Is my holiday let router safer than a hotspot?

on holiday with internet access. Is this safer than using a hotspot?

If you go into the Network and Sharing Centre as I outlined earlier you should see something like this picture. You need to check what is showing in the part I have circled. If it is showing as a Home Network, I would change it to a Public Network by clicking on it.
This sounds more insecure but it is actually telling your computer that you are connected to a public network and because of this it won't allow folders etc to be shared on that network and treats it as an untrusted network. If you have it as a Home network folder etc can be shared and it will treat any other computers on that network as trusted which unless you know who owns them is not a good idea.
You have also done the correct thing by not sharing anything on your computer. If you do share folders normally remember to change it back when you get home.

Similar Messages

Anyone used Airport Express as bridge w. wireless router other than Apples?

I have my QS 867 hardwired to my highspeed modem and a Netgear 624GT wireless router attached. My PB has been having trouble with the signal in certain spots due to all the jazz about the alum interfering w. the antenna. When I try to setup the Airport Express with my Netgear network and use the Airport as a bridge/range extender, it does not recogize the Netgear router. It seems to specify in the instructions that you MUST use an Airport Extreme Base Station. Is this true? Has anyone used the Express as a bridge with a wireless router other than the Base Station?

At one point in time I did have an Airport Express working in WDS over WEP with the Belkin F5D7230-4 and F5D7130. It's unsupported and difficult to get setup. It tends to causes them to lock up and need to be rebooted.
We ended up just dropping the Belkins and getting more Airport Expresses as the Belkins couldn't support doing WDS over WPA (which we've since moved too).

Can I increase the range of an AirPort Extreme by a router other than AirPort Express?

Im using an AirPort Extreme as my primary wireless router extended by an AirPort Express at home. We are primarily using macs at home and I'm overall satisfied with the quality of the product. However a lot of online reviews (including pcmag and cNet don't list the extreme or the express) amongst the list of top 10 wireless routers. The ones listed are much cheaper and has received very positive user reviews as well. However I need to setup a new network at my new office and I have some questions regarding setting up a wifi network in regard to AirPort Extreme:
1) Can I extend the wireless network setup via AirPort Extreme Base Station by another wireless router other than Airport Express?
2) I've heard of many cheaper alternatives (Cisco and NetGear being chief) to AirPort Extreme. I've also heard that the network set up by the AE is not as compatible with a windows based environment (which could be an issue as I'm going for an IBM server). In that case which would be the best wireless router for me?
3) Any other specific reason for which I should prefer AE over any other wireless modem?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

1) Can I extend the wireless network setup via AirPort Extreme Base Station by another wireless router other than Airport Express?
Apple appears to have designed their "extend a wireless network" feature using proprietary software, so it would be extremely unlikely that a router from another manufacturer would work with the AirPort Extreme....if you are trying to extend wirelessly.
In that case which would be the best wireless router for me?
That depends on your requirements, and whether you are going strictly for specifications rather than features, or even ease of installation and use. In any case, I can't answer that question.
If you subscribe to industry publications with test reports on products, there always seems to be a new "best" product, so expect that whatever you buy will be superceded by another "best" product within a month.
As far as use with a PC, I've had no issues using several PCs with Apple routers.
3) Any other specific reason for which I should prefer AE over any other wireless modem?
Apple routers are for mom and pop at home. While the product would provide basic functionality in an office, the product was not designed, nor does it have the type of features that most businesses would require.
For example, if I were using a business router, I would expect it use a high grade firewall for security purposes, and for the router to provide reports that track Internet use for each computer, along with a record of what Internet sites were being visited by each employee. Apple routers won't do that.

AirPort Extreme 5G and a DD-WRT Router ----Safe?

Yesterday I got AirPort Extreme 5th Generation which replace our broken Linksys 310N v2 router which would drop the signal almost all the time and pist us off for the last 3-4months. Ya can use it as a hub if ya like bc the wifi part never likes to stay up long at all.
We have another router (Linksys 300N 2 anttenas sticking out) upstairs in my parrents room for there BR-DVD Player to stream Netflix, pandora, and a whole lot others but mostly Netflix is runn'n up there connected to our Linksys router on the main floor.
---I was wondering is it safe for a dd-wrt wirelessly to connect with the AirPort Exetreme 5G? I'm good at routers n such but im new with AirPort.
Sometime in the next couple months or so, i be probably getting that replace too so that be replace with the AirPort Express. and i here it can connect to other Airport's right?
----if safe, Any good sites for a dd-wrt connecting correctly with a AirPort Extreme?
Before any1 of you ask, I got the Extreme bc of the specs and mostly bc of the 3 ports it has for our Xbox 360 (2006), DirectTV HD Demand, and my parrents PC, other than the ports are gigs so thats good to. (LAN-LINE) wich we're replacing our ethernet cords bc the safty satch are broken and so they get loose and ya kno!

Norm,
Which specific steps are you talking about here?
There are steps to configure using the "extend a wireless network" setting.
There are steps to configure things using WDS settings.
There are steps to configure two Apple routers together using an Ethernet connection.
There are no steps that mention connecting an AirPort to a 3rd party router.
All of the steps assume that you are using the Leopard or Snow Leopard operating system.
Are there steps available in any document for Lion and Mountain Lion users?

Why is Wireless G router slower than Wireless B?

I have a wireless B router (BEFW11S4 V4) that is dropping my internet connection sometimes on a daily basis. To restore it, I have to unplug the power and plug it back in. It's a pain and interferes with my work, so I purchased a wireless G router (WRT54G2) to replace it. Setting it up was quick and painless, but slowed my internet to a crawl. I know that wireless connections are slower than wired, but a direct connection was about 10 times faster (according to several online speed tests) which I find unacceptable.
I have since removed it and gone back to the older faulty router to restore my internet connect to a speed that at least allows me to do my work. I was not unhappy with my connection speed before. I only replaced the router because it was dropping the connection, but I cannot understand why the new router was so much slower.
Any thoughts, hints, or suggestions before I return the new router to the store?
Thanks!

1) What Internet connection speed are you paying for?
2) What Internet connection speed do you get when you wire your computer directly to your modem?
3) What Internet connection speed do you get when you wire your computer to the WRT54G2?
4) What Internet connection speed do you get through a wireless connection to the WRT54G2?
5) Is your computer's wireless adapter a wireless b? g? n?
There are many causes for poor wireless connections, and many solutions:
First of all, give your network a unique SSID. Do not use "linksys". If you are using "linksys" you may be trying to connect to your neighbor's router. Also set "SSID Broadcast" to "enabled". This will help your computer find and lock on to your router's signal.
Poor wireless connections are often caused by radio interference from other 2.4 GHz devices. This includes wireless phones, wireless baby monitors, microwave ovens, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless speakers, and your neighbor's wireless network. In rare cases, Bluetooth devices can interfere. Even some 5+ GHz phones also use the 2.4 Ghz band. Unplug these devices, and see if that corrects your problem.
In your router, try a different channel. There are 11 channels in the 2.4 GHz band. Usually channel 1, 6, or 11 works best. Check out your neighbors, and see what channel they are using. Because the channels overlap one another, try to stay at least +5 or -5 channels from your strongest neighbors. For example, if you have a strong neighbor on channel 9, try any channel 1 through 4.
Also, try to locate the router about 4 to 6 feet above the floor, in an open area. Do not locate it behind your monitor or near other computer equipment or speakers. If you have external antenna, they should be vertical.
Also, in the computer, go to your wireless software, and go to "Preferred Networks" (sometimes called "Profiles" ). There are probably a few networks listed. Delete any network named "linksys". Also delete any network that you do not recognize, or that you no longer use. Delete your current network (this will remove any old settings.) Reboot computer. Return to "Preferred Networks" and re-enter your current network info (SSID, encryption (if any), and key (if any) ). Then select your current network and make it your default network, and set it to automatic login. You may need to go to "settings" to do this, or you may need to right click on your network and select "Properties" or "settings". Reboot computer. You should connect automatically (it can take up to 2 minutes). If you have trouble connecting, in the computer, temporarily turn off your computer software firewall, and see if that helps.
If the above does not fix your problem, download and install the latest driver for your wireless card.
Some users have reported improved wireless performance by switching from WEP to WPA encryption.
If you continue to have problems, try the following:
For wireless g routers, try setting the "Transmission Rate" to 54 Mbps.
If you still have trouble, download and install the latest firmware for your router. After a firmware upgrade, you must reset the router to factory defaults, then setup the router again from scratch. If you saved a router configuration file, DO NOT use it.
Hope this helps.
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 01-07-2009 05:14 AM

I've bought an Apple USB drive, can I use this to load DVD's onto my computer so I only need to take the laptop on holiday with me rather than the USB drive and dvd's?

I've bought one of the Apple USB Superdrives thinking I could use it to load DVD's and save them onto my macbook pro, can anyone confirm if I can or can't do this?
If I can how do I do it?

DtheG13 wrote:
Ok so any chance you could explain to me exactly what I need to do as I am absolutely clueless! I have a pile of DVD's, the USB superdrive and I've just downloaded the Handbrake software. When I put the DVD into the superdrive it starts playing, how do I get the series onto my computer?
If you haven't done this before, there are a few things you need to know. Sorry to say that this is not yet a simple, straightforward process like it is for music CDs. It helps to be a little geeky. You will need to make some choice about file format and file size if there is any chance that the imported discs will take up more space than you have available on your hard drive. If you are willing to learn, you should read the Handbrake User Guide and other articles on the Web about importing DVDs.
If you think this is starting to look complicated and you don't have time to figure it out before the trip, it might be easier to just bring the discs.
I have found that Handbrake can't import every disc. I think Mac DVD Ripper Pro is a much easier program to use, and it will import almost any DVD pretty reliably, but it costs money. For me it is worth it.
No matter which way you do it, it is going to take a lot of time to import a bunch of discs. It is going to take a lot more time than importing music CDs.

Customers are receiving first dunning letter on more than one occasion

Hi All,
We are facing a problem in Dunning letters.
Say for example A customer has bline date on 21.1.2009 and payment terms are 30days and grace days as D2 for first level and D14 for second level letter. So when the duedate comes and on 23.2.2009 (after grace days) the first level dunning letter comes out in the run and again in next run on 24.02.2009 also the same invoice is being picked up and letter is generated and so on. Line items is not getting updated once after the letter is generated.
Can any one look into this situation and let me know the root cause of this.
Thanks and Regards
Srihari Bolla

Hi,
Your dunning procedure might have selected the option 'always dun' for all the dunning levels, if so deselect the option and do your testing, usually this option will be selected for the highest dunning level of the dunning procedure.
Best regards
Suresh Addagiri
SAP FICO/sabrix consultant.

Wirless Router other than Airport

I am getting DSL this week and I was wondering if there is a better and/or cheaper option than the Airport? I have a Powerbook G4 with a 3rd party wireless card and a Mac G4 Tower.
Thanks for your help!
Dave

I also agree with Magpie and Donald, Airport Express or Extreme well worth the little extra cost.
Airport Express comes with Airtunes ( stream music from your computer to your stereo or powered speakers. )
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html
Airport Extreme can handle 50 clients while the Express is for 15 or less.
http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/specs.html
other then Airtunes and the number of clients ( personal computers ) they are both about the same.
I hope we swayed your decision......
Message was edited by: scooter

Reoccuring Message. Won't let anything other than Safari open.

Hello,
On our Toshiba Satellite L305D computer, the message " Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." This is weird considering it's showing up on the only profile that was ever used.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thank You!

Which Satellite L305D? Which Windows?
What are you doing when the message appears?
Please attach a picture of the message.
-Jerry

MS Security Chief Says Windows is Safer Than Linux

http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=0 … 8&from=rss
i always wondered, why i have almost no trouble compared to my colleagues using windows ... maybe it's just i was so lucky, right?

um what is so new about these claims? MS has been making them for about three or more years now. You should note that the "tests" or evidence is thin and the wording is to suck those who have limited knowledge into believing their spin.
All I know is that for the very short time I ever used Windows at home I got a virus once .... and that was my own stupid fault. However, there were hundreds attempts every month by jerkwads attempting to compromise my system. The code on alot of MS software is just so bad for security.
Using Linux or OS X I got one small nonthreatening virus. That was two years ago and I have not had anything since tightening my security.

Instagram won't let me log in and hotspot not working

My instagram everything I try to log in it says an unknown network has occurred, when my Internet works alright however all of a sudden turns slow but still works, my whatsapp messages will not send or come through and my hotspot connects to other devices but Internet does not work on it. I keep topping up large amounts thinking the Internet had ran out, but that is not the case when Internet works on the Web. I have ressetted and wiped the phone several times, and hasn't helped

Every time I try to log in *

Block more than 8 URLs? SPI torrent blocking router available?

Are there ANY routers made by Linksys/Cisco that will allow me to enter more than 8 URLs per user for blocking??
I have just upgraded from DLink and I had over 60 blocked websites on the DLink. I came to cisco because I was told it's the best and no where did it say there was a limit on the device, none of the retailers could answer my questions.
I want to block guests when the kids have parties. Stop guests looking at porn or watching movies! not swearing or talk of sex like happens on Facebook. :-( grrr
I was also hoping to prevent torrents from being dowloaded!! I thought that's why you invest in such a good name router!!
Do I have to now buy an additional computer with better firewall software and run it 24/7 ??????? This is just stuipd. I should have bought a cheap Router for $30 if I have to use an extra computer and firewall software, what's the point!
The cost of runiing a PC 24/7 is not cheap surely! why spend so much money on a Router that has these limitations. Does Cisco actually design their products for Families? I have 5 kids here!
Very unhappy here!
If there is a better router model than E3000 that fixes these issues, please let me know, if not, PLEASE forward on my comments to the relevent product design area. Surley I can't be the only parent with these issues!!!!

My point is, I shouldn't have to rely on other 3rd party products to do what I consider to be mandatory.
Hell, even D Link has a better block list, how come they can think of it and Cisco is the supposed industry leader!
It just so happens that DLink can't do it to individual IP adresses and I dont want my 11 yr old on facebook like my 14 yr old.
If I had to go out and buy 3rd party applications like firewalls and computers just to get this thing to do what it's made to do which is be a bloody firewall and router then Cisco should make a $30 router in a cheap arse PC use other companies software that does work because obviously, they can't make theri own.
The whole reason for me buying Cisco in the first place is to not have to go and buy superior products to it. I was told it's the best out there for families and security when it can't even compete with a software firewall solution on a linux box.
If you have any voice in the Cisco development area, can you please pass my comments on and have them make a good firewall solution?? Parents want to protect their children, and they don't want to get fined by police or industry when their account is flagged for illeagle downloads from torrents or .mp3 sharing sites.
It may not even be their kids, perhaps a friend came over whilst parents were on holidays or there was a LAN party or maybe there was some sort of craze going on at school for a particular song etc...
C'mon, why is it so hard to think like a parent!!!
I met my partner with 3 kids and then had 2 of my own. Why didn't Cisco think about that! do they think all families start with no kids? have they seen the divorce rates??
What your suggesting is I go buy other peoples products becase they are superior and will do the job where as Cisco can't.
i'm not happy cause I spent $300 on this device when a stupid 2nd hand linux box, $30 router with firewall would have been cheaper and better. The problem is, I don't want to run a power hungry computer to do this 24/7 !! That's why i got the router labled as the best for!! I Wonder if Zonealarm make a firewall Router. is that the next suggestion?? Go to another competitor?
I will look and see if there is anything i can do to this purchase I have made to make it better. I don't know what Trend Micro offer, but if it's better than Cisco and won't cost me another frikken $300 for nothing, I'll do that.
NOT HAPPY

High cpu when change "mls cef maximum-route ip" to more than 512K

Dear All
From cisco document 6500-sup720 and 7600-rsp720 are support IPv4 unicast and MPLS—512,000 routes by default. On my network we have route more than 400K which nearly reach to the limit then I tried to change from 512K to 1007K as below.
Router#sh mls cef maximum-routes
FIB TCAM maximum routes :
=======================
Current :-
IPv4                - 1007k
MPLS                - 1k
IPv6 + IP Multicast - 8k (default)
After rebooted I got high cpu issue on both 6500-sup720 and 7600-rsp720 then I tried to tuning to other value such as 600K , 700K and so on but doesn't help.
Summary
   - I have no cpu issue with default value for mls cef maximum-route
   - I have cpu issue when tuning to other value such as 600K , 700K
Please advise.
Pichet

Dear All
From cisco document 6500-sup720 and 7600-rsp720 are support IPv4 unicast and MPLS—512,000 routes by default. On my network we have route more than 400K which nearly reach to the limit then I tried to change from 512K to 1007K as below.
Router#sh mls cef maximum-routes
FIB TCAM maximum routes :
=======================
Current :-
IPv4                - 1007k
MPLS                - 1k
IPv6 + IP Multicast - 8k (default)
After rebooted I got high cpu issue on both 6500-sup720 and 7600-rsp720 then I tried to tuning to other value such as 600K , 700K and so on but doesn't help.
Summary
   - I have no cpu issue with default value for mls cef maximum-route
   - I have cpu issue when tuning to other value such as 600K , 700K
Please advise.
Pichet

New router M1424WR (ver. I) is slower than ver. C for wireless--why?

I installed a new Actiontec MI424WR (ver. I) router, which I bought from Verizon to replace my version C router. The new router is fine for wired connections but slow for wireless. If I set my laptop right next to the router, the speed is fine. If I set the laptop 20 feet away, in a straight line with no obstructions between it and the router, the speed drops by 50-90 percent. Overall, I find the version I router worse than the version C. FYI, the laptop is new, superfast, and has wireless-n. Is it normal to find the version I router slower than version C? I would like to find a solution. Otherwise, I suppose I will have to return the new $100 router. I tried Verizon's chat support, but the tech simply told me that walls etc. can slow down wireless speed--not useful info, given that the version C was running faster under the same conditions here. Are there some special tricks to make the version C router work better? The new router also seems less able to send signals through walls and floors, which should not be the case. I feel disappointed that Verizon pushed the sale of the new router; the upgrade has been a time-consuming downgrade. Thank you.

Try changing the channels on the router. 1, 6, 11. Most likely its set to 6 so try the other 2. You can download a free program called inSSIDer which will help you figure out what the best channel for you to be using is.
http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

Mac Mini vs router + server

Hi,
I'm doing some research about the benefits or the Mac Mini with server.
What im aiming for is buying a Mac mini, install OS X Server on it. Connect it directly to the modem and use the Mac mini as a wifi router with built in server options. Integrate it with a firewall and VPN with my devices.
Id like to have some opinion from the hardcore apple users.
Is the wireless card strong enough to compete with a router?
Would the security a router provides be stronger and safer than a server with additional firewall and antivirus software?
Is it possible to tunnel my VPN connection from my iDevices from outside the local network (like 4LTE, 3G, Wifi at a friends house) to my VPN server at home, continued by tunneling my VPN from the server at home (Mac Mini) to my paid VPN Server (company)
Would it be possible to connect with my iDevices to my Mac Mini and use it as a regular computer, even outside of the home network?
I assume that I can externally expand the storage capacity by plugging in an external HDD through USB or Thunderbolt, is this correct?
Can I setup Time Machine on the server to save backups from my MacBooks?
I want to setup my own cloud so I have all my photos, documents and videos in one place, compared to limited storage (unless paid) on Cloud companies. Is it possible to setup my iDevices so they store new pictures and videos in my cloud at home, instead of the iCloud Dive space
What I would like to accomplish with this is creating a single device that provides several purposes related with my iDevices, in and outside it's network.
Including:
Serve as a Wifi router to provide the SSID
VPN service (within and from outside the SSID)
Cloud Storage available to my iDevices (within and from outside the SSID)
Time Machine
Is all of this realistic? What are the downsides of setting it up like this, vs a router with a server connected to it.
Thanks in advance
Mark

I'll bite.
I will preface this by saying that I am not a fan of OS X as a NAT device. Apple removed all easy configuration back with the release of 10.7. While it still can be done, you really must have a passion for tinkering to make it work. Now, there is IceFloor. If you are considering using the Mac as the NAT device, then IceFloor can ease the pain of configuration. That being said, I still believe that it is best to isolate and separate your devices into distinct roles. A firewall is designed to be a firewall. It does that job and does it solely well. OS X Server is a general purpose server. It is capable of many things but it does not necessarily excel at being a NAT appliance. Also, firewalls are generally easier to setup and configure than OS X Server when considering NAT roles and policies.
All that being said, OS X Server is a capable and very affordable solution that works exceptionally well for all Apple environments.
Before continuing, I should point out that you should investigate your residential ISP's policies regarding hosting services. If you are in the US, there are many ISPs that block http and smtp on residential services. Some block additional ports. Plus, if you have a dynamic service then you likely should be looking at dynamic DNS to ensure that you can always reach your server. If you have a dynamic service, this is all the more reason to put OS X Server behind a firewall appliance. OS X, especially for services like Open Directory, Profile Manager, and others, really only work properly when the server has a fixed IP address. If this is not possible on primary route connection, you will struggle with certain services. Placing the device on a LAN and allowing a firewall to handle everything else is a much better solution.
1: Is the wireless card strong enough to compete with a router?
Get a $99 airport express. You will be happier.
2: Would the security a router provides be stronger and safer than a server with additional firewall and antivirus software?
This is arguing between 6 in one hand and a half dozen in the other. Two identically configured solutions result in the same level of security. Or lack thereof. The nice part about a firewall is that it assumes everything is bad unless you explicitly allow it. With OS X, it generally thinks everything is good unless you explicitly deny it. (this is a gross simplification of the situation so you weigh your options) A firewall appliance will likely provide additional services that are easy to configure and also provide more logging and reporting regarding what is happening. Again, I am partial to the firewall.
3: Is it possible to tunnel my VPN connection from my iDevices from outside the local network (like 4LTE, 3G, Wifi at a friends house) to my VPN server at home, continued by tunneling my VPN from the server at home (Mac Mini) to my paid VPN Server (company)
So, you want to be out of your house, create a VPN into your home network, and then be able to traverse to your office? Why not connect direct to the office? How does routing through your home benefit the situation? Regardless, anything is possible. But, the tunnel from your home to the office would need to be built and persistent. Thus, you can remote into your home network. Let's say your home network is 10.0.20.0/24 and your office is 172.16.0.1/24. Your home would build a tunnel to the office. Then the VPN service would advertise the 172.16.0.1/24 route (as well as the 10.0.20.0/24 network) to the client devices, allowing them to access resources on both networks. Then you can request resources on your company network because the route will be provided by the VPN connection.
4: Would it be possible to connect with my iDevices to my Mac Mini and use it as a regular computer, even outside of the home network?
This is another one of my dislikes. Everything has a role and a purpose. Your server is a server, not a workstations. Workstations get rebooted, generally are updated more frequently, run various software and perform varied tasks. Servers have a narrower purpose. I am not a fan of using a server as a workstation. This gets particularly muddy of you are doing file services or need services than must loop back to the server itself. Can you use the server as a workstation? Sure, what is stopping you. Should you? In my opinion, no. Let a Firewall be a firewall. Let a server be a server. Let a workstation be a workstation. Together, they will live in harmony.
5: I assume that I can externally expand the storage capacity by plugging in an external HDD through USB or Thunderbolt, is this correct?
Yes. Thunderbolt is fast. USB 3 is not terrible. Stay away from Firewire at this point. Get something that supports RAID. Remember, RAID is not backup. All it does is provide drive level redundancy.
6: Can I setup Time Machine on the server to save backups from my MacBooks?
Yes. OS X Server provides Time Machine server. Figure out what you want to backup (data only or the whole drive) and then calculate a capacity requirement. While not as critical as in the past, I still prefer isolating Time Machine backup volumes. I tend not to storage any other data there.
7: I want to setup my own cloud so I have all my photos, documents and videos in one place, compared to limited storage (unless paid) on Cloud companies. Is it possible to setup my iDevices so they store new pictures and videos in my cloud at home, instead of the iCloud Dive space
Hmm. So, ah. No. Yes. Well not really. Not easy like iCloud. That is integrated and generally "just works." There is nothing stopping you from manually storing all your content in this location and then sharing it out. But there is no way to redirect an image from your phone to magically appear on your own server. Unless you are using photo stream and you have iPhoto set up on the server. But then we get back to the workstation vs server argument I just had with myself and around I go in a circle. You can create your own storage. But there is effort here. You have WebDAV, Portfolio/Cumulus, and other services and solutions.
So to wrap up...
Serve as a Wifi router to provide the SSID
VPN service (within and from outside the SSID)
Cloud Storage available to my iDevices (within and from outside the SSID)
Time Machine
Using the internal WiFi will only frustrate you. Get an access point and you will get better coverage, better control, and more features. OS X supports two VPN types. PPTP and L2TP. Both will work through a NAT. Both are natively supported on OS X and iOS. Building your own Cloud is the most daunting and vague area. And Time Machine is cake.
Is all of this realistic? What are the downsides of setting it up like this, vs a router with a server connected to it.
Is building a server sitting on a LAN with a firewall realistic? It is done everyday and nearly every network is doing the same thing. All of the above is my take on the topic but I focus on businesses and organizations. These types of setups get a firewall. Then the server is protected behind an umbrella of protection. If you go the mini alone route, you have lower cost by higher difficulty. If you get the individual pieces then you have higher cost but simpler setup and management.
Hope this helps. Once again, too much information. Had a moment of quiet.
Reid
Apple Consultants Network
Author "Yosemite Server – Foundation Services" :: Exclusively available in Apple's iBooks Store
Author "Mavericks Server – Foundation Services" :: Exclusively available in Apple's iBooks Store
Author "Mavericks Server – Control and Collaboration" :: Exclusively available in Apple's iBooks Store

Is my holiday let router safer than a hotspot?

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