The Importance of a Solid, Secure Home Network Setup

Today’s Smart Homes Require a Strong Home Network to Ensure Reliable, Fast Wi-Fi Coverage 

Today’s homes are connected more than ever before, and the number of connected devices is growing exponentially. In 2020, each home in the U.S. had an average of 10 connected devices. In 2021, that number rose to 25. By the time 2030 rolls around, an estimated 500 billion connected devices are expected to inhabit the earth.

How many devices does your home in New Canaan, CT, have? It’s amazing once we start counting. The Internet of Things has changed our reality in ways we could have never imagined. Smart home automation allows the blinds to open for us before we get out of bed and makes sure the doors are locked, the lights are out, and the security’s armed when we go to bed. Our streaming music plays throughout the home and out into the yard, and our landscape lights welcome us home. 

Sometimes, however, we take for granted the invisible part of the system—the behind-the-scenes taskmaster that makes everything possible—the home network setup that connects each of our devices to the internet and each other. Our smart TVs, smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming devices are nothing without it.

SEE ALSO: 4 Must-Have Whole-Home Automation Scenes 

How Does a Home Network Work?  

Because of the vast number of connected devices, most home networks of today consist of Wi-Fi wireless networking and hardwired internet connections. While the hardwired connection is typically more stable, it does not allow for the flexibility homeowners demand. Additionally, many smart home devices do not have the built-in ethernet ports required for connections and must use Wi-Fi. 

The cumulative effect of all of your internet-connected devices, including your smart home components, can saturate your internet connection. Some devices in your home require more bandwidth, or the volume of information sent over a connection, than others. For example, your steaming music and videos are bandwidth hogs.

In addition to the appropriate bandwidth, a smart home requires modern, up-to-date routers and modems that can support the fast speeds today’s homes require. Think of your router like the traffic coordinator, blowing whistles and routing the internet to your devices. One router can usually connect about 200 devices. Of course, these 200 devices typically don’t run simultaneously, a good thing for your home network. 

The Mesh Network 

If you’ve been adding connected devices for some time, you’ve probably heard of the mesh network. This network combines two or more wireless access points that blanket your home in strong, reliable internet coverage. For those looking for whole-home audio that flows seamlessly to the backyard or a basement-turned designated theater room, a mesh network is indispensable.

How do you know when your home network isn’t running up to par? You’ll experience delays, lags, slow downloads, and dead zones. And while these conditions may be irritating, delayed security feeds can be devastating. 

Creating a Reliable and Safe Home Network 

As home automation experts, Soundworks knows the requirements of today’s home networks. Our certified technicians start the process with a Wi-Fi heatmap. This virtual representation displays the internet’s coverage—its strengths and weaknesses—throughout your entire property. 

From there, we’ll discuss your lifestyle and needs to determine the best solution for you and your family. With 30 years of experience behind us, we can guarantee a home network setup that’s designed just for you. For a complimentary consultation, call Soundworks today.