By Jared Walth on Friday, 31 March 2023
Category: Home Networking

The Importance of Proper Design and Technology in Home Networking

How to Get a High-Performance Home Network for All Your Connectivity Needs

Many homes - too many, in our opinion – rely on their internet provider for home networking equipment. Still others rely on consumer networking solutions, whether all-in-one router solutions or mesh network systems. Even when these systems might feature the latest technology like Wi-Fi 6, performance might still be left wanting, especially in larger Salt Lake City, UT homes. 

High-performance home networking will depend on several factors. While the latest technology helps, hardware and software quality and network design also play key roles in network performance, stability, and reliability. Let’s explore these in more detail below.

SEE ALSO: A Professional Approach to More Effective Networking Solutions for Your Home

The Latest Technology

While not the only factor, the latest networking technology brings significant improvements in capacity and throughput for Wi-Fi-connected devices. The Wi-Fi 6 standard brings a significant 40% speed improvement over Wi-Fi 5 and a more efficient way of transmitting data over wireless channels without slowing down the network. Wi-Fi 6 also increases capacity and reduces latency, allowing the system to service more devices simultaneously. And the WPA3 encryption and security capabilities provide a higher level of protection to home data traffic. 

Network Design

We can't stress the importance of a well-designed home networking system enough. A poorly designed system supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard might still perform worse than an older system. Why? Because how the network is set up matters. For example, strategically located wired access points will consistently deliver the best Wi-Fi range and speeds. These access points are hardwired back to network switches and routers, so the Wi-Fi connection is always shorter and stronger. Depending on the layout of your house and its construction, the distances between these access points are critical for optimal performance. You can't rely entirely on newer technologies to completely overcome the physics of distance and walls on network signals. A good professional networking company (like us) will always start with a site survey, analyzing your devices, how many and what types they are, their speed requirements, where they are located or will roam, and your home's layout and construction to determine how to design the right network for your needs. 

Commercial-Grade Solutions

What do we mean by commercial-grade solutions? Simply put, the equipment is designed and tested for a higher level of performance and reliability. Consumer-grade electronics tend to be disposable products; they're simply replaced if they break. Commercial-grade solutions are designed to last far longer because they are engineered not to be replaced often. In addition, they include more reliable and stress-tested software that is updated more often. For example, routers and switches from companies like Araknis have advanced configuration capabilities for things like network segmentation, prioritizing traffic types, and remote management. They also include better security and firewall protection to protect networks from hacking or intrusion. 

At Show & Tell AV solutions, we provide cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance our clients’ everyday lives. Let us show you how you can benefit from a higher level of network performance in your Salt Lake City home. To schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Show & Tell AV Solutions today!