Internet

A couple of years ago, I made an attempt to create a NTP server using a GPS receiver. I failed.

I tried again in 2025, this time I succeeded.

In January 2025, I started monitoring my network with Smokeping.

I had previously noticed increased latency when a Velop router was connected via powerline ethernet. After upgrading it to OpenWrt, I put that particular Velop back on my network via a $20 TP-Link 8 port 1GbE router. I saw a much smaller increase in latency using the router versus a direct cabled connection.

Matt Sayar investigated how often his home’s IP address changed. I did the same, inspired by him. Thanks, Matt!

Install and configure LLDP on OpenWrt Linux

A few months ago, I started monitoring my network with Smokeping, more about it later.

I’d also never bothered to check the speed of powerline ethernet. It “feels faster” than WiFi, so I was happy.

When I did my last Velop upgrade to OpenWrt, I did the physical manipulation at my home office desk using the powerline ethernet for various phases of the install.

I have an old web page here on my personal web site. It’s actually my single most popular page.

I write specifically about my scripting FTP file transfers web page. Go take a look, then come back for some navel gazing about it!

I noticed that my DNS aggregator, DNSMasq, was periodically getting bursts of queries about “www.belkin.com” and “heartbeat.belkin.com”.

When I last had problems with PPP, I noticed that some non-routeable IP addresses ended up getting sent out for DNS reverse lookup.

This is different than routing packets with those same (nominally) non-routeable addresses out into The Internet.

We use incredibly weak language around smartphones and point-n-click computer interfaces. It’s embarrassing.

There’s a system admin saying: It’s always DNS

But weird problems aren’t always DNS problems. Better than 50% of the time, they’re cabling problems.