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Of all the services we offer, improving communications is the most universal. Whether we want to admit it or not, our lives center around technology- and technology centers around proper networking techniques. The ability to communicate effectively in our homes is not a luxury, it’s essential. Internet, ethernet, wifi and cell technologies should not be an afterthought in today’s homes. No matter how much you choose to embrace technology; networking, or the lack thereof, can make or break your experience in the home when using phones, laptops, watching TV or just about anything we do when we aren’t eating or sleeping.
The first problem many people encounter is the reality that the “all in one” wireless router from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) isn’t designed to cover larger homes. Range extension solutions offered by ISP’s and DIY retailers don’t work much better because they are not hard-wired solutions. They typically don’t accommodate many users, they have limited range and they throttle throughput speed.
First, we want to hardwire everything that we can. Sure, most of your devices have wireless capabilities. But did you know that your TV has a hard-wire jack on the back? So do many other devices in your home. They will work faster and more reliably when they don’t depend on wireless connections. And, this takes the load off your wi-fi to run the devices that truly must use it like your phone, laptop, thermostats etc. To do this, you’ll want a switch with plenty of room to accommodate all your peripherals.
Next, let’s address that wi-fi with wired access points (AP). The larger the home, the more you’ll need! An AP can cover 1500 square feet per floor but coverage varies based on floorplan layout and construction materials.
We definitely want to stress that how the system is designed, installed and set up will greatly affect performance. The same products can be a success or failure depending on the folks installing them. Expertise matters. Bear in mind that things change over time, so maintaining the system to address new interference and firmware updates is essential. We have some really cool ways to achieve that without even visiting your home!
Surprisingly, in the Memphis area, most new homes are not wired for ethernet connectivity. The belief that “everything is wireless now” is a cost-saving excuse that we unfortunately see routinely even in seven figure homes. There’s a reason why smart TV’s, printers, AppleTV boxes, desktop computers, Sonos amps, and a million other devices have hard-wired jacks on them. Because it works better! It’s faster, more reliable and takes the burden off your wireless system so you can better use the stuff that has to be wireless like your phone, iPad, laptop, scent dispensers, mattresses etc. Builders and realtors know cabling hidden in the walls isn’t likely to sell homes like granite, marble and fancy trimwork does. But make no mistake, it’s every bit as important to the family that will live in that home! Wiring homes like its the 80’s and leaving the fallout to the home buyer is something we try to educate folks on every day at AVA.
If you don’t have a wired network, don’t worry. We have commercial-grade wireless solutions that provide superior coverage and speed for all your devices. We will still need to run a few wires, but our team of in-house pros can get wire almost anywhere. No matter if you’re in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, Eads or further, we have the networking solutions for any home.
“We changed wifi providers and had to start all over with ensuring coverage throughout our home and in our pool area. AVA came to the rescue! They carefully placed an excellent mesh system while making sure that we weren’t paying for “overkill.” Honestly, I wouldn’t have known the difference and would have gladly paid for whatever they told us we needed; so I appreciate their honesty and ethical approach. It ensures that we will be repeat customers for years to come. In fact…we decided to enhance our enjoyment of our patio and pool with AVA’s help!” -Google Reviewer