Spectrum Advanced Wi-Fi is a premium Wi-Fi service that promises improved wireless speeds, enhanced security, and easier network management. It included a Wi-Fi 6 router and several cloud-based services from Spectrum.
Advanced Wi-Fi is free for 12 months with Spectrum deals that include Spectrum One. It costs $5 per month after the promotional period. We found Spectrum’s router, app, and online security features well worth the extra 5 bucks. Let’s discuss these features in detail.
Control Features: The My Spectrum App
Managing Connected Devices
Unlike conventional routers, Spectrum Advanced Wi-Fi doesn’t require you to enter an IP address into a browser to manage your network. The My Spectrum App allows you to do everything a Wi-Firouter firmware can do, except you can access the app from anywhere. My Spectrum App also has additional features that Wi-Fi firmware software can’t afford, such as showing you useful notifications about the network.
You can see all connected devices from the app. It also notifies you when a new device joins the network. If you didn’t approve the access of a device, you can change the network and password and remove the device immediately from the app.
Controlling Speeds and Schedules for Connected Devices
If controlling internet access isn’t enough, My Spectrum App has more for you. You can control exactly how much speed is dedicated to each connected device. If you’re a gamer, you can assign more bandwidth to your PC and less to any neighbors to whom you’ve given out your password.
You can also schedule when devices are allowed to connect to the internet. If you’re a parent, you can schedule the router to pause internet access for your kid’s tablet at 10 pm.
Assigning Nicknames and Creating Device Groups
My Spectrum App makes device management easier with device nicknames and group features. You can name all connected devices to make management easier for yourself. Grouping devices also helps when you have multiple devices that should be treated similarly, such as your kid’s devices or neighbors’ devices to whom you don’t want to dedicate much bandwidth.
Switching Wi-Fi Channels for Improved Speed or Range
Spectrum Wi-Fi uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology which has both 2.4 and 5 GHz channels. 5 GHz channel has more bandwidth, which can allow for faster speeds. But it also has a limited range and it is easily blocked by obstructions such as furniture. 2.4 has a limited bandwidth but a better range.
If you have a small house, you can set the router to only use the 5 GHz channel via the app. You can also use this channel for a temporary speed boost on a device close to the router, such as when you’re downloading a heavy file. This simple trick isn’t worth the time it takes to log into a conventional router firmware. But with My Spectrum App, you can switch between 2.4 and 5 GHz channels instantly.
Security Features: Spectrum Security Shield
Security Shield is a cloud-based service from Spectrum that monitors your traffic and keeps threats from reaching your network. Here are some of the ways it protects connected devices over the internet:
Protection While Browsing
Spectrum Shield prevents you from visiting websites that contain malware and other threats. It blocks websites that have been used for scams in the past, protecting our most vulnerable loved ones from losing data and money.
Protection from Suspicious IPs
Spectrum Shield also protects against scammers actively trying to access your network. It backlists suspicious IPs such as VPNs that scammers often use to hide their location from the authorities. It blocks these IPs from communicating with your devices, restriction their access to your network.
Outbound DoS Prevention
A Denial of Service (DoS) attack is a type of cyber-attack that disrupts servers by sending a flood of requests from multiple devices. Hackers plant malware in networks and use devices belonging to unsuspecting people for this attack.
Outbound DoS Prevention with Spectrum prevents DoS requests from being sent from your network, ensuring your devices are never used for this crime.
Smart Device Security
Smart home devices may be the weakest link in your network security. If your smart TV, smart speaker, video doorbell, and smart thermostat are all connected to the same router, your network is only as secure as the least secure one of these devices. A hacker who manages to get into one of these will have an easier time accessing the rest of the house
Spectrum Security Shield actively monitors connecter smart home devices for suspicious behavior. If an unfamiliar activity is detected, the device and blocked and you’re notified through the My Spectrum App.
Conclusion
Spectrum Advanced Wi-Fi has a ton of security and accessibility features that make your network safer and easier to manage. The My Spectrum App can do everything a router firmware can, along with additional useful features. Security Shield keepsthreats at bay with multiple cloud-based services. Click here to see available Spectrum Wi-Fi deals in your area.