Andrew B. Northam

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Welcome to AndrewBNortham.com! 🚀 I’m Andrew Northam, an independent contractor specializing in providing tailored IT Solutions for businesses and individuals. Check out my technology BLOG below:

  • 1 Year Metronet Review
    It’s been about a year since we installed MetroNet at home, and I wanted to provide a review of their Internet service in Portage. Overall, it has been fairly reliable with no major issues. However, with some price concessions from Spectrum and AT&T fiber now available, it might not be the best option. Reliability I hope it’s just growing pains for MetroNet, but there have been at least 3 multi-hour outages that spanned the entire city of Portage and Kalamazoo. These have all been during the week 8-5 M-F weekday, interrupting many people who Work From Home. Additionally, it seems…
  • MetroNet Install
    Over the past few months, I’ve been observing MetroNet as they prepare our neighborhood for Fiber Internet. Now that I’ve had it for a little while, I’d like to discuss the technical process and my experience! The preparation for the project was extensive and lasted for several months. Firstly, the underground utility markers were sent to mark the existing utility lines. After the markers were installed, the construction team spent several days on my street running conduit underground. To begin with, they dug holes at corners and every few houses where new access boxes would be placed. Then, they used…
  • Setting up Your Ubiquiti Wireless Network with UniFi w/NSA Best Practices
    This week, our focus will be on setting up a complete Ubiquiti Wireless Network using the UniFi controller software, from beginning to end. You have the option of running the UniFi OS on dedicated controllers, routers, Raspberry Pi, or Windows computers. Once the network is initially configured, the UniFi controller may not be necessary and can be taken offline. First, we will download and install the UniFi Network application directly from Ubiquiti (https://www.ui.com/download/unifi/). Once downloaded, we will install the application. Windows, MacOS, and Linux versions are available. I will walk through installing UniFi on a Windows 11 Laptop. After you…
  • Post 6: Access Point Comparison
    Today, I will be comparing the features of different access points. It is advisable to purchase access points from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility and easy setup. To manage multiple wireless access points, it is recommended to use a wireless controller for a managed wireless network. Before buying any access points, ensure you check with the manufacturer for available options for managing your wireless network. Some brands like Meraki offer cloud-based management tools, which require a monthly subscription fee. However, brands like Ubiquiti and TP-Link offer a wide variety of access points and software to manage them without any…
  • Post 5: Wi-Fi Access Points
    This week I will be talking about implementing a wireless network. Several weeks ago we talked about all-in-one devices that have WI-Fi built into the router. Today we will be talking about implementing a wireless network where the Access Points are separate from the router and spread through your office. After analyzing our small and large office over the past weeks, we realized that placing the wireless access points at the center of our space was crucial. However, we found that a single access point was not enough to provide sufficient coverage in the large office. Deploying a wireless network…
  • Post 4: Switches
    This week’s topic is about adding a network switch to your network. As we mentioned before, the number of ports on your router is limited, and adding a network switch can provide additional wired ports for your network. We’ll also cover best practices and security concerns for wired networks and network switches. Let’s discuss the advantages of connecting devices on your network through wiring. While some devices offer the option of a wireless connection, opting for wired connections can be a wise investment in the long run. This may involve running network wires through your office space, which can prove…
  • Post 3: Routers
    Last week we explored the features of combination routers, switches, and wireless access points. Over the next 3 weeks, we will look at building a more powerful modular network, with a separate router, wireless access point, and a switch. We will begin by examining the router, which is the central device responsible for regulating the flow of data in and out of your network, for our home or office setup. This week, we will be adhering to several NSA Best Practices to ensure the safety of our network. Firstly, we will avoid renting a router from our ISP and instead…
  • Post 2: All-In-One Router Wi-Fi devices
    This week we will examine some combo routers, switch, and wireless devices, comparing various capabilities and brands. I’ll include the Eero router, which is often part of a special package from MetroNet, a fiber provider installing service in my area currently. It is an NSA Best Practice to own your own router, so we will have to consider that MetroNet may have administrative control of a provided Eero device, which is not recommended. I will also look at options from AmpliFi and tp-link, which are available online and at local stores. There are many options available. Router Let’s start by…
  • Post 1: Intro to routers and wifi basics; NSA Best Practices
    Intro This week we are going to talk about the types of equipment you need for your new FTTH high-speed internet connection and how they relate to some NSA best practices. We will then look at the difference between all-in-one “plug and play” router+wireless devices compared to purchasing separate devices. Finally, We will look at how the placement of your Wireless Access Point within the building impacts performance. To have Internet access in your home or office, you will need a Modem, Router, Network Switch, and Wireless Access Point. Typically, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will provide the modem which…
  • Post 0: Preparing for a new SOHO network; Using NSA best practices
    Intro Welcome! This is the first post of a series that focuses on how to implement NSA best practices when setting up a Small Office / Home Office network. Hi, I’m Andrew Northam. With over 20 years of experience in IT, I specialize in Retail, Medical, and Education. In this series, we’ll cover the best practices for securing wired and wireless networks, recommended by organizations like NSA and ITIL. Prepare – Determine your network requirements For optimal performance, it is recommended to install network cables for stationary devices. To avoid potential problems and expenses in the future, consider pre-wiring your…