Stories by Eric Geier

Hot hotspot gateways

Offering Wi-Fi can be a good way to increase return customers and boost revenue in retail stores, hotels, cafes, etc. And it provides convenience for contractors and associates working in corporate offices and conference rooms. Though visitors might have 4G mobile devices or laptops, Wi-Fi can provide a faster, higher quality connection.

In Pictures: Android smartphone tools to keep your Wi-Fi network humming

Ekahau offers most comprehensive set of Wi-Fi site survey features in three-product test

Smartphone tools to keep your Wi-Fi network humming

In the early days of Wi-Fi, site surveys were fairly basic and involved running around with a laptop looking at simple signal levels. The next step was mapped-based tools that provided a good visual of Wi-Fi coverage, but still involved carrying a bulky laptop around.

Review: Best tools to set up secure Wi-Fi for BYOD

Deploying the enterprise mode of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) with 802.1X authentication provides great Wi-Fi security, but complicates the client configuration and connection process. In bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments, this can cause user frustration and a spike in help desk calls. The solution is to deploy an automated configuration process so users can easily connect their devices without invention from IT staff.

Tips for troubleshooting 802.1X connections

Implementing 802.1X authentication, which includes everything from setting up a RADIUS server to keeping end users connected, isn't easy.

Low-cost RADIUS servers for Wi-Fi security

Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) servers are common in enterprise networks to offer centralized authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) for access control. But RADIUS servers can also be useful in small and midsize networks to enable 802.1X authentication and WPA2 (802.11i) security for Wi-Fi nets.

In Pictures: 12 new network features in Windows 8

Microsoft’s new metro-style Start screen is getting all the buzz, but for IT administrators there are many new network-related features and changes in both Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 to be aware of.

Free and cheap ways to study for IT certifications

Studying for and taking IT certification exams can be costly. These tips can help you find inexpensive study resources and ways to get hands-on experience with the technologies you're studying.

In Pictures: 8 no cost/low cost tools for deploying 802.1X security

Implementing and supporting 802.1X authentication on your network can be a challenge, but here are some tools that can help.

6 secrets to a successful 802.1X rollout

Implementing and supporting 802.1X authentication on your network can be a challenge, but here are some tips that can help save you some time, money, and frustration.

In Pictures: 5 great Android apps for Cloud admins

Install one of these five apps on your Android phone or tablet, and you can manage your cloud infrastructure from anyplace where you can access the Internet.

How to hack your own Wi-Fi network

Attempting to "hack" into your own wireless network can help you spot potential Wi-Fi security vulnerabilities and figure out ways to protect against them.

Review: Android-based Wi-Fi stumblers

Wi-Fi stumblers are handy when checking for channel usage, signal strength, security status, and detecting rogue access points, in situations where enterprise-level tools aren't necessary. We recently reviewed stumblers for your PC or laptop. Here's a look at a few Wi-Fi stumblers for your Android smartphone or tablet, which makes it even more convenient for quick and simple wireless checks.

5 free Android security apps: Keep your smartphone safe

There's been much controversy over mobile OS security, especially where Android is concerned. With 47 per cent of the smartphone market in Q4 of 2011, according to ABI Research, it's no wonder that Android is getting attention.

How to choose a router for your business

Buying a router for a business isn't as simple as picking a consumer product with the best ratings from an online merchant or the best price on the shelf at a local electronics superstore. Your company has serious needs, such as supporting scores of users (including guests) on the network, and locking down company data to guard against snoops.