can i use a tile to track my car
Tracking your car has become a crucial aspect of car ownership in today’s world. With the increasing number of car thefts and accidents, it has become essential to have a reliable way to keep track of your vehicle’s whereabouts. While traditional methods of tracking, such as GPS systems and security cameras, can be expensive and require professional installation, a new technology has emerged that promises to make tracking your car more accessible and cost-effective – the Tile.
But can a simple tile really be a reliable way to track your car? In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of tracking tiles and see if they are a viable option for keeping an eye on your vehicle.
What is a Tile?
Before we dive into the specifics of using a tile to track your car, let’s first understand what a tile is. A tile is a small, lightweight Bluetooth tracker that can be attached to any item, such as keys, wallet, or even your car. It works by connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth and uses the Tile app to help you locate your lost or misplaced items.
The Tile brand offers various products, including the Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Pro. Each of these has its own unique features and capabilities, but they all work on the same premise – using Bluetooth technology to help you find your lost items.
How does a Tile work?
The functioning of a Tile is relatively simple. Once you have attached the tile to your car, it will connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The Tile app will then use your phone’s GPS to log the location of your car whenever it is within Bluetooth range. This information is then stored in the app, and you can access it anytime to see where your car was last seen.
If your car is out of Bluetooth range, the app will show the last location where it was detected. However, if your car is moved, the Tile’s community network comes into play. Whenever a Tile user comes into the range of your car, the location will be updated on the app. This feature is what makes a Tile an excellent option for tracking your car.
Benefits of using a Tile to track your car
1. Cost-effective
One of the most significant advantages of using a tile to track your car is that it is cost-effective. Traditional methods of car tracking, such as installing a GPS system, can be expensive, with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. On the other hand, a Tile is relatively inexpensive, with prices starting at just $25. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who want to track their car without breaking the bank.
2. Easy to use
Another benefit of using a Tile to track your car is that it is effortless to use. All you need to do is attach the tile to your car, download the app, and you are good to go. There is no need for professional installation, and the app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to track your car’s location.
3. No subscription fees
Unlike GPS systems, which often require a monthly or yearly subscription fee, a Tile does not have any subscription fees. Once you have purchased the tile, you can use it for as long as you want without any additional costs.
4. Works worldwide
One of the most significant advantages of a Tile is that it works worldwide. This means that even if your car is stolen and taken to a different country, you can still track its location as long as there are other Tile users in that area.
5. Discreet
Tiles are small and discreet, making them an excellent option for tracking your car without drawing any attention. Unlike traditional GPS systems, which can be bulky and obvious, a Tile can easily be hidden in your car without anyone knowing.
6. Community network
As mentioned earlier, the Tile’s community network is one of its most significant advantages. With millions of Tile users worldwide, the chances of someone coming into the range of your car and updating its location are significantly high. This feature makes a Tile a reliable option for tracking your car.
Using a Tile to track your car
Now that we have discussed the benefits of using a Tile let’s look at how you can use it to track your car effectively.
1. Attach the Tile to your car
The first step is to attach the Tile to your car. You can either use the adhesive backing to stick it to a flat surface or use the keyring attachment to attach it to a keychain or another object in your car. Make sure to place it in a discreet location where it will not be easily noticed.
2. Download the Tile app
Next, download the Tile app on your smartphone. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the respective app stores.
3. Register your Tile
Once you have downloaded the app, register your Tile by following the on-screen instructions. You will need to create an account and give your Tile a name, such as “Car Tile.”
4. Enable location services
Make sure to enable location services for the Tile app on your phone. This will ensure that the app can use your phone’s GPS to log the location of your car.
5. Keep the app running in the background
For the Tile to work effectively, make sure to keep the app running in the background on your phone. This will allow it to continuously log the location of your car whenever it is within Bluetooth range.
6. Check the app for updates
Periodically check the app for updates on your car’s location. If your car is out of Bluetooth range, the app will show the last location where it was detected. However, if your car is moved, the app will update the location once another Tile user comes into range.
Tips for using a Tile to track your car
1. Use multiple tiles
If you have a large or expensive car, you may want to consider using multiple tiles to track it. This will increase the chances of the location being updated if one tile is out of range.
2. Keep your phone charged
Make sure to keep your phone charged so that the app can continuously log the location of your car.
3. Use the “Notify When Found” feature
The Tile app has a “Notify When Found” feature that allows you to receive a notification when your car is found by another Tile user. This can be helpful if your car is stolen or moved without your knowledge.
4. Replace the battery when needed
The battery life of a Tile varies depending on usage, but on average, it lasts for about a year. Make sure to replace the battery when needed to ensure uninterrupted tracking of your car.
In conclusion, using a Tile to track your car is a cost-effective, easy, and discreet way to keep an eye on your vehicle. With its community network and worldwide coverage, it is a reliable option for tracking your car’s location. However, keep in mind that a Tile is not a substitute for traditional security measures, and it is always best to take necessary precautions to protect your car from theft.
how to turn netgear router into access point
In today’s advanced technological world, having a reliable wireless network is a necessity. Whether it’s for work, school, or leisure, a strong and stable internet connection is crucial. This is where routers come into play. A router is a device that allows multiple devices to connect to the internet through a single connection. However, with the evolving technology, many people are now turning their routers into access points to enhance their wireless network coverage. One of the most popular brands in the market is Netgear, and in this article, we will discuss how to turn a Netgear router into an access point.
But first, let’s understand the difference between a router and an access point. A router is a device that connects multiple devices to the internet through a single connection. It serves as the central hub for all internet activities in a network. On the other hand, an access point is a device that extends the wireless network coverage by connecting to the main router. It acts as a bridge between the router and the wireless devices, providing a wider coverage area.
Now that we know the difference between a router and an access point, let’s dive into the steps of turning a Netgear router into an access point.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Equipment
Before we start the process, we need to gather all the necessary equipment. You will need a Netgear router, an Ethernet cable, a computer or laptop, and an internet connection. Make sure the router is in good working condition and has the latest firmware installed.
Step 2: Connect the Ethernet Cable
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the LAN port of the main router and the other end to the WAN port of the Netgear router that you want to turn into an access point. This will establish a connection between the two devices.
Step 3: Access the Router’s Settings
To access the router’s settings, you need to connect your computer or laptop to the Netgear router. You can do this by connecting the device to the Netgear router’s Wi-Fi network or by using an Ethernet cable to connect directly to the router. Once connected, open a web browser and enter the default IP address of the Netgear router in the address bar. The default IP address for Netgear routers is usually 192.168.1.1, but you can check the manual for the specific model you are using.
Step 4: Disable DHCP
In order for the Netgear router to work as an access point, you will need to disable the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) on the device. DHCP is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices connected to the network. Since the main router is already handling this task, the Netgear router will only act as an extension of the network and does not need to assign IP addresses. To disable DHCP, go to the LAN settings in the router’s control panel and turn off the DHCP server.
Step 5: Change the IP Address
The Netgear router has a default IP address, but since it will now be used as an access point, it will need to have a different IP address. This is important to prevent any conflicts with the main router’s IP address. You can change the IP address by going to the LAN settings and assigning a new IP address within the same range as the main router’s IP address.
Step 6: Enable Access Point Mode
Once you have disabled DHCP and changed the IP address, you will then need to enable the access point mode. This can be done in the advanced settings of the router’s control panel. Look for the option to enable access point mode and click on it. This will ensure that the router only acts as an access point and not a router.
Step 7: Configure Wireless Settings
After enabling access point mode, you can now configure the wireless settings of the Netgear router. You can set the same SSID (Service Set Identifier) and password as the main router to ensure that all devices connected to the network have a seamless transition when switching between the main router and the access point.
Step 8: Test the Connection
Once all the settings have been configured, it’s time to test the connection. Connect a device to the Netgear router’s Wi-Fi network and test if you can access the internet. If the connection is successful, then you have successfully turned your Netgear router into an access point.
Step 9: Place the Access Point in a Strategic Location
To get the most out of your Netgear access point, you need to place it in a strategic location. It should be placed in an area where the wireless signal from the main router is weak, but strong enough to reach the access point. This will ensure maximum coverage and a stable connection.
Step 10: Regular Maintenance
Just like any other electronic device, an access point requires regular maintenance. Make sure to check for firmware updates and install them when available. You can also perform a factory reset if you encounter any issues with the device.
In conclusion, turning a Netgear router into an access point is a simple process that can significantly improve your wireless network coverage. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily turn your Netgear router into an access point and enjoy a stronger and more stable wireless connection throughout your home or office.
