Is your Wifi wonky or wonderful? On the wonderful side, Wifi is the internet untethered, allowing you to move freely and use your devices anywhere in your home, outside, and throughout the world where there is a Wifi connection. The invisible connection flies through the air seamlessly, until something wonky happens, and it is disrupted or slowed by some sort of interference.
A wired connection will always be faster than a wireless (Wifi) connection as well as being free from interference. Unlike your wired connection wifi shares bandwidth among all your devices, and sometimes your neighbor’s devices as well, so you will not see full speed – in Trailblazer’s case that’s 1000 Mbps or 1 GIG – on any single device when the bandwidth is shared. Older devices and operating systems can also slow down your wifi speeds. Anything from building materials such as steel and concrete to aquariums and electronics can get in the way of wifi signals in a home, which may lead to signal coverage issues.
If you’re having issues with your Wifi connections, Trailblazer is here to help. Our Technical Support Team is available 24 x 7 x 365 to review your system’s performance remotely. The technicians can often optimize your Wifi speeds while you’re on the phone. If further investigation is needed, we will send someone out to investigate further.
Here are some of the most likely Wifi disruptors to be aware of and mitigate if possible:
1. Your Neighbor’s Network
When many networks are located closely together, for example in apartment buildings, this will affect the wireless capacity. For equipment on the 2.4 GHz band, neighboring networks are the single largest source of interference on the wireless network.One important reason to choose newer equipment that supports the 5 GHz frequency band is that the signals on this band have a shorter range and are therefore less likely to create and pick up interference from networks than older equipment using the 2.4 GHz band. Keep in mind with Trailblazer service, you have both a 2.4 and a 5 GHz band to offer the best possible coverages close to your Nokia Gateway and in more remote areas of your home. Typically, your Wifi with Trailblazer will switch automatically between the two bands to achieve the best signal.
2. Separate Wireless Networks in Your Own Home
If you have multiple wireless networks in your home that are set up on different pieces of equipment – this can be even more disruptive than your neighbor’s network. If you need to have logins for the wireless network with different access levels, we recommend setting up a guest network with its own network name (SSID) on the same router or access point as the primary network.
3. Bluetooth
Wireless devices such as headsets, keyboards, and mice can interfere with the Wi-Fi signals. Bluetooth uses a technology called frequency hopping, which means it skips around the 2.4 GHz band, up to 1600 times per second(!)
When equipment that uses Bluetooth, jumps into the frequency range of equipment that uses Wi-Fi, it can therefore ruin some of the Wi-Fi traffic and create delays. As it jumps so often, actual impact on Wi-Fi will be highly variable, making such scenarios rather hard to troubleshoot.
Worst case, your Wi-Fi access point will automatically change the channel to avoid the interference – a misguided strategy, as Bluetooth will hop through all the channels that are used for Wi-Fi anyway, and this may cause you to lose more Wi-Fi traffic. Old devices and computers in particular will need several seconds to reconnect if the access point changes to a different channel.
4. Baby Monitors, Walkie-Talkies and Other Radios
Do you have baby monitors, walkie talkies, or maybe a radio locator to keep track of your pets or keys? Such equipment tends to use the same frequency as the older Wi-Fi standards 802.11 b/g/n and will therefore interfere with the 2.4 GHz band.
Traditionally, this type of equipment does not use Wi-Fi and uses the entire frequency band without any regard to other communication on the same frequency.
5. Microwave Oven
Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves of 2.4 GHz to heat food. Unfortunately, the older Wi-Fi standards, 802.11 b/g/n also use electromagnetic waves at 2.4 GHz, but with far weaker transmit power.
Although all microwave ovens are well covered, there will always be some degree of “leakage” of waves – a slight leak is not dangerous to humans, but:
Most microwave ovens are at about 1000 W. Most Wi-Fi access points can transmit a maximum of 0.1 W. Therefore, it does not take much of a leak for the 2.4 GHz band in the area to become unusable.
Physical Obstacles to the Wi-Fi Signals3/3
With shorter range, equipment on the 5 GHz band is more dependent on the having a clear line of sight between the wireless accesspoint/router and the clients; devices and computers connecting to the network.
Some obstacles are simple to remove, and in some cases you may be able to move the access point away from the obstacles. Buildingmaterials in the home are harder to address, however. The solution we recommend to ensure coverage in such cases is a mesh network ofseveral wireless access points that can work their way around the obstacles.
6. Concrete and Masonry Walls
Different building materials block wireless signals to very different degrees. Wi-Fi signals are most weakened by having to go through thickwalls, especially reinforced concrete.
See also: Wi-Fi Signal Loss by Building Material.
7. Thick Timber Walls
Regular wooden walls cause some signal loss, but not a great deal, as you can see in Wi-Fi Signal Loss by Building Material. However, timberwalls have proved to be a significant obstacle to wireless signals.
8. Metal and Floor Heating
When signals have to reach multiple floors, floor heating can create problems for the wireless signals.
And is your router or other wireless access point placed inside a metal cabinet? Get it out of there if you can!
9. Water
Do you use hydronics for heating in your home? Or do you have a really big aquarium? Here the wireless signals will also struggle to get through.
10. The TV
Perhaps the most common cause of weakened Wi-Fi signals – don’t place your router or other wireless access point behind the TV!
Source: Danielsen, Jorunn. “10 Things in Your Home That Interfere with and Block Wi-Fi Signals.” Eye Networks, 11 Apr. 2024, eyenetworks.no/en/10-things-that-disturb-and-block-wi-fi-signals/.
This post is excerpted from https://www.ready.gov/power-outages, an official website of the United States Government. Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly.
A power outage may:
Disrupt communications, water and transportation.
Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.
Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
Prevent use of medical devices.
Power Outage Tips
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.
How to Protect Yourself During A Power Outage
Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme. Remember that Free #WapitiWifi is available in the Downtown area for communications.
Preparing for a Power Outage
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Using Appliances During Power Outages
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
Know Your Medical Needs
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Food Storage
Have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Returning After A Power Outage
When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.
It’s every small business owner’s nightmare: opening a laptop or other device and discovering that ransomware or some other cyber attack is extorting their data and information. And with cyber attacks on the rise, more and more small and midsize businesses are coming to grips with the need to step up their own online and digital security.
Trailblazer brings fast, reliable 100% fiber directly into your business and leases the modem and router combination Nokia Gateway to facilitate service.
Beyond that, businesses and residents are responsible for setting up and managing their own internal networks. Basic elements of a computer network include hardware, software, and protocols. The interrelationship of these basic elements constitutes the network’s infrastructure, which may include multiple computers, terminals, printers, firewalls, data backup and storage, VPNs, ethernet cables, WiFi access points, and more.
At Trailblazer Broadband, we take cybersecurity extremely seriously, doing all we can to safeguard our high-speed fiber network at its source and keep it as reliable as possible. But individual internet users, including small businesses, must take precautions, too.
Below, we detail six of the ways small and midsize businesses can keep their devices, networks, and data—including their customers’ most sensitive information—protected from cyberattacks.
Install Anti-Virus Software on Your Devices
Believe it or not, many small businesses fail to ensure that all their devices are properly protected with strong anti-virus software. While keeping the main server protected is paramount, other devices like laptops and tablets (and yes, even cell phones) also need protection.
McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender are four of the most popular and well-regarded anti-virus software programs available, and many small businesses rely on them. These companies stay on top of cyber threats as they emerge and have features and options to better customize protection depending on your business’s particular needs and potential exposure.
Keep Your Software Updated
Your anti-virus software is only as protective as it is updated—so be sure to keep on top of it by regularly checking for and installing updates. But don’t forget to update the built-in security settings of your devices as well!
Operating systems, such as Windows and Mac, dedicate entire teams of software engineers and programmers to outwit clever cyber criminals and their latest schemes. They also test for previously unknown vulnerabilities in their operating systems’ codes, which necessitate frequent updates to overcome.
Though it can be a hassle to plan software updates for your business (and getting staff members to do so, as well), do not neglect this necessary part of doing business in the 21st century!
Establish a Firewall
After installing anti-virus software, another way to make your small business’ cybersecurity more robust is to set up a firewall. Firewalls protect your system from viruses, malware, and ransomware before they enter the company’s network and jeopardize the devices and data connected to it. In a sense, the two measures—firewalls and anti-virus software—perform similar and complementary functions at different points in your system’s security.
A firewall helps prevent cyber threats from breaking through your system and network, while anti-virus software identifies and eliminates them once they are infected. Hence, ideally, a savvy small business will employ both anti-virus software and a firewall to improve overall protection.
Require—and Enforce—a Strong Password Policy for All Staff
Let’s face it—no one wants to remember onerous and lengthy passwords when logging into devices and applications. But as annoying as it is, strong passwords really do make a significant difference in small business cybersecurity. Thus, it is essential that everyone in the business employs difficult and unique passwords for their login credentials.
And no, the family dog’s name with an “!” won’t cut it—especially if it’s also being used for every streaming TV channel, shopping app, and social media login already! Discussing the importance of strong passwords with your team is critical, as is modeling good behavior by regularly changing the passwords of even the most senior staff—and even the business’ owner, too.
Consider Encryption
For businesses handling a large amount of sensitive information from customers and other third parties—especially credit card numbers, Social Security Numbers, and banking details—encrypting that data is essential.
There are many professional encryption software options available for small businesses. Check out the details for more specific information and pricing to find the best fit. Also, make sure that the encryption “key” is kept in a safe and easily accessible place!
Set Up a VPN
Our final suggestion is to establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can make remote access to the business’ server and network by staff much more protected. Once enabled, a VPN securely transmits all the data sent from and received by the business’ devices online through a secure “tunnel,” before reaching a private server, where that same data is encrypted before being sent out again on the internet.
According to many cybersecurity experts, businesses employing remote workers or staff that travel or work from public areas like airports, hotels, or coffee shops should view VPNs as a requirement, not an option. However any business can benefit from the extra level of protection a VPN offers.
It’s easy to get comfortable and let your guard down—but you’ve worked too hard to let cyber criminals take it all away from you. Implement these six steps as soon as possible to keep your company protected. If you need additional support with networking, you may want to review this list of Estes Park IT Contractors.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to call us at 970.577.3770 to find out how to connect your business to the fastest, most reliable internet network in Estes Park!
Trailblazer Broadband is not affiliated with and does not endorse any cybersecurity or networking provider or protocol.
Not all fiber internet is the same, not even close. A 100% Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) internet connection and a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable (HFC) connection differ primarily in the technology used to deliver internet service to homes or businesses. A 100% FTTH employs optical fibers for direct end-to-end data transmission to residences or businesses, ensuring superior speeds and reliability. In contrast, an HFC connection integrates fiber optic and coaxial cables, potentially leading to slightly slower speeds and decreased reliability due to shared bandwidth on the coaxial segment.
Let’s explore these differences and how they impact your internet experience.
100% FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home)
HFC (Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Cable)
FTTH involves running fiber optic cables directly to individual residences or businesses.
HFC networks use a combination of fiber optic cables for the backbone and coaxial cables (copper) to deliver internet service to individual homes or businesses.
Fiber optic cables consist of strands of glass or plastic fibers that transmit data using light signals.
In HFC networks, data travels via light signals through the fiber optic portion of the network but is converted to electrical signals over copper coaxial cables for the last mile.
Pure fiber is FAST; it’s typically a requirement for the highest speeds, such as 2 or 5 GIG. It also offers extremely high bandwidth and low latency.
Bandwidth and speeds vary depending on the distance from the internet service provider’s hub to the end user’s location.
With FTTH, there’s a dedicated fiber optic line for each customer, providing consistent speeds and reliability.
HFC networks are typically shared among multiple users in a neighborhood, which can lead to congestion and slower speeds during peak usage times.
FTTH is capable of delivering symmetrical upload and download speeds, meaning the upload speed is the same as the download speed, which makes it ideal for activities demanding high data transfer rates like video conferencing, gaming, streaming, large file uploads and multiple devices using the internet at the same time.
Generally, HFC networks provide higher download speeds compared to upload speeds. The upload speeds are often slower than the download speeds due to the limitations of the coaxial cable technology.
100% FTTH is typically considered the most advanced and future-proof technology for broadband internet access.
Although HFC connections are an improved technology, they are more susceptible to signal interference than a 100% Fiber network. This can affect service reliability and speed.
Because FTTH connection is more scalable than other broadband technologies, future upgrades as technology advances are easier and happen faster.
Networks that aren’t 100% fiber can become outdated or overloaded and may require large overhauls as newer technology emerges.
Bottom Line:
As a rule of thumb, if you can get 100% FTTH, as you can with Trailblazer Broadband, you’ll never go wrong taking that route, especially in our weather-rich Rocky Mountains environment. Fiber-optic cables aren’t affected as much by weather conditions, environmental factors, or other external factors that commonly impact traditional copper-based cables. That means you get a stable, more reliable connection.
Finally, 100% fiber-connected homes have also been shown to experience enhanced real estate values, up to 5% according to a recent study. As an internet consumer, you’ll want to consider your priorities and make an informed decision. Fortunately, the future of high-speed internet connectivity continues to evolve, and the future is 100% Fiber!
Even if this reaches you on a 60-degree day, we all know Winter is upon us for a little while longer—and with it are cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls and ice, and dry, chafing air. While parts of the country are lovely in winter, there’s no escaping the fact that colder temperatures and bleak weather can take their toll.
Wintry weather also brings higher energy expenses. Home heating units often pump out warm air constantly just to keep the house comfortable—and at great costs, too. Thankfully, today’s technology can help make winter more bearable, utilizing Trailblazer Broadband’s high-speed fiber internet not only connects you to the most reliable network available but also helps keep your home warm and snug.
Together with “smart technology,” it all adds to saving money this winter and beyond! Below we highlight some of our favorite tech to help you get through the coldest months more comfortably. These unique items will make you and your loved ones feel cozier all winter, from Bluetooth devices to smart thermostats and even smart clothing.
Smart Thermostats
One of the best upgrades you can make to your home this winter (or any season) is to install a smart thermostat that monitors and controls your heating and air conditioning. Smart thermostats can sense temperature changes in different rooms and can be easily programmed to get warmer or cooler at various times of the day. Smart thermostats can connect to your home’s internet network, and through Bluetooth, to your smartphone and other devices for easy control.
Even more conveniently, many smart thermostats are controllable through voice-activated technology like Alexa or the Apple Home Kit (using Siri). And according to the federal government’s Energy Star program, which researches and provides consumers with reliable information on energy-efficient products and services, smart thermostats can save homeowners up to 30% on their energy bills.
Several solid options exist, including the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. Google’s device is particularly impressive because, over time, it learns your temperature preferences in each room and at different times of the day. Using a Smart Thermostat can more effectively heat your home than conventional thermostats—and because of its “smart” features and controls, it saves energy costs, too!
Smart Space Heaters
If you’ve reduced your energy bills by lowering your home’s temperatures a tad, but find that you or others in your household still feel cold, consider adding a smart space heater to those chillier rooms. Smart space heaters are ideal when one or two people prefer the temps just a bit warmer than everyone else or when the temperatures drop drastically. The Atomi Smart Ceramic Tower Space Heater is one option to consider. The Atomi can heat up to 750 square feet, perfect for small rooms.
Its safety features are also top-notch, including notifying your smartphone if the heater tips over. Then, you can easily shut it off from your phone. Its base sits evenly on multiple flooring types reducing the likelihood of tipping over at all.You can also connect the Atomi Smart Space Heater to Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free voice control through your home network.
Smart Clothing (Jackets and Shirts)
Have you heard about smart clothing for personal warmth? Smart clothing, especially jackets and shirts, can safely and steadily heat your body in different zones that you can control. And you can even quickly recharge them when you’re on the road with your car’s charging ports.
The DEWBU Heated Jacket, for example, has multiple heating zones. It also comes with a convenient 12V Battery Pack that can keep it powered longer on the go. Also, check out smart shirts from Venture Heat, which makes different styles for women and men. Bluetooth-enabled, you can control Venture Heat’s smart shirts ten-temperature settings with your smartphone, helping to fine-tune the perfect temperature to keep you feeling comfortably toasty on even the most frigid days!
Smart Hats
Growing up, you may remember hearing that you can lose nearly half your body heat just through the top of your head. While science has proven that that was not exactly accurate, you can still lose around 10% of your body heat off your head alone. So grandma was right—you should keep your head covered in colder weather!
Believe it or not, there are actually smart hats available for you to get the most coverage for your noggin! For example, iLive Beanie is not only fashionable in a cute, wintry way, Its Bluetooth-enabled speakers connect directly to your smartphone, doubling as a music-listening and hands-free calling device, too!
The internet and smart technology can’t stop Mother Nature’s annual blast of wintry weather. By utilizing these smart devices and a reliable fiber internet connection like Trailblazer Broadband’s, we bet you’ll cope better than you ever have before!
Trailblazer Broadband and the Town of Estes Park provide this article for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with nor do they endorse any of the companies or products mentioned in the article.
If you’ve ever signed up for an Internet/TV “bundle” from an internet or cable company, you know that you have to decide which TV package is right for you. While Trailblazer Broadband doesn’t offer an Internet/TV bundle, we have partnered with an independent company called MyBundle that makes streaming easy.
MyBundle helps you to find the best streaming platform combinations for your household. You simply answer a few questions about your viewing habits and what you like to watch, and MyBundle gives you options of which combination of TV and streaming products will deliver everything you want to see easily and often much more cost-effectively than cable TV options.
With MyBundle:
You can build your own custom bundle, including Live TV and streaming services you’d like to have and see MyBundle’s recommendations before committing to anything at absolutely no cost.
Most of the same shows you find on cable can also be watched on streaming services, so you won’t miss out on the programs and movies you love! Instead, you’ll have far more content to choose from.
My Bundle tracks the latest streaming platform specials, discounts, and free trials on many popular streaming services so you can see them all in one place.
As a Trailblazer customer, you will have the bandwidth and internet speed to stream all your programs, and according to MyBundle, the average Live TV streaming bundle is 50% less than your old cable TV.
We’d love to have you as a Trailblazer customer more than anything in the world, but even if you’re not, you can use MyBundle for free!
Once you’ve made the wise choice to sign up for MyBundle and optimize your streaming entertainment experience, it’s time to take advantage of MyBundle’s many tools and features.
We’ll walk you through a few first steps you should take after creating your MyBundle profile.
By taking these steps, you’ll get the most out of your MyBundle experience and enjoy more streaming entertainment immediately. So let’s jump right in so you can get busy streaming!
#1 Sign Up For Streaming Platforms
There are plenty of streaming entertainment options available today. Indeed, the sheer number of streaming apps, channels and platforms can be dizzying! MyBundle offers a convenient and quick way to cut through the clutter and confusion of selecting streaming platforms.
The Find My Bundle tool is a simple “quiz.” It starts by asking you a series of questions about the size of your household, your zip code, and the apps and other streaming services you already have.
Then, you’ll be asked which channels you and your family need. Once you’ve completed the quiz, let MyBundle do the rest!
Based on your preferences and viewing habits, the Find My Bundle tool will customize a package of streaming platforms you’ll use, helping you find the services that get you the live channels you want.
In this way, MyBundle helps save money by avoiding streaming apps and channels you probably wouldn’t watch! You’ve also saved time by letting MyBundle research for you.
#2 Find and Add TV Series and Movies To Your Watchlist
Next comes the fun part—creating your MyBundle watchlist and adding your favorite shows!
Some people find creating a watchlist of content daunting since they must search for their shows and movies across multiple apps and platforms. But MyBundle’s interface lets you search for content across all your apps and channels in one place—without needing to log in and out of every platform.
Best of all, MyBundle’s tools help you find new entertainment.
MyBundle’s algorithm uses your preferences and previous watches to present content recommendations from your app subscriptions and plans. By simply utilizing its search tools, you’ll receive suggestions for great new shows and movies that are most relevant to you and your family.
There’s also a separate MyBundle movie watchlist for when the fam is ready for movie night. And the watchlists you’ve created in MyBundle show you all of your content from every app, eliminating the need to check each streaming service.
#3 Get Content Recommendations from Family and Friends
After using MyBundle’s tools to help find new content, utilize one of our favorite MyBundle features—friends and family recommendations!
Here’s how it works.
First, create your MyBundle Binge List and start selecting the TV shows or movies you might be interested in watching. MyBundle will generate a list of content just for you. For each title you might be interested in, click “Add to Vote List.” Then, click “Save and Share,” and voila—your Vote List is created!
After setting up your Vote List, share it via text message, email, or other social media with anyone you’d like, and let them review it and vote on their favorites.
Lastly, once they’ve voted, you’ll see their recommendations in your profile and you can start your next great series! It’s a terrific way to round out your watchlist with new content.
#4 Track Your Streaming Budget
Now that you’ve used MyBundle’s tools to find the streaming apps and channels you’ll use and loaded up your watchlists with hours of incredible content, it’s time to take stock and track your budget.
Establishing your streaming bundle in MyBundle has helped you declutter your streaming content and reduce overall costs. But it can also help you make streaming budgeting decisions as well.
For example, after looking through your watchlists in MyBundle, you may decide to take a hiatus from a few streaming platforms you don’t watch as much.
Or perhaps it’s better to take advantage of free trial periods or discounted rates just to binge-watch a particular series before deciding to join for a longer time. Seeing it all in one place on MyBundle helps you track your streaming budget and make better financial choices.
As you can see from the steps above, MyBundle helps you enjoy streaming more conveniently and efficiently. And it can help save you money, too.
For more information about MyBundle and how it makes streaming easier, click here. And be sure to follow Trailblazer Broadband’s social pages and News for more ways to get the most out of your high-speed fiber internet!
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
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