Five common misconceptions about home connectivity  

Five common misconceptions about home connectivity

Let’s say it’s five o’clock on a weekday—everyone’s home from work or school. To decompress, you all reach for your Wi-Fi devices of choice. But with everyone online all at once, the connection starts faltering. HBO Max keeps pausing to buffer, the PS5 game is lagging, and nothing’s loading on Instagram. In a scenario like this, the solution may not be to buy a more expensive router or pay for the fastest internet speed available. Every household’s internet needs will vary and finding the right fit for your home can be confusing. To help clear things up, we’ve compiled a list of five common misconceptions about home connectivity. 

1. I need the fastest internet possible 

When it comes to internet speed, faster is arguably better, but paying for unnecessarily high internet speeds means throwing money away every month. Internet speed, the time it takes for data to transfer from a server to your device, is measured by megabits per second (Mbps). Five to 10 Mbps will typically give you a smooth viewing experience with YouTube or Netflix. But if you want to stream something in 4k or HDR, your internet will need to operate at a minimum of 15 – 25 Mbps.  

The best place to start is assessing how many Wi-Fi devices are in frequent use in your household and what kind of tasks they perform. From there, you can estimate an appropriate speed for your home and avoid overpaying for frivolous megabits per second.  

There are plenty of online resources that can help you decipher your household’s optimal internet speed, like highspeedinternet.com’s “What is a good internet speed?” chart. 

2. A more expensive router means better connectivity 

And that brings us to the next common misconception: A more expensive router means better connectivity. Of course, this principle of higher prices equating to better services has never been a good rule of thumb, but especially not when it comes to internet services.  

If you’re getting the appropriate internet speed to your household and are still having issues with connectivity, a more expensive router won’t fix it, but a Wi-Fi Mesh system will. A Wi-Fi Mesh system uses several wirelessly connected routing devices to broadcast a Wi-Fi signal throughout an entire home. This consistent spread of signal eliminates dead spots and lets you roam free without having to connect to a different network or resort to using cell data. 

When it comes to Wi-Fi Mesh systems, Vilo Living is the best in the business, offering an excellent mesh system at an affordable cost. The Vilo App is also ideal for household connectivity as it lets users monitor their devices, has an intuitive parental control feature, and more.  

common misconceptions about home connectivity
Vilo Living’s Wi-Fi Mesh system eliminates dead spots and allows you to roam free.

3. My device won’t connect so it must be a problem with my internet  

Since routers represent the only physical manifestation of internet in your home, it’s easy to see them as the source of all connectivity-related problems. Another one of the common misconceptions about home connectivity for many internet users is that if their device won’t connect, it must be a problem with their internet. While there are scenarios where this might be the case, there are plenty potential issues you can resolve without having to contact your internet service provider (ISP). 

If you have a device that won’t connect to Wi-Fi, try focusing your efforts first on the device itself. Often the solution is as simple as turning the device off and back on. You can also reset your device’s network’s settings or have the device “forget” your Wi-Fi and reconnect a few seconds later.  

4. Bigger ISP brands means fewer complications 

Let’s face it, convenience sells. It’s why Starbucks made almost 30 billion USD last year—people don’t want the hassle of making their own cup of coffee. For consumers, the less complicated the better, and Wi-Fi is no exception. Many internet users don’t care to know what type of Wi-Fi they’re getting, and not even necessarily what speed—just as long as it works.  

That’s one of the reasons why so many internet users prefer ISPs they’re familiar with like COX, Comcast, and Xfinity. They know the name means they’ll get to watch Netflix and shop online. What many fail to consider, though, is that smaller ISPs offer the same, if not better network quality for more affordable prices.  

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of these smaller ISPs is that they offer more personable services. In other words, when you call your ISP with an internet issue, a real person will answer the phone. Forbes reported in 2019 that the majority of customers prefer speaking to a real person on the phone, as opposed to an automated assistant. While the prospect of having a personable internet service experience may be new to you, it will be a welcomed change of pace. 

5. All Wi-Fi is the same 

For many people, Wi-Fi is a mysterious invisible force that connects their devices to the cyberworld, so it’s understandable when someone assumes that all Wi-Fi is the same. But in reality, Wi-Fi signals come in the form of 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz frequency bands. Wi-Fi networks use either of these frequencies to transmit data between routers and smart devices. 

The most common Wi-Fi frequency band is 2.4 Ghz. The only problem is that other devices in your home, like your microwave or television remote control, often use this same frequency which can interfere with your connectivity.  

Wi-Fi operating with 5 Ghz frequency bands was developed to overcome this interference problem, but there’s still a list of pros and cons between the two frequencies. For instance, the 2.4 Ghz frequency has a wider range than the 5 Ghz, but the 5 Ghz is significantly faster.  

Any way you want to spin it, though, the Vilo Wi-Fi Mesh system provides the best of both worlds with its simultaneous dual band design. So if you’re still unsure which kind of Wi-Fi is best for you, you can be reassured that you’re getting the best of both options with Vilo Living.  

Still, in some extreme instances where Wi-Fi may be insufficient, you might need hard-wired internet connection, otherwise known as “Ethernet.” While Wi-Fi and Ethernet have their pros and cons, the bottom line is that Ethernet is more reliable and will transfer data from the internet to a computer faster than Wi-Fi. So, if you’re a professional online gamer and can’t risk losing connection even for a second, having hard-wired Ethernet connection might be the best option.  

Get the internet that’s right for you 

Every household’s internet needs vary. For some, connectivity is simply a means to an end, for others, their livelihood depends on it. Whatever the case may be, clearing up these misconceptions about home connectivity is a great first step to understanding your unique internet needs and, ultimately, getting the internet service that’s right for you. 

How The Construction of Your Home Affects Your Wi-Fi 

When analyzing their Wi-Fi needs and looking for ways to improve speeds, few people think to look at the construction of their home. It is a little-known fact that the construction of your home greatly impacts your Wi-Fi signal throughout the home. Whether you are looking to enhance your home Wi-Fi or weighing the benefits of a home remodel, there are several factors to consider when it comes to Wi-Fi and how your home is constructed.  

Housing Materials and Wi-Fi Issues 

Concrete  

If you currently have concrete walls in your home, you no doubt know the struggles that come along with them. Concrete and Wi-Fi do not play well together, concrete completely hinders Wi-Fi’s ability to move and makes it difficult to get a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout a home. When a signal cannot pass through the walls there are few ways to get it to penetrate throughout your home. It does not matter how good the Wi-Fi is coming into your home, the further you get away from the router the weaker your signal is going to get, and while this is true of all homes, those made of concrete take this to the next level.  

Brick  

Brick walls are very similar to concrete walls and how Wi-Fi travels through them. Brick does not play well with Wi-Fi and blocks a lot of the signal from passing through. Although brick is a popular home construction material, especially in colder climates, it makes for a more difficult home Wi-Fi setup. The homeowner will most likely need several mesh routers strategically placed around the home to get good coverage. While more involved, with a mesh Wi-Fi system even the most difficult of home designs can have good Wi-Fi coverage with a mesh Wi-Fi system.  

Drywall 

In contrast to concrete and brick walls, drywall plays very well with Wi-Fi. Drywall does not block the pathway of Wi-Fi signals; in contrast, it lets a good amount of the Wi-Fi signal pass through. The percentage of Wi-Fi lost while passing through the walls is minimal and you will still be able to get a decent Wi_Fi signal. This of course still depends on  

However, one more element affects Wi-Fi signals even more. When your drywalls are unnecessarily thick, they cause Wi-Fi issues. Wi-Fi signals do not pass through them quickly thus leading to slow Wi-Fi speeds.

Wood 

Wooden floors, walls, and structures in homes are very common. While not as drastic as the aforementioned material types, wood still has an effect on Wi-Fi signals. A thin wood will most likely not have a noticeable effect on your Wi-Fi. However, you might see slow Wi-Fi speeds when the wood used is thicker  

The Solution  
 
While the construction of your home can slow inhibit your Wi-Fi speeds it is not the end of the world, a mesh Wi-Fi system is the best way to combat this. A mesh Wi-Fi System is the best way to ensure stable Wi-Fi signals all-around your home no matter the size and can help fight against the materials blocking signals. It may be more involved, but with a mesh Wi-Fi system, even the most difficult of home designs can have good Wi-Fi coverage with a mesh Wi-Fi system. 

Why A Mesh Wi-Fi System is Better Than an Extender 

Nowadays, people are often replacing their Wi-Fi extenders with Mesh Wi-Fi systems, and the question is, “why?” 

A Wi-Fi extender and a Mesh Wi-Fi system are similar in that they both work to enhance the Wi-Fi signal in a user’s home. They aim to strengthen and enhance the quality of Wi-Fi signals. However, Mesh Wi-Fi Systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their quality and added features. 

We did an in-depth analysis of both Mesh Systems and Extenders to give you further insight.  


 Looking for better wi-fi signals

Wi-Fi Extenders 

A Wi-Fi Extender acts as a booster for your already installed Wi-Fi router. It broadcasts the signal to other parts of your home. Wi-Fi extenders are also cheap and easily installable, however, there are some drawbacks as well.  
 

Drawbacks Of Wi-Fi Extenders 

  • Network Switching 

When using an extender, your network appears as two different networks rather than one. Moreover, the device keeps switching between the networks frequently while you’re roaming around the house. At times you may need to manually switch to another network, this can be inconvenient if on a call or teleconference at the time.  
 

  • More Suitable for Small Housing Only  

Wi-Fi Extenders don’t typically help if you live in a larger home. For instance, you’d most likely need to have multiple extenders to get coverage to all areas of your home meaning you’d have multiple different networks and would be constantly changing to different networks.  

  • No Added Features  

A Wi-Fi Extender is just that, an extender and nothing more. It gives the user no added features or controls over their network.  

All these weaknesses make Wi-Fi extenders less benefitting for users. That is why people are switching to Mesh Wi-Fi systems. 

Mesh Wi-Fi Systems 

Mesh Wi-Fi Systems are newer to the market but are growing rapidly in popularity. It consists of multiple routers installed at various places throughout a user’s home. These routers work together, wirelessly, to provide a blanket of Wi-Fi signal across the home. They can easily cover large areas in a consistent signal, and best of all they work together on one network so there is no need to change networks at any point, regardless of where you are in the home.  

While a Mesh Wi-Fi system is typically more expensive than an extender, it usually comes with added features as well. 
 

Advantages Of Mesh WiFi System 

  • No Switching 

Your connected devices will automatically switch to the nearest router and keep a strong consistent signal to your device with no inconvenience to the user.  

  • Cover Large Areas in Wi-Fi  

Multiple Wi-Fi points make it possible for you to have a reliable Wi-Fi signal across a larger area. For example, a Vilo 3-pack covers up to 4,500 square feet in Wi-Fi signal. You can go to any part of the house and use your devices with ease.  
 

  • Added Features 

A lot of Mesh Wi-Fi Systems come with additional features as well. For example, The Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System comes with an easy-to-use app that gives users access to free Parental Controls, Guest Wi-Fi, and more.  
 

The Final Verdict 

Through this analysis, you can clearly see the benefits and reasons for choosing a Mesh Wi-Fi System over an Extender for your home network. With improved coverage, seamless connectivity, and added features, a Mesh Wi-Fi system is the solution your home Wi-Fi needs. Check out Vilo here to learn more about the most affordable Mesh Wi-Fi system.  
 

5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Happy Earth Day from Vilo! Learn 5 new ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint and improve your quality of life!

Happy Earth Day!

We know what most other carbon footprint listicle suggestions are; eat beans instead of meat, bike more, stop buying so many clothes, turn down your thermostat, etc. But what if you already don’t eat much or any meat, work from home, score your fashion from more sustainable second-hand stores, and are actually really cold?

Here at Vilo we came up with 5 more ways that you can easily reduce your carbon footprint and even improve your quality of life.

1. Travel via VR

We get it. Our travel bucket list is long too. But the flights and taxi rides involved in international travel are not only expensive in terms of dollars, but carbon output as well. Slim down your dream destination list to the places that you truly care about experiencing in person, and visit everywhere else via VR! Oculus has a list of 11 VR Apps that can take you all around the world on guided tours from Tokyo to Kenya. And with many countries still not allowing international travelers, VR might be the only way you can wander around Harajuku for a while.

But you can wander wherever you want in your home and stay connected to the internet with the power of Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi.

2. Shop with a Carbon Offset Browser Extension

Neutral is a new startup that calculates your carbon footprint from online purchases at retailers such as Amazon. It’s an extremely easy way to see and immediately offset your impact on the environment.

3. Get an Electric Blanket

Did you know that electric blankets are vastly more energy-efficient than space heaters or even central heating? Not only will you save on your carbon footprint, but you will also see a clear difference on your next heating bill when you switch from using a space heater to an electric blanket to keep warm this year. Plus if you have a household where people have very different temperature comfort zones, even the household members without electric blankets will be happier.

4. Switch to Tone Changing Smart Bulbs

You’re probably already saving money and carbon by using LED lightbulbs, but do you have kids who always forget to turn lights off after they leave the room? Or do you have a lot of lamps that are just a little inconvenient to walk around and turn on and then turn off manually all the time? Smart bulbs such as LIFX A19 Mini Day and Dusks paired with home assistant speakers offer a huge quality of life improvement to virtually everyone. Easily control your home lighting from anywhere, set up fun phrases for mood lighting or night lights, and set lighting schedules that fit you and your family’s lifestyle.

And with Vilo, you can easily set up a Guest Network to keep your smart devices separate for added network security.

But how does this impact your carbon footprint besides being able to turn off the lights a little easier?

And why do they need to be tone changing specifically?

Let’s go down to the next item on this list- and the most impactful change you can make to not only the environment, but your quality of life and even health.

5. Get More Sleep

Seriously.

The easiest way to cut your carbon footprint is to get more sleep. And it’s incredibly beneficial to you as well.

Around the world including in the US, the difference in energy use between daytime and nighttime is huge. The Japanese Ministry of Environment found that 20% of Japan’s electricity is consumed within an hour of going to bed. But staying up late doesn’t come as a cost to only the environment. There is a huge health and economic cost as well to being sleep-deprived.

Even though the vast majority of Americans report wanting to get more sleep, insomnia and sleep problems are one of the most common health concerns. Over the last few years in particular, sales of melatonin have skyrocketed.

So what does this have to do with smart lights again?

You’ve probably heard that you should block blue light at night and may even have a red nighttime screen filter on your smartphone. Our brains have a little section called the pineal gland that controls our natural melatonin production based on the environmental light around us. This is why daylight makes us feel more alert and many people have Seasonal Affective Disorder.

With tone changing smart lights that can be scheduled to automatically shift from energizing blue-tinted white light to relaxing warm evening light, you are effectively reprogramming your own circadian rhythm. They really make going to bed early so easy. And if it’s easier to go to sleep even just an hour earlier, not only will that have a massive impact on your carbon footprint, but huge health and economic benefits.

We love re-watching The Office as much as anyone, but is one more episode before bed really worth it now?

Or if it’s your kids who are staying up late, just use Vilo Parental Controls to turn off the Wi-Fi to their devices at bedtime.

How Vilo Can Help With Blocked Wi-Fi Signals

Have you ever been on the other side of your house from your Wi-Fi router and the internet is slow because of a low or bad Wifi signal? You’re trying to watch a movie and it just keeps buffering or Facebook is taking forever to load, it can be so frustrating! This happens because everyday things like walls and doors get in the way of the signal. For example, Wi-Fi has a really hard time getting through concrete, a common building material most likely in your home. Because of this, having a single router in your home most likely won’t provide Wi-Fi signal to all areas of your home causing you to be restricted in the areas in which you can use Wi-Fi enabled devices.

Here is an example of what your Wi-Fi signal looks like in your home from having just one router in your home.

As you can see if you want to enjoy some music outside on your deck or watch videos in your bedroom you will have slow or no internet. Due to either distance or interference, your Wi-Fi simply can’t make it to those areas of your home, annoying we know!

But that’s where mesh Wi-Fi comes to the rescue! With a Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi system, you’ll have multiple access points around your home, these points broadcast your Wi-Fi signal all over. So instead of one router struggling to get signal to all areas, you have multiple routers working together on one network to cover your home in Wi-Fi signal.

You might be thinking “How is this different from an extender?” Well, mesh is not only different from extenders, it’s better. An extender will broadcast a signal to another area of your home, but in order to get that signal you have to manually switch to that extender network. Imagine being on a video call with family, walking through your home to show them the work you recently did in the back yard and you lose the call due to dropped Wi-Fi, or having to exit the call, connect to the extenders network SSID and then coming back to the call. It would be a headache right? Well this where mesh truly shines. Mesh gives you a stable signal all throughout your home and it seamlessly connects to the closest router, without you even knowing, so you never drop signal or have to stop what you’re doing to change networks. Simple put, mesh rules.

Check out how having 3 Vilos (Mesh routers) throughout a home improves the Wi-Fi signal in those previously weak areas.

As you can see a mesh Wi-Fi system now lets you enjoy your Wi-Fi across your entire home. Play movies in any room, connect to devices from the back patio and not worry about your Wi-Fi signal. Vilo is the most affordable mesh Wi-Fi system on the market so what are you waiting for? Wherever you are, Vilos got you covered.

The Best Wi-Fi For Your Smart Devices

The Rise of Smart Devices

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you no doubt did some shopping the past few weeks, and we can’t blame you, there were some great deals this year! It probably comes as no surprise that the most purchased items this sale season were tech products. More specifically, smart tech devices, essentially a device that needs Wi-Fi to operate. USA Today listed the 10 most popular products bought from Black Friday to Cyber Monday and while some of them are the more standard household items many of the items on the list were smart tech items, including a few of our favorites such as the Roomba Vacuum, the Apple MacBook Air, and the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.

What do all these awesome products have in common? They all need a Wi-Fi connection to function. And while you probably have Wi-Fi already in your home is your Wi-Fi capable of handling all these devices? You need a strong signal that spans all corners of your home, from the front door to the back patio and the basement in between. You want to ensure your Wi-Fi signal can cover it all so your smart devices can connect and function properly. You not only need coverage from your network but also a network that can handle multiple devices being connected at once.

Wi-Fi for Smart Devices

So how do you get a Wi-Fi network that can handle all of your fun new tech toys? Easy, you get a mesh Wi-Fi system. But what is mesh?

Mesh Wi-Fi works differently than a typical Wi-Fi network, outdated Wi-Fi routers and traditional set ups weren’t designed for the smart homes of the future and extenders only help occasionally but they create a fragmented network that causes drops in coverage. Mesh covers your entire home in a seamless Wi-Fi network that gives you a strong signal in every corner of your home. With a continuous network throughout your home, you can easily use smart tech devices wherever you please, even the back patio or basement office. To learn more about how mesh Wi-Fi works check out this blog post all about mesh.

Now you know you need mesh Wi-Fi for your smart tech devices how do you pick the best Mesh Wii-Fi System? Vilo Living has got you covered, literally. A Vilo 3-Pack can cover up to 4,500 square feet in strong Wi-Fi signal and connect up to 120 devices at once. So, you can have all the smart bulbs, security cameras, Roombas, and smart TVs you want and in any area of your home. No more dead zones, no more limiting devices, with Vilo you can do it all. And the best part; a Vilo 3-pack costs only $79.99, making it the cheapest Mesh Wi-Fi on the market.

Get the Wi-Fi your new smart devices need, get Vilo. Click here to buy Vilo now.

The Vilo Living Holiday Gift Guide

Keeping up with the ever-changing tech scene can be overwhelming, there is always some new product available or the latest version on the market. If you have a tech lover in the family, how are you supposed to know what to get them this holiday season? The holidays are fast approaching and if you haven’t already made your gift purchases, you’re no doubt looking to do so soon! Don’t worry, we asked a few Vilo employees and rounded up some of our favorite tech products to help you pick the best gifts for this holiday season.

iRobot Roomba j7+

For your friends or family members that are tech and animal lovers! As a mom of 2 cats and a dog, our Social Media Manager Ella highly recommends the iRobot Roomba j7+. While all of the Roombas are great additions to a smart home this one is especially great. This self-emptying robot vacuum also identifies and avoids obstacles, like pet waste or spills, and it is fantastic at picking up pet hair. With smart mapping technology, the vacuum knows your home and where to clean, so you don’t have to! This one is so good you might want to buy one for yourself as well.

LIFX A19 Smart LED Light Bulb

This is Miriam’s, our Marketing Manager, favorite smart light bulb, in fact, it’s her overall favorite tech product. These light bulbs really do it all! With color changes, app control, voice control, and more they’re all that you could want in a light bulb and then some. Whether you want to set the mood, set a schedule, or just a fun color change you can do it all, while still being bright and efficient. Small and easy to wrap these are an ideal gift for almost anyone on your list.

Tonal

Boasting to be the world’s smartest home gym this is the perfect gift for the exercise enthusiast in your life. Tonal brings technology and fitness together and puts it into the ease of your home. CEO and Founder, Jessie Zhou, said this is her new favorite tech and we can see why. Tonal uses a revolutionary dynamic weight that adjusts to your movement so that you are getting a personalized workout that will help you grow stronger and stronger, all without the barbells and bands. From beginner to pro, Tonal creates ideal workouts for every user with up to 200 pounds of digital weight. While on the higher end of the price range this gift will make an impact on the lucky recipient.

Wyze Cam v3

Our product specialist, Eva Wu, said her home relies heavily on their Wyze Cams. The v3 version claims to be brighter, bolder, and better than ever! With the ability to clearly see the outdoors regardless of light or weather conditions the Wyze Cam lets users keep an eye on their surroundings, and at a great price! Their most powerful camera yet, the v3 is a no-brainer for gifts this year.

What do all these awesome gift ideas have in common? They’re all Wi-Fi-connected smart devices, meaning users will want to have great Wi-Fi coverage throughout their home for optimal use. What better accompaniment to a smart home gift than a mesh Wi-Fi system! The Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi system has the easiest setup, great coverage, and an even better price. Add Vilo to your holiday gift list for the ultimate gift duo, a smart device, and better Wi-Fi!

Which Mesh Wi-Fi System is Right for You? 

Ok, so you finally figured out what Mesh Wi-Fi is and you’re ready to make the leap from your old Wi-Fi setup. You’ve researched the why, you see the benefits of a mesh Wi-Fi system, how it will increase Wi-Fi coverage across your entire home, create seamless connections for your devices and simplify your home network setup. Now you just need to decide which system is going to be the right one for you and your home.  

Well we want to make the buying process and easy as possible for you so we’ve done a breakdown of Vilo versus the competitors to show you why Vilo is the right Mesh Wi-Fi system for your home.

The Right Mesh Wi-Fi for Your Home

Coverage  

Vilo brings Wi-Fi to every corner of your home! That backroom that’s never held a strong signal, we’ll cover that, the attic office that can’t connect, we’ll cover that, the back patio that’s in need of sound system upgrade, we’ll cover that. It doesn’t matter where it is in your home, with the right Vilo set up you can cover any part of your home with Wi-Fi.  

A single Vilo unit covers 1,500 square feet in reliable, strong Wi-Fi signal! A 3-pack of Vilos can cover up to 4,500 square feet. This coverage is completely on par with our competitors whose 3 units cover 4,500 to 5,000 square feet as well.

So, what sets Vilo apart? Our price!

We provide the exact same coverage as Google, eero, Deco, and Orbi, but we only cost a fraction of the price, just $19.99 per unit. We also boast the easiest setup of any Mesh Wi-Fi system, so you can easily add additional Vilos to your network. Easy to use, easy on your wallet!    

Tech Specs  

What about all the other important features, Ethernet ports, additional unit configuration, etc.…? Well, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how we stack up against the others. Vilo has all the features of our competitors, if not more.  

Built in app management tools like parental controls and guest networks are free features with the Vilo App, eero, Google, and Orbi charge for additional features like these.  

What about Ethernet ports? Vilo has 3 on each unit, compared to the standard 2 ports on all other systems.  

How Many devices can you connect? Great question, Vilo supports up to 65 devices on a single unit or 120 on a 3 unit system, again, the same if not better than our competitors. 

Vilo Living Wi-Fi
The Mesh Wi-Fi system you need

Price  

Let’s talk more about this great price, each Vilo is just $19.99 per unit, you read that right, $19.99 per unit. So you can cover your whole home with Vilo for the price of one unit from another brand.  

And just because they’re affordable doesn’t mean they’re cheap. We know what you’re thinking, the price is too good to be true. We’re working tirelessly to change this stigma, affordable doesn’t have to mean poorly made. Vilo gives you all the features of competing products, but by simplifying the supply chain we are able to offer them at a great price!  

So what are you waiting for! You’re ready to make the switch to a Meah Wi-Fi system and now you know that the Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi system is the best option for your home!  

Preparing For the Holidays with Vilo  

The holiday season is fast approaching and it’s one of our favorite times of the year. There will be dinners to plan, houses to decorate, gifts to buy, and travel to plan. This year is expected to be even busier than usual as many are traveling for the first time in a while. Joyous reunions will be taking place over turkey dinners and gift exchanges. But we know, with so many great plans in store, this time of year can also be overwhelming at times. You may be unsure where to start with your holiday plans and how to make this year extra special, but don’t worry Vilo is here to make the holiday season a little easier. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite holiday tips and tricks to make this year an easy and enjoyable one!  

Set Your Holiday Budget   

With so much to plan and do it can be easy to get carried away with spending, trust us, we love online shopping as much as the next person. So, setting a budget early in the season can help ensure you don’t overspend before the year is over. Set aside time to review your upcoming plans for the year, what costs will be involved and when purchases will need to be made. Look for budget friendly gifts that are a guaranteed crowd pleaser, we’re of course fans of the Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi system as the ideal affordable gift, but there are lots of great budget friendly gifts this year.

De-clutter and Clean  

Worried about the in-laws coming over, hosting for the first time in a while and everyone will see your home? Start de-cluttering now! Cleaning for guests always seems more overwhelming as you want your home to appear spotless for them. If you start decluttering now your home will be easier to clean and tidy when it comes time to entertain. That old hallway cupboard that’s full of unused coats, the cabinet full of old routers and wires, that one junk drawer we all have, yeah, those spots, start clearing those out now, and hosting your guests will be a breeze this year. This is also a great time of year to donate any unwanted items to those in need!  

Guest Networks  

What’s the first thing people ask when they come and stay with you? It’s almost always “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” If you are hosting family and friends this holiday season you might not want them all connecting to your personal network. With Vilo Guest Networks you can set up a Wi-Fi network just for them. This way you can set up an easy-to-remember Wi-Fi name and password and set a time limit on how long the guest networks lasts, you don’t even have to remember to turn it off. Setting up a guest network is easy and quick, check out the setup guide here.  

There are many ways that you and your family can get ready for the holiday season, but Vilo, the easy Wi-Fi, your holiday season just got even better!

Stay connected this holiday season!

5 Ways To Ensure Your Internet Safety

Cyber security is constantly on the minds of many, the internet is so prevalent in our day to day lives and many are concerned about how they can ensure they and their families are safe while online. Multiple aspects of our lives are now controlled by devices and so much of our information is out there for all to see! Ensuring you are staying safe while online and keeping your family safe is more crucial than ever. So what can you do to guarantee your safety while online?

Make your devices secure with Vilo

Passwords

We get it, forgetting your password is so irritating! And having to go through the reset process is not fun, but it’s there for a reason. Your password is the gateway to all your information, and we mean all of it! Think of the many things you do online, banking and bill pay, shopping, social networking and so much more. The last thing you want is someone gaining access to any of that personal information. So when it comes to passwords the key is to make them long and strong. As tempting as it may be to have an easy-to-remember password using a strong password is crucial to your online safety. This applies to not only your Mesh Wi-Fi network password but to your online accounts as well. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to passwords.

Device Access Control

Know who is on your network! Your home Wi-Fi Network is the portal to your online world, knowing who has access to your network is important for your online safety. With Device detection on the Vilo App you can get notifications when new devices join your Wi-Fi network. If you see an unknown or unwanted device join your network you can quickly block them from your network, ensuring your Wi-Fi network stays safe and secure.

Avoid Open Wi-Fi networks

Open Wi-Fi networks are a danger zone for Wi-Fi safety. While they may prove useful when you are away from home and in need of a strong Wi-Fi connection, avoid using them for any work or billing purposes. If you can hotspot from your phone instead, or wait until you are back on a secure Wi-Fi network to handle any personal online matters. This will help avoid people accessing your information.

Turn On Automatic Updates

You want to keep your apps and software as current and up to date as possible, whenever companies discover a hole in their security or software they issue updates as quickly as possible. You want to get these updates as soon as possible so if automatic updates are an option for any of the devices you use turn them on. Don’t waste time delaying the update process. Turn on automatic app updates for your Vilo App through the App Store or Google Play store settings on your phone.

Parental Controls

As an adult, you may be able to more easily avoid the pitfalls of online security. You know what sites to avoid, and what not to click on or open. Your children, however, will most likely need more guidance. Parental controls are a great way to protect your children while they are online. With Vilo’s free parental controls in the Vilo App, you can easily block unwanted or harmful sites, as well as set time limits on Wi-Fi usage. You can rest assured that your family is safe online when using Vilo.

With more and more people online, and more and more being done via the internet your online security is more important than ever! Continue to check on your networks and online habits to make sure you are safe and secure online.