Richard Applegate

Category: Network and IT System Information

  • We traveled to Grayland, WA to upgrade their wiring and bridge infrastructure.

    We stayed for two nights at Breakwater Resort, and it was truly an enjoyable experience filled with both relaxation and a touch of adventure. During our visit, I also had the opportunity to work for the resort by assisting them with some essential networking upgrades. My main task was to install their bridge access point to improve wireless connectivity around the property. In addition, I needed to replace the existing indoor network cable with a more durable outdoor Cat 6 cable, making the network more reliable and resistant to the elements.


    On the second day, things took an unexpected turn. The newly installed access point stopped working suddenly, which led to a troubleshooting session. After careful inspection, I discovered that our NanoStation device had suffered significant damage—the Ethernet port had overheated and actually melted, rendering it unusable. Clearly, the device had been fried, possibly due to an electrical surge or unsuitable cable infrastructure.


    To resolve the issue, we promptly swapped out the damaged NanoStation with a brand-new unit. However, in the process, I realized another problem. The existing Cat 5e cable that ran outdoors wasn’t compatible with Power over Ethernet (POE) requirements, meaning it couldn’t reliably supply power to the new access point devices. Recognizing the importance of proper cabling for outdoor networking hardware, I decided to upgrade the setup by replacing the old wire with a robust outdoor-grade cable specifically designed for POE support and harsh weather conditions. This ensured that the new access point would function optimally and remain protected against similar issues in the future.

    Overall, my time at Breakwater Resort was a rewarding blend of leisure and technical problem-solving, leaving a positive impact on both the guest experience and the resort’s IT infrastructure.

    Starlink from hotel to cottage half miles and work great.

    Next, I installed an outdoor WiFi 6 access point, which provides extensive coverage across our parking lot. The connection speed is now nearly on par with our Starlink service.

    First, I rewired everything and labeled it neatly. Let’s take a look at the original setup before the improvements.

    After I complete the rewiring and accurately label all components,

    One outdoor Access point B and Two Close by nanostation
    one access point for more expand coverage for both cottage
    MUST LABEL, easy troubleshoot
    I love how it look clean
    WiFi 6 Outdoor Pretty neat
    Did cable management

  • How to change language from what apps?

    This will help if your whatapps change language by accident.

    1. Go to 3 dots menu -> settings
    2. Settings
    3 – App Language
    4. English that it

  • I upgraded to 7.1.1 Arista Edge Firewall from 7.0.0 with Realtek devices Ethernet.

    When using Energy-Efficient Ethernet, Linux Ethernet drivers result in kernel panics.

    Please download two files

    https://wiki.edge.arista.com/index.php?title=Patch_-_Disable_EEE_toggle

    I used Rufus to make a USB bootable after I burned the ISO to USB. I then went to the USB folder simple-CDD, and pasted the scripts eee-ignore-realtek-patch.sh and late_command.sh to the folder.

    Next, paste the two files you just downloaded and extract them.

    Then, now plug the USB in and install the files fresh. This will disable network EEE to allow you to process, and make sure you don’t enable it in the future.

  • I did build a cabinet Network in Old Town, and it worked out pretty well. 🙂

    I drilled four holes to ensure that our screw anchor clamp was strong enough to support the cabinet network.

    To prepare for the building, I built it at home in the garage.So can easier job for me to installing.

    Not only that, but I make sure everything is level.

  • I found a cool way to connect MiFi Hotspot to our Router with the Tablet.

    Sorry about Dusty from the Government Cabinet Network. We can’t use them for our business, so we have to use a hotspot solution. Now that I have a tablet, I connect it to a Type C hub using Ethernet. Then, my tablet connects to the WAN port on the router. Then I went to tablet settings and turned on tethering. Now our Router will get Internet via tablet. The hotspot MiFi only sees one device because my router is doing the job for us. So cool project to figure out. I couldn’t use the Wi-Fi extender, it won’t work… If the tablet goes off and is not used for a while, it will turn off the tether. I found another solution, I went to Developer Mode in Tablet Settings and turned on Stay awake when power charge then brightness dark all the way to save battery life spans.

  • Windows update cause this blue screen of death but got solution,

    https://www.cbsnews.com/news/microsoft-crowdstrike-outage-blue-screen-of-death-how-to-fix/

    I’m learning that if they enable auto-update, then some bugs happen. And then the best solution is to go back to safe mode and remove one driver. But I feel bad about all these TV apps that can’t remote control due to being blue screen death. And so few IT members in each business to do all TV. Unfortunately, my stores do have Windows 11 and 10, but they’re not enabled for autoupdate. I prefer to update my computer monthly in person. As of today, July 19th, 2024, all my stores are still working with Windows 10, 11. And they’re working pretty well. With last month’s update , i left it alone until Windows released the next update that fixed, but it fixed today. whew.That scary moment when you suddenly get a blue death screen all over your store at once during the middle of the night when you’re sleeping, and that nightmare comes true.

    Wa-DTT-Drink is maintenance repairing

  • As instructed, I have swapped the network from the shelf to the cabinet in the Garyland cottage house.

    We switched from the shelf network to the cabinet network to enhance security by keeping our network contained within the cabinet, and to minimize the number of exposed power outlets.

    So exciting, We’re going to garyland, WA to work on outdoor wireless bridge For internet 🙌 Breakwater
    Before

    After

  • I did install two stores to have firewall, and now we get more proper firewall for our server.

    I installed a mini BOSGAME computer that was enough for speed internet and the performance was excellent with a multiserver firewall. Furthermore, I have also installed WireGuard VPN on the firewall to enable remote access to my server from a single IP address. I won’t get attacked or hacked from ssh.

    Firewall to protect our server to avoid any hacking, malware, ransomware and more… Our firewall had Phishing Blocker and spam blocker for our Email server. Very benefits for our business.

    I also like bandwidth control for our server to improve performance.

    Testing Speed Test with WireGuard with mini PC.

    With WireGuard VPN

    without VPN

    I am happy with the speed because I had Server at location was 600mbps download and 200 uploads from Comcast business. So My firewall can handle VPN and firewall and many features. Now our Server and Web hosting is safe again. My home is 300 and 35 from Xfinity, So My Upload is perfect.

    Firewall Hardware Specific

    This pretty good to handle our server. 🙂

    Brand‎BOSGAME
    Series‎MINI PC
    Item model number‎E1
    Operating System‎Windows 11 Pro
    Item Weight‎1.83 pounds
    Product Dimensions‎4.96 x 4.41 x 1.61 inches
    Item Dimensions LxWxH‎4.96 x 4.41 x 1.61 inches
    Color‎Black
    Processor Brand‎Intel
    Number of Processors‎4
    Computer Memory Type‎DDR4 SDRAM
    Flash Memory Size‎16 GB
    Hard Drive Interface‎PCIE x 2
    https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E1-Windows-Computer-Supports/dp/B0CSK4C2ZR
    Standing screen display size‎75
    Screen Resolution‎3840 x 2160
    Max Screen Resolution‎3840 x 2160 pixels
    Processor‎3.4 GHz Celeron
    RAM‎16 DDR4
    Hard Drive‎512 GB SSD
    Graphics Coprocessor‎Intel UHD Graphics
    Chipset Brand‎Intel
    Card Description‎Integrated
    Graphics Card Ram Size‎16 GB
    Number of USB 3.0 Ports‎4
    https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E1-Windows-Computer-Supports/dp/B0CSK4C2ZR

    https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME-E1-Windows-Computer-Supports/dp/B0CSK4C2ZR

    I also Did PC to Smaller PC because it can fit in Cabinet network to secure.

  • TpLink Omada: Services→ DNS proxy with Cloudron AdGuard Home. We like using DoH on our router.

    I finally got this to work with cloudron AdGuard Home because it won’t work just use DNS port or encryption until you add IP or Client ID in allowed Clients, so I am using Client ID. This will show you how to set up DOH AdGuard Home with TpLink Omada DNS Proxy.

    This explains to us what Client IDs are, and I found DNS over HTTPS is useful for our networks, since I had a wildcard certification.

    Open AdGuard home and log into your admin account. Navigate to the DNS settings and find allow clients. I put laketapp that I would use for our stores nickname. Then make sure you save it.

    Then go to TpLink Omada Controller Webgui and Login your admin, then select the location you want to set DNS over HTTPS with cloudron AdGuard Home.

    After you select Location, go to Services on the left side.

    Then go to DNS Proxy then go enable DNS proxy then DoH then add your AdGuard Server, mine is https://laketapp.dns195.richardapplegate.io.

    Now go check AdGuard Home, see if there are any queries,

    yep, it’s working, Now My Router is communicating with my DNS Server secured.

  • I did upgrade Network Cabinet at Sunrise Village.

    I did upgrade Network Cabinet at Sunrise Village.

    The amount of wiring and stacking up each other wasn’t a good idea for the long term. So I asked my boss to upgrade and make it secure and long-term because the cabinet network will help reduce dust and overheat. A cabinet network exhaust fan pulls all the hot air out of the cabinet network. It will also assist in cooling the system. 3 more stores to go to finish up the network cabinet.

    Before
    I intend to rewire and cable everything next month to ensure proper cable management.
    After.