networking

In this post, I share my experience with Cloudflare’s new free 1.1.1.1 for Families service, which adds malware and adult content blocking to their popular DNS. I investigate how the filtering actually works by examining the underlying Cloudflare for Teams controls, ultimately finding that the service offers robust privacy and performance benefits for protecting a home network.

If you are considering testing Azure features in a Pay-As-You-Go environment, this story serves as a crucial warning about the potential financial risks of preview services. I recount how a billing bug in the Azure DNS Private Resolver caused my monthly expenses to skyrocket to nearly €30,000 in a single day, highlighting the importance of monitoring costs when experimenting with new cloud capabilities.

If you are curious about optimizing your home Wi-Fi with UniFi InnerSpace, this post explores my experience mapping coverage using the platform's floor plan tools. I discuss the software’s limitations in distinguishing between concrete and drywall structures, which led to inaccurate signal predictions that I validated using the WifiMan app. Ultimately, I explain how InnerSpace still provides valuable visibility into potential blind spots despite these initial discrepancies.

Drawing on my extensive history with Garmin devices, I share my impressions after 100 days of using the Fenix 6X Pro as an upgrade from my trusted Fenix 3 HR. I explore why I remained loyal to the Garmin ecosystem over competitors like Apple Watch, highlighting the new model’s robust features and seamless integration with accessories like the HRM-Run belt and Tempe sensor.

Reflecting on the success of our fourth annual SharePoint Saturday Helsinki, I share the event's history from its 2015 origins through its most recent celebration. I discuss the evolution of the conference and announce that, after five years of dedication, I am stepping down to pass leadership of the torch to others.