When we think of ‘networking’, we typically imagine professionals mingling at a cocktail hour with business cards in hand. Or perhaps we envision connecting with friends on social networks like Facebook or Instagram. Home networks are not so different—essentially, a network installation connects the internet to multiple devices across your property. From there, your devices start ‘talking’ to each other. Whether you choose wireless or wired, there are many ways to establish a home network.
However, when setting up a network to connect printers, computers, speakers, TVs, and security systems, there are right and wrong ways to do it. Continue reading below to ensure your Fort Collins, Colorado home has a faultless network installation.
SEE ALSO: What You Get With A Professional Network Installation
DO: Plan Your Network’s Needs Ahead of Time
Wired or wireless? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you’re only using laptops and handheld devices, a wireless network may be optimal, though the speed and security are often less stable than a wired network. Wired networks do require in-wall cables and ports, which isn’t always convenient. However, if you have a smart home with devices like motorized shades, whole-home audio, or a connected home theater, a wired network is more convenient. Using both a wired and wireless system is possible, too.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider the square footage of your home, the materials of your walls and floors, and the number of devices you will be connecting. Otherwise, you may not have enough coverage for fast and reliable internet.
DON’T: Place Your Router in the Wrong Place
If you choose a wireless network, you may be tempted to hide your router in a closet, corner, or cabinet. But a reliable connection depends on a well-placed router in the open. For the best performance, place your router in the center of the home where most activity happens. If you can’t display it in an open room, consider wireless range extenders or powerline adapters to save dead spots that your router can’t reach.
DO: Check the Router Regularly for Firmware Updates
To keep your home network performing well, regularly check for software updates on your router and devices. It will improve your router’s functionality and address security issues so that over time, your connection will not suffer. This is a manual process that requires downloading new firmware and updating with a computer, but it is a critical step to take.
DON’T: Forget to Add a Backup System
Family photos, artwork, documents, music libraries, downloaded movies, and games—all things you would hate to lose. The best home networks will have an automatic backup system in place. A home network backup will make copies of your data and store them in a different location by either a cloud service or an external hard drive.
If you’re ready to start your network installation in the Fort Collins, Colorado-area, Encore Sight and Sound is here to help. Give us a call at (970) 217-7018, fill out our contact form, or chat with us below!
