Smart technology can transform your home into a convenient and powerful space, where you can control your appliances and gadgets with a few taps of a screen. However, to reach that level, you’ll also need a robust home network. This network connects all your smart tech, giving it the power to operate at all times with strong signals.
These five steps will help you achieve the best home network setup for your smart devices.
1. Test Your Current Internet Speeds
The first step is to figure out your current internet speeds. If you’re moving or are in the process of getting a router, this step will still be critical.
The most efficient way to calculate your speed is through online sites like SpeedTest, where you can figure out your download and upload speeds in seconds. These numbers will be critical when you add smart devices to the network.
For instance, if you have multiple people and plenty of devices in your household, you’re likely going to need 100 Mbps (megabits per second) or higher. Your internet speed will also depend on what you use the internet for. Streaming in 4K will require more bandwidth than standard web browsing, for example.
2. Calculate Your Smart Device Requirements
Once you know how fast your internet connection is or how fast it needs to be for the people in your home, you can move on to factoring in all the smart devices you own or intend to purchase.
Smart devices, since they use Wi-Fi to connect, require consistent internet speeds and coverage. A good rule of thumb is to add 5 Mbps of internet speed for every 12 smart devices you own. However, you may want to add 10 Mbps for smart devices that transfer video feeds.
Video requires more bandwidth to send the livestream in real-time, which is why it has more of a demand. For instance, a smart security system may send live video to your phone or central home hub at regular intervals. To keep the connection strong and available, you need a fast home network.
3. Place Your Router in an Optimal Spot
This step is a simple yet crucial one. The placement of your wireless router will influence the Wi-Fi connection to all devices in your home. If the router is too far from a certain room, that room will likely get a weaker signal. Having walls in the way of the router’s reach can also weaken the signal.
Moving the router is a simple solution. Place it in a central location so the signal can reach all the rooms and smart technologies in your home.
If you need additional help on top of moving the router, you can look into Wi-Fi extenders. These devices plug into the wall and boost the internet connection in the room, providing access everywhere.
4. Compare Smart Devices
Once you move on to the buying process, you’ll want to compare and contrast each smart device you intend to buy. Some may place more demands on your home network than others, so it’s important to look for the best deal.
For instance, some Internet of Things (IoT) devices have had a massive impact on the tech industry due to their efficiency and power. Edge computing is one of these innovations. As smart tech combines the IoT with new computing methods like edge computing, we can further reduce bandwidth needs and latency in home and industrial settings.
These gadgets will be the best ones to invest in for long-term effectiveness. Some home control systems, for example, combine these advanced technologies to reduce the amount of data transmitted by the home’s systems to off-site servers.
5. Secure Your Network and Devices
Securing your network and devices is an ongoing process and a necessary one. As people have relied on the internet for work, resources, and communication throughout the pandemic, there’s been an increase in cybercrime during this time.
To protect yourself and your entire home network, you can use WPA2-AES encryption and passwords when setting up your router. Newer models should automatically prompt you with cybersecurity steps like this encryption method. Then, you can update your router’s firewall, too.
On top of the security and protection that the smart gadgets provide themselves, securing your home network helps your smart home stay safe and private.
A Strong Smart Home
With these five steps, you create a home network that supports and facilitates the use of all your smart technology. When everything connects, you have more control over everything in your home. It all starts with a strong network.
No Comments