Isn’t It All Just Wi-Fi?

It’s 2020, and that means you’re likely operating on a Wi-Fi network. It’s completely changed our lives. The way we communicate with friends and family, the way we watch TV, and the way we collect music. It’s even made smart home automation more affordable and accessible than ever. In fact, you may have thought about adding smart devices to your home and connecting them via your Wi-Fi network, but that might not be the best idea. Ready to find out why you should contact a professional -- even for a wireless home networking installation? Keep reading.

See Also: Why A Network Installation Is Must-Have For New Homes

Why You Shouldn’t Run Your Smart Home on Wi-Fi

A smart home connects a lot of devices. From your TV to your shades, your lights to your security system, and so on. That means many devices are vying for the same space; they're all pushing to the front of the line. A professional installer can help manage and prioritize the devices to avoid blackouts and slowdowns, but in a Wi-Fi network, there are too many variables.

Variable are things like smartphones, tablets, and other devices that will temporarily take up bandwidth from your Wi-Fi can cause your network to drag to a halt. Too many devices will overload the network, and it won't be capable of connecting anything.

In general, Wi-Fi isn’t appropriate for supporting an entire smart home. For that, you’d need a professional network installation that’s designed for permanence and performance.

How Integrators Install a Network

Most integrators will always prefer a hardwired network. That’s because they’re more reliable, durable, and require less maintenance. You’ll get peak performance from a hardwired network -- even when you’re streaming in full 4K and listening to high-resolution, lossless audio tracks simultaneously.

However, for some homeowners, it’s either not possible or not ideal to have a hardwired network installed. In those cases, your integrator will likely set up a mesh network that’s independent of the Wi-Fi.

Popular mesh network protocols include Zigbee and Z-wave, and your integrator can determine the right fit for your home. They’ll also program your control device and use prioritization software to ensure your home operates smoothly and efficiently with no slowdowns or blackouts.

Plus, you can still enjoy the use of your mobile devices on Wi-Fi that's free of smart home device clutter.

Want to learn more about home networking and how you can get the most out of your system? Give us a call at 1-904-ALPHA95 today!