Staff Writer
Lauren Villa is a tech writer with a passion for digital transformation. She covers cell phone carriers, internet providers, and savings hacks for Canadians. Lauren has a bachelor's in Writing Seminars from Johns Hopkins University.
A modem is what brings the internet into your home. A wireless router comes in after the modem. A router is what routes or passes your internet connection to all of your devices.
Using a VPN makes a world of difference when it comes to protecting your online behavior. Free VPNs help you do that but also don’t cost a cent. While some of these VPNs are overloaded with ads, you can’t beat free if you’re on a tight budget.
VPN is an acronym for virtual private network. A VPN provides encryption, so your data is protected while you’re browsing on a public WiFi network. There are a number of VPN services to choose from at a variety of price points. If you like the idea of securing your life online, VPNs are a solid investment and provide great, long-term value.
Vancouver-based Telus is one of the major internet providers in Canada, along with Bell, Rogers, and Shaw. Telus provides both internet and cell phone service across the country via DSL and fibre connections.
A WiFi booster is also called a WiFi repeater, and creates a new WiFi network to boost the signal in that area of your home. WiFi extenders further the existing network. WiFi mesh networks fuse your router and extender systems together, giving the signal fewer points of failure or latency.
You'll want between 150 Kbps and 1.1 Mbps to run Zoom. Of course, the size of the call, the number of people sharing your WiFi signal, and the speed of your internet connection will all play into how smooth your call is.
Hundreds of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.