5 Common Home Networking Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

On our blog, we’ve talked about the important role that the home network plays in a smart home automation system. Without a strong network, all of the smart devices connected throughout your Dallas, Texas home won’t be able to achieve peak performance. So how do you ensure your network is up to par? A professional network installation is a sure-fire way. With a professional installation, you can avoid some of the most common networking mistakes that homeowners make. Continue reading to learn what those mistakes are and how smart home professionals avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Networking Equipment

It’s easy to walk out of your local electronics store with a home networking solution that’s completely the wrong fit for your needs. After all, it seems like the packaging of every router promises to do everything and more! However, the truth is that there are a lot of different features and performance standards that need to be carefully considered, which could narrow down the possibilities for ideal routers from hundreds to a handful. Networking professionals have a clear understanding of all these features and how they relate to each smart system’s requirements.

2. Placing Equipment in the Wrong Location

We get it: networking equipment isn’t particularly nice to look at. Even though routers are becoming sleeker and prettier every year, you probably don’t want to feature your networking equipment on the living room coffee table! However, stuffing the router in the basement or a closet in the back corner of the home isn’t going to get you the performance that you’re hoping for. A centrally located router that is not obstructed by a lot of walls or appliances will help you get a stronger signal across your home (although wireless access points may still be needed for full coverage).

3. Sticking with the Default Settings

Network security should be a top of mind concern when you’re setting up your router. However, a large number of people neglect to change the router’s default settings. The router’s default password and username are very easy to guess, which can leave your network exposed to hackers. The default Wi-Fi frequency channel might also contribute to performance issues, so it’s worth exploring alternative channels. While these settings might be daunting to those unfamiliar with networking, you can always leave it in the hands of professionals.

4. Going 100% Wireless

We live in a wireless world. Everything from your desktop computer to your whole house audio system can use wireless internet. But is that necessarily the best approach? Wireless technology has come a long way in recent years, but it still can’t stand up to the speed and reliability that come from a wired connection. It’s more likely that your home will benefit from a mix of wired and wireless connections. If your devices are permanent fixtures, like your smart TV or desktop computer, it’s a good idea to use wired connections.

SEE ALSO: WIRED VS. WIRELESS: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HOME NETWORK?

5. Blaming Slow Internet on the ISP

Before you spend 30 minutes on hold while you try to get in contact with your Internet Service Provider, find out if your network is built to handle the amount of data you’re trying to transfer. An inadequate or obsolete router, a firewall breach, spotty Wi-Fi coverage, or issues with the device itself could all contribute to slow internet. With a professional network installation, none of the above options are likely, so it could very well be an issue with your ISP. If all else fails, you may have to resign yourself to making that phone call.

If you don’t want to risk making one of these common home networking mistakes, let us do the heavy lifting for you. Our skilled and experienced technicians can implement a home network that is reliable, secure, and ready for all of your home automation needs. Contact us today to learn more.