How Airport Stations Can Boost Your Wifi Signal

Many people have issues with their Wi-Fi networks, such as poor signal strength or dead zones in their homes. To address these issues, some individuals have turned to Apple's AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme base stations. These base stations can be used to extend the range of an existing Wi-Fi network or to create a new network. However, there are some challenges when trying to extend a non-Apple Wi-Fi network.

Extending Wi-Fi range with an additional base station

Overview

If you're experiencing poor Wi-Fi coverage in your home or office, you can extend your Wi-Fi range with an additional base station. This will allow you to access the internet from more areas without having to move closer to your router or deal with slow or unstable connections.

Choosing a Base Station

When choosing an additional base station, you may consider purchasing an Apple AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme Base Station. These can be used to extend your wireless network and improve coverage in areas where the signal from your main router is weak.

Setup Process

To set up your additional base station, follow these general steps:

• Ensure your primary network is properly set up and functioning as intended.
• Determine the placement of your additional base station(s). Aim for line-of-sight access between base stations and devices, minimise walls and floors, and consider using CAT 5 cabling or Ethernet cables for better connectivity.
• Connect the base stations: you can do this either by physically connecting them to each other using an Ethernet cable, or by connecting them wirelessly during the setup process.
• Follow the specific instructions for your device and operating system. For example, on a Mac, you would click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select the base station listed under "New AirPort Base Station," then follow the onscreen instructions.

Additional Tips

• If you're using an Apple AirPort Express, note that it can only extend a wireless network created by another Apple AirPort base station. However, it can join a non-Apple wireless network wirelessly for features like AirPlay.
• If you're experiencing issues with your AirPort Express extending your network, try performing a "hard" or "factory reset" and reconfigure it as a network client.
• If you're using CAT 5 cabling, connect your base stations to each other via an Ethernet cable to isolate Wi-Fi issues between your devices and base stations.
• For the best connectivity, use the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio in your AirPort Base Station if dealing with many walls or doors. 5GHz radios are more easily blocked but less prone to interference from other routers.
• If you don't want to use an additional base station, you can also try a Wi-Fi extender/booster or an Access Point, which can be wired via Ethernet to push the signal further.

Wi-Fi security risks at airports

While airport Wi-Fi is convenient, it's important to be aware of the potential security risks involved in using it. Airports, with their tens of thousands of passengers, are a tempting target for cybercriminals looking to steal sensitive information. Here are some of the dangers and how to protect yourself:

Identity Theft and Account Takeovers

Hackers can intercept data sent over a compromised network, including passwords and Social Security numbers, which can then be used to steal identities or break into online accounts.

Financial Losses

Unsecured Wi-Fi may allow criminals to steal bank account or credit card information, leading to financial losses.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Business travellers are often targeted by cybercriminals who try to gain access to their email accounts to conduct fraud.

Phishing Attacks and Fake Login Pages

Attackers may set up fake websites or login pages that trick travellers into giving up personal information, including credit card details.

Malware Infections

To access airport Wi-Fi, you may be asked to download illegitimate apps or files that contain malware, giving hackers access to your data and devices.

How to Stay Safe

• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
• Confirm the name of the Wi-Fi network with airport staff to avoid connecting to look-alike networks set up by hackers.
• Disable automatic connections to new Wi-Fi networks.
• Install and use antivirus software.
• Avoid entering personal and sensitive data in public places.
• Use a password manager to protect your credentials.
• Turn off Bluetooth and file-sharing settings.
• Use Safe Browsing tools to identify dangerous websites.
• When in doubt, use a mobile hotspot instead of airport Wi-Fi.

While public Wi-Fi, including airport Wi-Fi, does pose certain security risks, you can take steps to protect yourself and minimise the chances of becoming a victim of cybercrime.

Using a VPN to protect your data

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an internet security service that allows users to access the internet as though they were connected to a private network. VPNs use encryption to create a secure connection over unsecured internet infrastructure.

VPNs are a great way to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi. They encrypt your data and hide your IP address, adding a layer of privacy when you're online. This means that even if someone gains access to your data, it will be encrypted and useless to them.

When you connect to the internet, your internet service provider (ISP) can track and log your activity, and this data could potentially be handed over to third parties such as advertisers, the police, or government agencies. Using a VPN masks your IP address by redirecting it through a remote server, so your ISP or other third parties cannot see what websites you are visiting or what information you are entering.

VPNs are also useful for bypassing geo-restrictions on content. For example, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube make specific videos only available in certain countries. VPNs allow you to change your IP address to one from another country, so you can access this content from anywhere.

However, it's important to remember that VPNs do not provide total anonymity. If you log into accounts or share personal information, that data can still be tracked. Additionally, while VPNs can protect against many types of commercial surveillance, they may not be effective if a nation-state's intelligence agency takes an interest in your activity.

Furthermore, VPNs do not protect against all security threats. Your device is still vulnerable to malware, viruses, phishing attacks, and security vulnerabilities in your software. It's important to use a VPN in conjunction with comprehensive anti-virus software to guarantee maximum security.

When choosing a VPN provider, it's crucial to select a trustworthy and secure option. While free VPNs exist, paid options tend to be more secure and comprehensive. Additionally, consider the impact on performance, as using a VPN may add some latency to your network connections.

In conclusion, VPNs are a valuable tool for protecting your data and privacy online, but they should be used in combination with other security measures to ensure comprehensive protection.

Disabling automatic Wi-Fi connections

Firstly, if you are near the Wi-Fi network you want to disable, it will be listed in the list of available networks. Tap the blue arrow on the right side of the Wi-Fi name. If the network offers auto-join and auto-login, you can turn these options off here. Not all networks will offer this feature.

If you simply want to prevent your device from automatically joining a specific network, tap "Forget this network". This will disconnect you from the network, and your device will not automatically connect to it in the future.

Alternatively, if you want to disable all Wi-Fi networks you have joined previously, you can reset your network settings. Go to Settings, then General, then Reset, and finally, Reset Network Settings. This will reset both your cellular and Wi-Fi connections. You will need to re-enter any ID and password information for networks that require login details, such as your home Wi-Fi network.

Installing and running antivirus software

• Choose an antivirus software that suits your needs. Some popular options include Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Norton AntiVirus Plus, and Malwarebytes Premium Security.
• Download and install the software on your device.
• Configure the antivirus software to routinely and automatically scan your system for malware and remove or quarantine any detected threats.
• Set up automatic updates for the antivirus software to ensure it has the latest definitions to detect new and emerging threats.
• Run manual scans as needed, especially if you suspect your device may be infected with malware or a virus.
• Familiarize yourself with the additional features offered by your antivirus software, such as vulnerability scanning, behavior-based detection, and ransomware protection.
• Practice safe browsing habits to minimize the risk of malware infection, such as avoiding downloading unfamiliar software, not opening unexpected email attachments, and not clicking on links in pop-up windows.

By installing and regularly running antivirus software, you can help protect your devices and personal information from online threats.

Frequently asked questions