Hint: It’s Not about Your Router

This blog is the third installment this month of our three-part series on home networks and connectivity. In the first, we discussed how popular consumer solutions like mesh networks and routers might not be the panacea that the marketing might imply. In the second part, we talked about our approach to connection speed and stability, particularly through the judiciousness of cabling and commercial-level components. 

In this last installment, we'll talk about Wi-Fi performance and how to maximize it in your Park City, UT home. Wi-Fi is the first thing practically anyone notices if it's slow, won't connect, or drops. Unlike some, we look at Wi-Fi as "last mile" connectivity. Not the last mile in terms of the internet connection into your home, but the last resort for connections. As we noted in the second part of this series, if it can be connected by cable, we do it. You'll get more stable connections, better speeds, and decrease the load on the devices that really need Wi-Fi, improving overall network performance. 

So, how do we do Wi-FI for home network installations? Keep reading below!

SEE ALSO: Home Networking Part 2: What Makes a Strong Home Network? 

Separate Components

If you are familiar with audio, you might know that audiophiles who demand high performance prefer separate components versus all-in-one systems. For example, it might be a separate phono amp for a turntable and separate preamp and amplifiers for a two-channel hi-fi setup. Typical home network solutions package everything into the router, including a switch for wired connections, Wi-Fi radios for wireless networking, and router and firewall software. Much like in audio, separating these components into better individual ones can yield higher performance. Also, similar to audio, you tend to find these separates as higher-end, pro-level equipment. 

We work with two of the best-of-breed companies in networking, Araknis and Access Networks. The network configuration we'll install in your home depends on many factors, but we will use high-end components from these companies. For example, Araknis routers are built to a higher standard than consumer-grade equipment. They are stress tested for performance and put through a tough battery of physical assessments to ensure resilience against power surges and high-heat levels. Separating Wi-Fi and switching from the router component also aids in manageability of software and firmware updates. It simplifies router software to assist in optimizing your traffic, configuring your firewall for security and access to services, and failover capabilities to keep your network up at all times. 

Network switches are vital for wired components. For example, if you want a network of security cameras inside and outside your property, IP cameras that draw power from the ethernet connection cable are enabled with PoE (power over ethernet) switches. This capability isn’t available in consumer equipment. Plus, both the switches and routers can be managed through a secure cloud connection, allowing us to determine the health of your network, make over-the-air updates, and remotely monitor and diagnose many issues without setting foot in your home. 

Airport-Grade Wi-Fi

Everyone needs and loves Wi-Fi at the airport for whatever need, from communication to entertainment. Notice how good airports have Wi-Fi that reaches every corner with a strong signal? This is done through commercial-grade access points like those from Access Networks. And you can have these in your home too. Various models work for different coverage requirements and use high-gain antennas, the latest beamforming technology for focusing wireless signals, and commercial-quality construction for airport-level performance in your home. These access points are hard-wired back to the router and are carefully planned to provide full Wi-Fi coverage everywhere in your home, indoors and out. 

 

At Show & Tell AV solutions, we provide cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance our clients’ everyday lives. To learn more about home network design and installation or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Show & Tell AV Solutions today.