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DIY

If you’re handy with technology, you may consider upgrading your network by yourself. That means installing your router, running cables, and ensuring each device connects properly with the system.

In a small apartment, a wireless router may suffice to connect each of your devices to the internet. But in a large house – where you need coverage downstairs, upstairs, and around the backyard, it’s going to take a bit more work.

A wireless mesh network may be the easiest DIY option, because it will offer full coverage throughout your entire property. A mesh network consists of nodes strategically placed throughout your property that generate a web of connections. When you’re within the web, you won’t suffer any dead spots.

If you’re looking for simple connections between each device, you’ll probably end up quite happy with a wireless mesh network. But if you want to establish smart-home quality networking, you’re likely going to want a hardwired solution.

See Also: HOME NETWORK INSTALLATION: DIY OR PROFESSIONAL UPGRADE

UNDERSTANDING THE RISK

While staying vigilant in the face of a potential threat is important, it's also important to know how a cyber attack could potentially affect you and your lifestyle. As we've mentioned above, attacks on homes are rare, but it's essential to protect yourself anyway.

Recently, two men, from the US and UK respectively, were charged with committing a series of denial of service (DDoS) attacks on parts of Los Angeles and London. Their crimes ended up shutting down schools and businesses in both major cities, as well as impacting LAX.

According to Cyberscoop:

“Threats allegedly made by the men closed hundreds of schools in the United States and United Kingdom, according to the indictment, using email addresses that spoofed other entities, including the Mayor of London, to lend legitimacy to the threats.”

See Also: 5 Ways A Smart Home Makes Your Life Easier and Better Than Before

First, let’s break down what uses the network and, in turn, affects its performance:

• Multiple TVs streaming music or shows - especially in 4K
• General internet usage (especially video-streaming) on other devices like computers or phones and tablets
• Streaming music and distributing it to various speaker systems
• Any control system: lighting, motorized shades, and security

These are just a few standard examples. As the size of the home increases, the need for a stable network grows with it.

BANDWIDTH

Bandwidth is the amount of data being accessed or used in a moment. Each smart device uses bandwidth when working, and the amount of bandwidth available is directly tied to the strength of the home network.

Imagine that in our earlier example, the client’s music started buffering when the automated shades were activated. If the network doesn’t have enough bandwidth to support a variety of activities and devices, this could easily be the result.

This is why a strong, well-rounded network is essential to a properly-functioning smart home.