How’s Your Home Network Setup Holding Up?
Learn How to Fix Common Networking Issues in Smart Homes
Enjoying a well-connected home should be a seamless experience, but too often, Boise-area homeowners grapple with less-than-ideal network performance. Slow internet speeds are a frequent sore point, causing more than just minor irritations. Imagine settling in for a movie night only to face constant buffering or trying to connect with colleagues over a video call when working from home, but it just won't stop lagging. These issues often stem from overloaded networks, subpar connections, or ISPs that don't quite deliver on their promises of high-speed access.
Adding to the dilemma are the erratic internet disruptions that come without warning. Intermittent connectivity disrupts streaming and browsing, and the experience can feel like a never-ending battle with modems, routers, and signal interference. These challenges underscore the importance of understanding and optimizing your home network setup.
In this article, we explore common networking issues and offer a few suggestions for keeping your smart home, and your life, running smoothly. Keep reading!
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What Can Cause Issues with My Home Network?
New homeowners often encounter several networking problems, primarily due to interference from household appliances and physical barriers. Believe it or not, common culprits include microwaves, cordless phones, and even baby monitors, which can disrupt Wi-Fi signals.
Your home’s layout and building materials—such as concrete walls and metal frames—and your neighbors' overlapping wireless networks can also block or weaken signals. On top of these interference issues, a smart home environment filled with multiple devices trying to operate simultaneously can strain your bandwidth and cause unending frustrations.
How Can I Improve My Home Network Setup?
To combat and overcome these common networking challenges, you can enhance your home network by integrating a few of the following strategies on your own or with the assistance of our networking experts:
Choosing the Right Router
Selecting a high-quality, enterprise-grade router ensures it can handle the high traffic and extensive coverage your home requires without compromising speed or quality. Opt for one that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (such as Wi-Fi 6 or 7), offers dual or tri-band capabilities, and can manage multiple connections efficiently.
Strategic Router Placement
Place your router in a central location away from thick walls and metal objects. To reduce interference, avoid putting it near microwaves and cordless phones. Ideally, the router should be positioned off the floor, on a shelf, or on a wall to broadcast unobstructed signals across your home.
Using Wi-Fi Extenders and Mesh Networks
A single router can only do so much. Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh network system are invaluable for larger homes or properties with multiple floors. These devices help spread Wi-Fi coverage evenly throughout the house, preventing dead zones where connectivity is poor or non-existent.
Wired Network Solutions
Incorporating Ethernet wiring during the construction of new homes or extensive remodeling projects provides a stable and fast internet connection for areas where Wi-Fi connectivity may falter. Areas such as home offices, home theaters, and media rooms work well with Ethernet connections for devices that require consistent bandwidth, like smart TVs or gaming consoles.
Network Segmentation
Separate networks for different device types help manage bandwidth more efficiently and enhance security. For example, having a distinct network for work-related devices means you’re not competing with other household devices for bandwidth or leaving proprietary company data unsecured.
Regular Network Maintenance
Maintain your network by regularly updating firmware, changing passwords, and monitoring connected devices. This will improve security and keep the network running optimally.
Best Practices for Home Builders and Homeowners in Boise
Incorporating network-friendly designs from the start can be a significant selling point for home builders. Pre-wiring homes leave ample opportunities for strategic router placement later on, which can make a considerable difference. Homeowners, meanwhile, should consider consulting with networking experts to tailor their network to their specific needs.
We’re the Home Networking Experts
Working with Garrett Integrated Systems is a surefire way to optimize home technology experiences wherever you are in your connectivity journey. By understanding these common issues and implementing advanced solutions, we can help you meet your digital demands.
Fill out our contact form here or chat below to continue exploring your networking options.
