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Best WiFi Management Tool for Home Network
I have a Google fiber, “always on” connection with multiple devices connected to my wireless LAN. Included on the network are the router, several remote access points (for better household coverage), PC’s laptops, tablets, phones, Ring doorbells, smart TV’s, etc. All told, maybe 30 -40 devices. I am looking for the best, easiest to use, free network management and configuration tool. I could go out and buy a high dollar solution like Solar Winds or something like that, but; this is a home network. My preference would be a completely free solution that provides the “best bang” for a small home network user. Any ideas?
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6 Replies
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Hell Max Hug,
I’m trying to determine what you’re trying to accomplish, could you let me know what hardware (Firewall, router, wireless access points) you are currently using and where your actual struggles are? What kind of configuration? Just firewall rules and segment your devices from being able to see each other kind of configuration?
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Upon second thought, you may very well benefit from switching to a wireless mesh solution (eero, TP-Link Deco) paired with a really neat user-friendly Firewall from Firewalla I recommend purple or gold. which allows you to group say all of your ring devices so they can only talk to each other and the internet.
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I already have a Google fiber mesh network, but it does not have a very good interface to use. I am looking for something (not hardware) that I can put on my local desktop and phone (Android) that will allow me to view and troubleshoot issues on a local network. Nothing more, something simple and free.
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Hello Max Hug,
From Google:
Before you begin, you need to install the Google Wifi app on an Android or iOS device. The app is the only way to access the device’s settings — it’s not even possible on a computer. (And, of course, you’ll need a Google account to sign into the app.
The only free software that comes to mind for troubleshooting network issues with residential hardware is Wireshark.
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Thanks John. I have the Google Home WiFi app installed, just looking for something a little more expandable.
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Hey Max,
I discovered today that the only other thing you can do with Google Mesh is to link it to the Google Home app for more features.
Tap or click here to see how.
Snippit from the support article:
When you migrate your Google Wifi and OnHub devices to the Google Home app, you’ll be able to do things like update your network settings, manage parental controls, and run speed tests in the Google Home app. However, migrating your Google Wifi devices and settings to the Google Home app may change some features related to how you manage your devices.
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