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.

Think of it like a highway. If too many cars are speeding along in one lane, they will eventually get backed up. With multiple lanes, traffic flows more smoothly because there is more allowance for cars to speed through.

SPEED

The network’s speed directly affects the home system’s speed. While every device may be capable of working at high speed, it won’t perform as such if the network is slow- just like in our highway example. If each of those cars on a one-lane road can individually drive very fast, it still won’t matter if they are stuck in a traffic jam.

A slow network leads to lag time and buffering in audio or video streaming and general delay in device response. This can eventually lead to some devices not functioning altogether – a far cry from the homeowner’s vision of smooth, easy-to-use smart home technology!

With a fast network comes a fast response from smart products. Everyone is happy.

A proper home network installation from day one also sets the homeowner up with a solution that will continue working for them long-term. They won’t need to upgrade the network frequently throughout the lifespan of the home.

Ready to talk with us about network installation in a new home build or design? Reach out to us online or give us a call at (713) 589-9222.