety of purposes, both professional and otherwise. If you work from home, you can avoid jitter. Speed up downloads and eliminate annoying buffering by limiting your family’s usage of Netflix and other online games during work hours.

You should also update your computer software during downtime. In this manner, you may save data transfer while still receiving any urgently required updates while at work.

Network Bandwidth | Bost Innovation

Reduce Interference Mitigation

One reason why Jitter is caused is due to high levels of electronic noise and interference patterns. Minimizing electronic noise, signal interference, and crosstalk allows you to reduce jitter.

However, this would require significant effort as one would have to undergo proper shielding, quality cabling, signal conditioning, or the use of interference-reducing techniques such as differential signaling or spread spectrum modulation.

It requires a modern IT communication infrastructure to ensure the jitter does not arise again.

Verify the Frequency on your Device

Sometimes the problem is not with your connection but with the gadget itself. If your phone works at a higher frequency than the normal 2.4 GHz, it might be the cause of your issues. The maximum frequency at which a mobile phone can operate is 5.8 GHz, which might create significant connection problems due to jitter.

Frequency | Dosits

Put in a Jitter Buffer

Using a jitter buffer is a great approach to reduce the amount of jitter experienced over the internet. An excellent addition to any VoIP system is a jitter buffer. It functions by temporarily holding incoming voice packets until a later time. It stores data for a short period of time—usually between 30 and 200 ms—before transmitting it.
The data packets will arrive in sequential sequence and with little delay due to this method.

It can also rearrange data packets in the buffer based on their transmission timestamps. Incorporating a jitter buffer into your setup can:

  • Transmitted data packets should be reorganized.
  • Enhance the sound quality.
  • Improve the consistency of online phone calls.

In the office, reducing jitters is a matter of trial and error, since it is not always clear what is causing them. So:

  • Perform a connection test.
  • Double-check your router.
  • Purchase supplementary equipment, such as a jitter buffer

Conclusion

Jitter refers to the variations in the arrival time of data packets during transmission, and it can cause issues such as display flickering, audio interruptions, and data corruption as well. The acceptable level of jitter depends on the specific application and network requirements.

Troubleshooting methods to reduce jitter include optimizing network connections, implementing error correction mechanisms, ensuring clock synchronization, and prioritizing packets.

Jitter - FAQs

What is jitter and why is it important in digital communications?

Jitter refers to the variation in the arrival time of data packets during transmission. It is important because excessive jitter can cause issues such as display flickering, audio interruptions, and data corruption, impacting the quality and reliability of communication.

How much jitter is acceptable in different applications?

The acceptable level of jitter varies depending on the specific application. In real-time applications like VoIP or video streaming, low jitter values of a few milliseconds or less are desired for smooth playback and uninterrupted communication.

Is there a relationship between latency and jitter?

Yes, there is a relationship between latency and jitter. Latency refers to the time delay in transmitting data packets from the source to the destination. Jitter, on the other hand, refers to the variations in the arrival time of those packets.

How can I reduce jitter in my network?

There are several techniques to reduce jitter, including optimizing network connections, implementing error correction mechanisms, ensuring clock synchronization, prioritizing packets, reducing electronic noise and interference, upgrading hardware components, and using jitter buffers to temporarily hold and rearrange data packets.

Can jitter be completely eliminated in a network?

No, It is impossible to completely eliminate jitter in a network, as there are various factors that can contribute to its occurrence.

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