Home Network: Does Yours Make the Grade?

We talk a lot about smart home automation and how it can make your San Francisco, CA lifestyle easier than ever.

But how does it do it? How does your home automation system connect all of the devices in your property so they can work together?

Simple: through a strong home network.

In this blog, we’ll illustrate the importance of your network and how you can get the most out of it whether you prefer wired or wireless solutions.

And all you have to do is keep reading.

See Also: 7 EASY HOME AUTOMATION TIPS TO START PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY RIGHT NOW

The Importance of a Network

Smart TVs, smart thermostats and smart surveillance cameras are all important parts of your system, right?

Of course. They’re the devices you interact with every day.

But to talk to each other, they need a strong network.

Your network – whether it’s hardwired or wireless – facilitates communication via the internet between your various devices.

Essentially, it’s like a pipeline through which all of your information flows.

The information can come from different sources and be larger or smaller depending on what device you’re trying to operate.

And if there’s too much information it can cause a backup.

So how do you ensure that you’re not putting too much data through your system?

Increasing Bandwidth

Bandwidth is an essential element of any home network.

The greater the bandwidth, the more information you can share.

For instance, a 4K video signal requires nearly four times the bandwidth of a 1080p signal.

That means you need more space to send that signal – or risk subpar 4K, intermittent images or even total blackout.

To increase the bandwidth, your integrator may need to run different wires throughout your home.

Copper based wiring solutions generally can’t handle sending high bandwidth signals beyond 16 feet, so another solution may be necessary.

Fiber-optics are a great option, because they can effectively send high-bandwidth signals up to 300 feet and beyond, making them perfect for entire homes.

Mesh Networks

Giving your signal enough room is one thing, but how do you ensure it’s strong even when it’s far away from the source?

A mesh network can help.

A standard network sends signals from a centralized location throughout your house. That runs the risk of losing power, so the signal in your bedroom isn’t as strong as the one in your basement.

But with a mesh network, the signal stops and re-launches periodically thanks to different nodes placed throughout your home.

These nodes act as waystations, so the signal can remain strong even when it’s moving extremely far.

It’s the perfect way to ensure a strong signal throughout your home.

Are you interested in learning more about your home network and how it effects your home automation system?

Just click here for more!