TP-Link has great news for owners of their routers owner, the first being a firmware update which sports HomeCare for the recently released Deco M5 Archer C5400, Archer C3150 and will soon be available for Archer C2300. HomeCare adds parental controls, as well as security features such as integrated malware and anti-virus protection .
This same firmware update adds new smart home features to add support for IFTTT and Amazon Alexa skills. New parental controls are even in the mix.
HomeCare Security
HomeCare’s security features are powered by Trend Micro. This is an important move by TP-Link. We will in a world of were the router in your home, not the PC, is the most critical piece of tech protecting your data and privacy. Today where some people may only have Smart TVs, game consoles, cell phone and IoT products such as lighting and power controls, the router has become the first line, and some cases, the only line of defense. HomeCare is constantly scanning for virus patterns, keeping them out of off your network before they can try to infected your devices. If a device does get infected, it gets quarantined Homecare sends an system alert to you about the issue. Even TP-Link, who think Homecare is greatest, will tel you to still keep using other forms of anti-virus and malware protection. Network security should be like an onion, if the bad guys get past one layer, there is a new layer blocking them.
“While the consumer benefits of the internet are extremely compelling, the rapid rate of progress has also left many devices and networks vulnerable to cyber-attacks and hacking,” said Dr. Terence Liu, Trend Micro vice president. “Through our integration with TP-Link HomeCare, we’re pleased to offer a comprehensive suite of security features that provide consumers with peace of mind, so they will know that their home network and mobile devices are protected.”
QoS
HomeCare update also brings quality-of-service to the Archer C5400 and Archer C3150, the Deco M5 and soon the Archer C2300. This QoS feature, like the one found on other routers, works to prioritize and optimize traffic in a way that is best for your needs. In plain English, you can give your video streaming device top priority over your laptop getting mail, so your TV show does not buffer
Parental Controls , Alexa and IFTTT Support
The update adds parental controls, leeting parents manage how kids can use the Internet.
The last two parts of the new firmware is Amazon Alexa and IFTTT support. The Alexa skills will give Echo owners the ability to control the router using voice commands. You can turning on guest networking, sharing guest Wi-Fi password, controlling LEDs, prioritizing bandwidth to a device or activity, performing internet speed tests with just your voice now!
While the new IFTTT integration brings automation commands and custom recipes. You can now use IFTTT triggers to integrate the above TP-Link routers into IFTTT automation recipes.
Availability
The software update is available now.
