Learn What Is Google Fiber?

What Is Google Fiber?

Last Updated: March 12, 2014

Written by:

Internet users hoping for an extremely fast and price-competitive service provider need to ask themselves the questions: “What is Google Fiber?” and, perhaps more importantly, “When is it coming to my city?” The web search giant created Fiber to build an Internet service capable of speeds up to 1,000 times faster than a typical connection.

With more consumers desiring both streaming television and standard Internet content, faster bandwidth is a growing necessity. Google’s one gigabit per second service fills that void along with creating competition, which forces other providers to increase their price-performance ratio.

Google Fiber: A Closer Look

Currently, Google Fiber is only available in Kansas City, with Austin, Texas, and Provo, Utah, slated to get the service shortly. Fiber’s price in Kansas City is $70 per month for the 1 Gbps Internet service and $120 per month for an Internet and TV service bundle. Google also offers a free 5 Mbps service with a one-time $300 construction fee that can be prorated at $25 per month for one year; the one-time construction fee is only $30 in Provo.

Paid Internet users also get 1 TB of cloud-based Google Drive storage. Those who pay for the TV bundle also receive a 2 TB DVR and a Google Nexus tablet, along with a TV remote control.

Google Needs to Roll Out Fiber More Quickly!

Given the fast speeds of Google Fiber, many other locales are clamoring to receive the service. Just last month, Google announced 34 new cities that may be among the next locations to get Fiber. The 34 cities are located in nine metropolitan areas across the United States — but surprisingly nowhere in the Northeast made the cut.

Given the planned merger between Comcast and Time Warner, competition among Internet service providers is needed now more than ever. Soon the question will change from “What is Google Fiber?” to “How soon can it be available everywhere?”

Photo credit: Flickr/UCFFool

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

Can VPN Services Help Keep Netflix Up to Speed?

Last Updated: March 6, 2014

Written by:

Netflix has been the subject of debate recently, not just for rumors that the service plans to increase its per-month pricing but also that certain Internet service providers (ISPs) are throttling bandwidth to users. The result? Slow movie and TV show downloads, coupled with an inordinate amount of buffering instead of watching. One answer to this problem is the use of VPN services, which let consumers get around many of the restrictions placed on them by ISPs. But do they really work?

The Netflix Problem

Netflix has a solid business model — a large variety of content for a low price every month. Sure, the video quality isn’t the highest, and not all versions of Netflix — PS4, Xbox One, and Wii just to name a few — work equally well, but the sheer number of shows and movies available, coupled with breakout Netflix-only hits like Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards means the streaming video provider isn’t hurting for customers. With Internet speeds increasing, however, and users fed up with traditional cable networks, more pressure is put on ISPs to deliver gigabytes of information to customers every week — and in some cases, every day.

Consumers now allege that some ISPs are starting to throttle bandwidth. This stops short of putting a hard cap on the amount of data users can download each month but slows the rate at which specific services download content. As a result, shows take longer to load, menus are unresponsive, and longer movies become downright unwatchable.

The VPN Solution?

A VPN, or “virtual private network,” is a way to alter the IP address of your computer, allowing you to bypass many of the restrictions placed on your connection by an ISP. VPN services are available for free from sites like OkayFreedom or OpenVPN Shield Exchange, and for pay from providers like VyprVPN (around $7 per month) or AirVPN (around $9 per month). Many of these services prevent “deep packet inspection” by ISPs, meaning your Internet company won’t know if you’re accessing Netflix or not, which would hopefully prevent any kind of bandwidth throttling. VPNs also fully encrypt the data and hide your IP address from websites you visit, instead showing the address of the closest VPN server. Some services also offer iOS or Android apps, which let you avoid these problems on mobile devices as well.

It’s worth noting that some VPN services keep logs of all activity on their network for 30, 60, or 90 days, which opens up the problem of a potential privacy breach. In addition, some are located outside the United States. While this increases basic privacy, it can also mean a slowdown in overall connection speed due to high packet latency. And in certain cases, even a good VPN won’t solve the problem. If your Internet connection is simply too slow overall or if your provider throttles all connections, paying for a virtual private network won’t make Netflix movies download any faster.

If you’re having trouble with Netflix slowdown, start by running an Internet speed test. Double-check that your speed matches what you’re paying for and check for anyone hijacking your wireless network or connection issues with Netflix itself. If everything else checks out, it’s possible your ISP is throttling your connection and a VPN service could get you back on track.

Photo credit: Twin Design / Shutterstock.com

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

In-Flight Internet Speeds to Take Off With Satellite Airwaves

Last Updated: March 5, 2014

Written by:

With the FAA recently loosening restrictions on the use of smartphones and tablet computers during takeoff, last year’s news that in-flight Internet speeds are expected to get a boost from something called satellite airwaves should pique the interest of the traveling set. So what are satellite waves, and how do they speed up mobile bandwidth? Let’s take a closer look.

In-Flight Internet Access No Longer Tethered to the Earth

In the past, Internet access on airplanes used a variety of terrestrial antennas for connections. Generally, this limited bandwidth prevented travelers from enjoying a wide variety of rich media content on their mobile devices. Satellite airwaves offer Internet speeds that rival a fast cable or DSL connection, but these airwaves weren’t normally available for use by Internet providers. Enter the FCC.

In early November 2013, the satellite communications service Globalstar earned preliminary regulatory approval from the FCC to allocate unused satellite airwaves for use by Internet providers offering Internet service to airlines as well as other companies providing mobile Internet access. Expect in-flight Internet speeds to improve when final approval is awarded.

Other Mobile Internet Providers Benefit From Satellite Waves

The promise of satellite waves being used to improve Internet bandwidth isn’t limited to airline travel. Globalstar said in its presentation to the FCC that it expects the overall US WiFi capacity to improve by one-third with the use of satellite waves. In fact, Amazon.com has used Globalstar’s service in a limited capacity for private testing purposes.

In 2012, Dish Network also earned FCC approval for the use of satellite waves for Internet access for smartphones. As mobile devices become the primary means for Internet access for many users, expect the FCC to continue to allow more use of satellite waves to improve both bandwidth and the availability of high-speed Internet access, especially in rural regions. Airline travelers also stand to benefit from the ability to enjoy rich media content while on long flights.

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

5 Must-Haves When Choosing a Hosting Provider

Last Updated:

Written by:

The right web host is critical, whether you’re running an enterprise-level e-commerce site or hosting a personal blog. The wrong providers charge too much for too little and leave you wondering why you decided to go online in the first place. Here are five must-haves when choosing a hosting provider:

1. Price

It’s obvious, but it’s true: Price is a critical factor in web hosting. Some companies offer hosting for free, but you’ll have to deal with limited functionality and a large number of on-site ads if you go this route. It’s also possible to find extremely cheap hosting — think $2 per month — but you won’t get much in the way of technical support if something doens’t work as advertised. Well-known hosting companies charge anywhere from $5 to $10 per month and may also offer value-added services like domain name registration, e-commerce shopping carts, or FTP managers. Going for the most expensive option doesn’t guarantee success, however; look for a comparison of available services and see which one best meets your needs.

2. Server Type

Your website needs to be hosted on a server, and there are three types of hosting plans available. First is shared hosting, which has your site’s data on the same server as other websites. This lowers the cost per month but can cause problems if one site starts eating up too much bandwidth. Dedicated hosting is the other side of the coin — here, all of a server’s resources are dedicated to your site, meaning you won’t need to worry about other clients stealing your bandwidth. The trade-off? Expect to pay a lot more per month, between $30 and $200 depending on what you want. The last option is a virtual server. Here, all hosted sites are on the same server but a hypervisor partitions them such that they can’t “see” each other and sets limits on their resource use. The cost falls between shared and dedicated hosting.

3. Linux Versus Windows

You also need to consider which operating system (OS) you want to run. Linux servers are the most popular, and therefore cheapest, option available. Windows servers are more expensive but may be necessary if you plan to run certain applications, for example anything using the .NET language. Functionally, these server types are almost identical, but Linux has a large number of variations, also known as “flavors,” to choose from and may be the better choice if you prefer customization over familiarity.

4. Solid Hardware

Before you start paying a monthly hosting fee, ask your potential provider about their server hardware. What brand of servers do they use? When were they purchased, and how are they secured? If the company can’t answer these questions or starts getting defensive, find another provider. Without the right hardware, your website will load slowly, your e-commerce shopping cart may fail, and consumers will quickly become irritated.

5. Customer Satisfaction

When choosing a hosting provider, the hope is to find one that won’t leave you stranded with a site that doesn’t work and a help line number that’s always busy. Always do a Google search for any company you’re considering and see what other customers have to say. In addition, check out the company’s Facebook page and Twitter feed — unhappy customers often take to social media to get a quick response. Take a look at how the company handles concerns and see if problems are immediately addressed. If you can’t find the company on any social media sites, chances are they’re not a good fit.

When you’re choosing a hosting provider, you have to make sure they’ve got what you need at the price you want.

Photo credit: Flickr/4nitsirk

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

What Are the Bandwidth Specifications for Pandora, Spotify, iTunes Radio, and Beats Music?

Last Updated: February 27, 2014

Written by:

The bandwidth specifications for streaming apps are becoming more and more important as streaming replaces downloading. Everyone loves streaming music, whether on your cell phone or desktop. The issue, specifically for mobile, is bandwidth.

What if you go over your data cap by streaming your bandwidth away? Also, poor bandwidth equals bad streaming. But don’t worry. Here are some bandwidth tips and requirements for some of the more popular streaming apps:

Pandora and Spotify

One hour is about 72 MB of bandwidth usage (15 hours would then equal out to 2 GB). On mobile, if you use a sizable bandwidth cap, you should be able to easily use a 64 Kbps HE-AAC–encoded stream setting. For both mobile and desktop, make sure you’re getting at least 1–2 Mbps download speeds on your device. Use an Internet speed test to determine this.

iTunes Radio

One song is about 4–11 MB, so with a 1 GB data cap, you will get approximately between 100 and 256 songs per 1 GB. On mobile, you will want to use a higher stream setting for iTunes Radio. Also, for both mobile and desktop, make sure you’re getting at least 1–2 Mbps download speeds.

Beats Music

Whoa! Supposedly there are no data charges, but then you’re paying $14.99 a month anyway — on top of your data usage — and you have to be on an AT&T phone plan. Beats Music is also super-high-quality audio, so you will want to stream at the highest setting. Plus, you need to make sure you have better than adequate bandwidth speeds running. More like 5 Mbps download, for sure. You’re paying for this, so you better make sure your streaming is at the next level.

In the end, make sure you know your bandwidth specifications for your streaming service (this goes for video as well). There is nothing more annoying than paying extra charges for data plans, or streaming a song and having it pause, skip, and jump. Get informed!

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

Slow Internet Speed? Avoid the Bottleneck

Last Updated: February 25, 2014

Written by:

There are few things more frustrating than dealing with a slow, laggy internet connection. If you’re like most people, you depend on your WiFi signal to keep you and all of your favorite devices connected to the web—and you could always stand to have a faster internet connection.

Believe it or not, there are a number of ways you can take matters into your own hands and speed up your WiFi without upgrading your internet package. If you’ve been scratching your head wondering “why is my internet so slow?”, we’re here to provide you with eight sound solutions to speed up your connection and turn your slow internet woes into mere things of the past.

Tip #1. Run an internet speed test

Before diving into any DIY fixes, you’ll need to first find answers to the two following questions:

How much speed should I be getting from my internet service provider (ISP)?

How much speed am I actually getting from my WiFi connection?

To find the answers to these questions, you will need to conduct an internet speed test and evaluate the details of your existing service plan.

Running an internet speed test can provide important insight into how your WiFi connection is performing. Whether you’re curious to know how quickly you can download files on the web or looking to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth from your provider, an internet speed test tells all.

So, what exactly does an internet speed test do? To simplify, a speed test measures the broadband connection parameters of your internet. This process entails sending a digital file from your ISP’s server and calculating the time it takes to download the file and upload it back to the server.

Traditionally, internet speed tests report on a number of important features including:

Upload speed
Download speed
Bandwidth
Ping

With your internet speed test results, you’ll be able to see where your web connection is failing. You will also have a base to work with to orchestrate a before and after speed test once you’ve put the following measures into practice.

Tip #2. Optimize your router’s settings

It’s a little known secret that a good router can make a world of difference to the speed of your internet. With the right router settings, you can easily improve your household signal strength and connection performance.

Automate a reboot schedule: Though most newer WiFi routers don’t need to be regularly rerouted, older models will need manual resets to maintain optimal functionality. Gear up with a programmable outlet timer to develop a reboot schedule that works for you.

Install new firmware: Fortunately for most WiFi users, the vast majority of routers feature dummy-proof settings that make it difficult for you to make any seriously grave mistakes. There are several open-source firmware options available to today’s most popular routers. These firmware installations can help speed things up in an instant.

Disable old wireless protocols: Outdated wireless protocols, like 802.11g, can significantly slow down entire networks. Newer routers are engineered to run advanced protocols that are better engineered to accommodate modern ISP service offerings. Before making any changes, be sure to consult your router documentation first.

Tip #3: Check your task manager and turn off unwanted background processes

Although the majority of applications and programs on your computer are not constantly hogging up your bandwidth, some are uniquely designed to continuously upload and download data, even without you knowing.

Web browsers are usually the most susceptible culprits as well as online file storage applications or automatic data backup services. These background web hogs can bog down your internet speeds, but on the bright side, they’re easy to manage and eliminate.

For Windows PC users:
Access your Task Manager by either typing “Task Manager” into your search bar or by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL and selecting the Task Manager from the menu. Within the Task Manager, select “Network” within the “Processes” tab. If there are no programs drawing background data, the percentage will read as 0%. However, if you do see a number above 0 displayed, you can quickly locate it by clicking the number and allowing the Task Manager to sort by top use.

From there, you can safely terminate these applications by right-clicking the program name and selecting “End task.”

For Mac OS X users:

Access your Activity Monitor by launching Spotlight and typing in “Activity Monitor” into the search bar. From the five available tabs, select “Network.” This will allow you to identify which processes are monopolizing your network bandwidth via background activity. To force quit applications, click the “X” located in the top left corner of the Activity Monitor windows.

Tip #4. Set up wireless security

Not only can protecting your home broadband network with a password help speed it up, but it can also safeguard your connection from unwanted and unwelcome guests. If your current home WiFi connection is public, it’s about time you made the switch to a WPA2 encryption. This type of WiFi security requires a password to successfully utilize your internet connection. Be sure to choose a unique password and only share it with people you trust.

Tip #5. Position your router in the perfect spot

Did you know that the location of your WiFi router has a huge impact on the strength of its signal throughout your home? If you’re stumped trying to figure out “why is my internet so slow?”, the reason very well may be that your router is poorly positioned.

Your WiFi router should be placed on an elevated surface with open space and minimal obstructions. Because signals travel perpendicular to your router, it’s important to ensure that your router is not placed on the floor. This will only restrict the signal’s reach. Try to avoid placing your router too close to obstructive materials like concrete or brick as these dense materials can also limit signal availability.

The best spot for a router is a central location within your home. Whether it’s a shelf, table, or countertop, having the router free from walls or other forms of blockage will only strengthen your reception.

Trying to figure out a few wise alternative locations to place your router? Need to know where not to place your router? Check out the tips below for some sound advice.

Best places to put your internet router:

On a mantle in a high-traffic living room or den
On a coffee table located in a central hallway or living space
On a second floor landing

Worst places to put your internet router:

In a kitchen where other devices, like a microwave, can emit waves that interfere with your signal
In a corner of your house or in a windowsill where the signal can travel outside
In a basement

Tip #6: Reboot your router

Sometimes all your high-tech devices need is a good, old-fashioned reset to return back to its original state of flawless functionality. Think of your router as a mini-computer—when it’s been on for days on end, it can get a bit clogged up. Routers are designed to house memory, caches, and operate background processes that eventually slow speeds down. When you reset it, your router can reconnect to all of its essential data channels and provide a smoother, more efficient connection.

To properly and safely reboot your router, follow these four easy steps:

Unplug the router and modem and wait 30 seconds

Plug the modem back in and wait at least 60 seconds

Plug the router back in and wait at least 2 minutes

Run an internet speed test to check for any improvement

Tip #7: Change your wireless router’s channel

Wireless routers broadcast their signal on specific wavelengths also known as channels. Most routers have at least 14 available channels that typically operate between the 2400 to 2500 Megahertz radio bands.

If you live in an urban or suburban area, odds are fairly likely that your devices are capable of picking up multiple WiFi signals from your neighbors. More densely populated areas where you can pick up several WiFi connections are often home to a number of routers sharing the same channel. The more populated the channel, the more congested the connection and slower your internet speed.

Most routers allow you to manually change channels to reduce the chances and effects of interference. Try switching to channel 1, 6, or 11 via your router settings.

Tip #8. Ask your service provider if you need to reposition your satellite dish

If you have Satellite internet, the reason behind your slow internet problems may be due to poor dish positioning. Not only does your satellite dish need to face a specific direction to give you the best signal strength, but it also needs to be intelligently situated to endure challenging weather conditions. A wind storm could quickly push your dish should have set up your satellite dish to face the right direction.

Before calling up your ISP for a scheduled visit, check the position yourself by making sure your satellite dish points south. Should anything look amiss, contact your service provider to have a technician evaluate and correct the positioning.

Wrapping up

Even if you can’t quite figure out an answer to “why is my internet so slow?,” you can make a few effective changes that can speed up your internet connection and leave your days of frustratingly slow internet in the past.

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

Download Speed vs. Upload Speed: What’s the Difference?

Last Updated: February 24, 2014

Written by:

Almost every speed test site tests for download speed, upload speed, and the ping rate. The upload rate is always lower than the download rate. This is a configuration set by the local cable carrier — it is not dependent on the user’s bandwidth or Internet speed.

The Difference

There is none. Download speed is the rate at which data is transferred from the Internet to the user’s computer. The upload speed is the rate that data is transferred from the user’s computer to the Internet. Cable companies set the default setting to download faster than upload. The reasoning behind this is that most people have more of a need to download information. It gives the user the ability to download movies, songs, and a large number of documents quickly.

Although there may be some larger businesses that do require a fast upload speed, there are not many people who need fast uploads. Typically, data uploaded is going to a specific site, not to the general Internet or to multiple sites. Even in these cases, it is usually a rare task to perform.

The term “symmetrical” means that the download and upload speeds are the same. Both speeds are optimally tested when they are symmetrical, but again, this is a rare configuration.

The Process

When performing the download portion of a speed test, many sites use Flash to transport their data to the user’s computer. This is an added hindrance to collecting the correct information. BandwidthPlace does not use Flash and has opted to use HTML5 instead, allowing for a faster, cleaner test rate. During the download process, the server sends packets of binary files to the computer. Some companies that use Flash will not count up to 30 percent of the slowest packets transferred, stating that it makes up for the amount of time no packets are delivered during the ramp-up process (getting Flash prepared to run).

The upload process is similar, grabbing generic bits of data from the user’s computer and transferring it to the server. This data is broken and is not complete information, so the data retrieved is safe.

If you find that your download or upload speed is not equal to what your Internet service provider promised, there are a couple of easy fixes you can perform. Use a wired connection to the router instead of wireless. Performing a speed test across a wireless connection will always give slower results. Remove any firewalls in place while the test is active, but make sure to turn it back on afterward. If you determine that your slow speeds are not a router issue, contact your Internet provider.

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

US Internet Speed Is Very Fast, but Not the Fastest in the World

Last Updated:

Written by:

US Internet speed is getting faster. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we are 13th in the world when it comes to average peak Internet speeds. Basically, we are way behind several other countries, and this poses a huge issue in the near future. The United States needs to step it up big time!

Why Is US Internet Speed an Issue?

Studies have linked faster Internet with better economic growth and higher education. But what about the next generation of apps? Fast Internet accelerates the way we use media, such as with Netflix and Hulu, and even faster broadband has the potential to stimulate, say, “Ultra HD” or virtual classrooms. This is important.

It is interesting that when South Korea decided to open up its public system to rivals, it flourished. This is one of many issues the United States will have to face, along with tiered pricing (offered in other countries) and building out better networks (rural Internet is still nonexistent in some states).

The Top 20 Countries With the Fastest Internet

These are based on the most recent average peak conditions (and are download speeds only):

Hong Kong: 65.4 Mbps
South Korea: 63.6 Mbps
Japan: 52 Mbps
Singapore: 50.1 Mbps
Israel: 47.7 Mbps
Romania: 45.4 Mbps
Latvia: 43.1 Mbps
Taiwan: 42.7 Mbps
Netherlands: 39.6 Mbps
Belgium: 38.5 Mbps
Switzerland: 38.4 Mbps
Bulgaria: 37 Mbps
United States: 37 Mbps
Kuwait: 36.4 Mbps
United Arab Emirates: 36 Mbps
United Kingdom: 35.7 Mbps
Canada: 34.8 Mbps
Czech Republic: 34.8 Mbps
Macau: 34.4 Mbps
Sweden: 33.1 Mbps

Luckily, folks like Google and Sonic.net are building out the next-generation of 1 gigabit networks, and when they go cross-country, our lagging Internet might be a part of the past (and so may a few cable and telco companies).

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

How to Reduce Lagging Internet Speed

Last Updated: February 20, 2014

Written by:

In today’s world of fast Internet and a need for more bandwidth, many are finding a common enemy in lagging Internet speed. More devices are connected to the home network, and each device draws bandwidth. While the Internet speed to your home does not get reduced, it may seem like it — especially if family members are watching streaming video or downloading their favorite music albums.

Centralized Location

One of the biggest issues today for families is trying to get the best signal coverage within their home. In many cases, the real issue is the location of the router. Routers may not look like it, but they are like a radar dish sending signals in various directions. One might think that the direction of the signal would be dome-like, and that it would go through the home this fashion. While it is dome-like, the signal actually shoots down and out, not upwards. So, it is best to place the router upstairs if possible.

Location is everything for the router. The more restricted the router is by placement, the more restricted the signal is. Placing the router into a TV cabinet, or crammed between the TV and wall, is restrictive. The router should be in an open space, and according to CNET, as high as possible.

Signal Testing

Try testing the signal strength in various rooms to help find the best area in the house to meet all your family’s needs. Move the router to a centralized location. Take your wireless devices into different rooms and connect to BandwidthPlace.com to test your Internet speed. If you are not satisfied, then move the router to a higher place and repeat the process. Remember that a direct connection to the router will always give a much stronger signal than wireless. Wireless starts losing some of the signal as soon as it is transmitted.

Just by moving the router to a different, preferred location in the house, you should see a significant reduction in lagging Internet speed.

Photo credit: Flickr/trekkyandy

About the Authors

Learn What Is Google Fiber?

Naming Your WiFi: Tips for Secure Silliness

Last Updated:

Written by:

Naming your WiFi network is important. Too common and guests won’t be able to figure out which network is yours; too specific and you might get some strange questions. The best WiFi names are those you can remember easily but don’t give away personal information or hint at passwords. Humor is usually a good idea in moderation — so, how do you pick a silly and secure WiFi name?

Naming Conventions

There are no rules that govern the naming of your WiFi. Most networks default to the name of the wireless router company, so when you first set up a network it will likely be named “Linksys” or “DLink” or something similar. In addition, most networks default to “open,” meaning they can be accessed by anyone in range using a wireless-enabled device.

To change the name of your WiFi and security settings:

Go to the admin panel of your router. Every router company uses a slightly different home IP address, which will be listed as part of the router’s documentation. Point your Web browser to this address and you’ll find a login page. Again, look to the router’s instruction manual, but most companies use “admin” as the login name and don’t require a password. Others don’t require a user name, but default to “admin” as the password.
Once you’ve accessed the router’s system panel, navigate to the security tab and you’ll find options to change both your network’s name and security settings.
If possible, enable WPA2 security, which allows you to create a password and offers the highest level of protection when you’re connected. WPA is a less secure option, but enable it if you can’t get WPA2 protection. If you have no other choice, use WEP.
Make sure your password is something you’ll remember but isn’t “admin” or the name of the router company.

Next, it’s time to select a new WiFi name.

It’s Catchy, Right?

There are a few best practices when it comes to naming your WiFi network:

Don’t use any personal information such as your name, date of birth, or street address. While using personal data helps you and your family pick out the right wireless network, it also gives out dangerous information to whoever else might be looking.
Don’t pick a name that’s too over the top, embarrassing, or offensive. Slightly scandalous WiFi names and dirty jokes have become commonplace for many users, but try explaining why you picked an off-color name to children or relatives — better to stick with something funny and clean. For example, “Too Fly for a WiFi” is clever without being over the top and is also easy to remember, and many users still choose “FBI Surveillance Van” as a way to put off would-be hackers.
The best sources of funny WiFi names come from hobbies you enjoy or sports you play; in a household of golfers, for example, a good WiFi name might be “The 19th Hole.” A football-loving family might pick “4th and 10 Mbps,” while dog owners could create a “WooFi” network.

Using your imagination is key to choosing a funny WiFi name — one you can easily remember but doesn’t give away password or personal information.