Nobody likes slow internet.
Whether you are streaming the latest blockbuster, trying to video chat with your coworkers and family, or downloading music, movies, and video games, a fast internet is imperative to a modern smart home.
If you are coming to Systems Design Company for smart home automation, audio and visual technology, smart home security, or anything else, it starts with a robust home network, which is the backbone of the modern smart home.
That means that if your home network is dated or is underperforming, then you can be sure the rest of your smart home isn't running at its best either. Let's look at a few ways you can know it's time for you to invest in a new home network.
You Haven't Upgraded in Forever
Before you go totally gutting your home network, there are a few things you should check. First, find your internet bill and see what internet speed you are paying for. Next, test and see if you are actually getting that speed -- there are a bunch of different online checkers you can use to see just what type of upload and download speeds you are getting.
You'll also want to check your router -- and maybe even your modem, but that is usually provided by your internet provider and you don't have much control over that. But if you are using a router that's getting up there in age, that could be one reason why your internet isn't working like it should be. Especially as your house adds more and more devices, an older router can have trouble prioritizing and managing the sheer amount of devices trying to connect to the internet all at once.
Many people don't even think about updating their routers, and if you've been using the same one for a few years -- or if you've never updated --- then now is the time. We can also provide you with Wi-Fi mesh home networks that provide great coverage no matter where in your house -- or backyard -- you are. Give us a call at 631-283-3455 and we'd be glad to look at what different kinds of networking options would work best for your home and family.
You Have Too Many Devices (Or Too Little Coverage)
While we're speaking of too many devices ... too many devices are another sign that you might need a new home network -- or at least extend it. If your family often finds itself streaming Netflix on several TVs, while some people game and other stream music, only for some friends to come over and then try to connect their tables to the network, too, well, it's really easy to see how all that internet traffic can add up and slow your network down. That's not even counting your TV or home automation system -- these devices need to be able to connect, as well!
More devices does not necessarily mean you need more access points, but more devices spread out over more space definitely does. There's a pretty good rule of thumb we use -- most houses need at least one wireless access point for every 1500 square feet. If you only have one router -- and it's sitting in the middle of your house somewhere, family members may struggle to connect to it in rooms that are further away, especially with portable devices like phones and tablets that may have weaker antennas.
Multiple access points will help extend the coverage throughout your home. Just be careful not to have too many as they can interfere with one another and have the opposite of the intended effect.
Things are Tortoise Slow
If you aren't fielding a whole bunch of devices, or you live in a small house, loft, or apartment, but your internet is still slow, then it's most likely your network or potentially even that of your neighbors. Especially if you are having issues running just one device at a time. The good news is that whether you are looking at putting in a new wireless or wired network, there are a lot of different up-to-date solutions you can use to make sure you are getting the best internet experience possible.
No matter what type of network problems you are having, we're here to help make sure you are getting the most out of your network and your devices. Whatever the network issue is, give us a call today at 631-283-3455 -- we'll help you get to the bottom of them and help get you on your way to a faster network!