Smart Home Automation: Why You Need the Right Network

If you’re new to the world of smart home automation, or you’re thinking about upgrading your Salem, SC property with a connected system, you may be wondering exactly how it all works. The truth is, one of the most important aspects of your system is the network. A healthy and robust network will allow you to connect all of the devices you need to fit your lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll explore the ways you can enjoy a more efficient smart home with the right network. Read on for more.

See Also: The Smartest Ways to Control Your Home

What Is the Network?

In common integrator parlance, the network is the backbone of your smart home system. It allows each of the smart devices you own to communicate with one another. If you don’t have a smart home yet, you may think of it in the same way that your Wi-Fi router allows your laptop computer to connect to the internet. The laptop is connected to the Wi-Fi network. A very similar and closely related concept is what allows your smart devices to work together.

Your smart home network can be hardwired, wireless or a combination of the two. We’ll get into the difference between wired and wireless a little later. Essentially, the “smart” part of your smart home means that each device can connect to the internet. That’s why you’ll sometimes hear the term smart home interchanged with the term “Internet of Things” (IoT).

Whether the network is hardwired or wireless, the most important aspect of the network is the bandwidth. Bandwidth is sort of like the highway each device uses to connect with one another. If there is not enough bandwidth for the amount of connected devices, the highway suffers a traffic jam, which can slow down or stop the network functionality. Having a robust network means there’s enough space on the highway for all of the information to travel smoothly.

Hardwired or Wireless: What’s the Difference?

Networks can exist as either hardwired or wireless. While the names may give it away, it basically means devices are connected either with cables laid throughout your home, or by wireless signals like Wi-Fi. Below, we’ll go into more detail:

Hardwired Network: Hardwiring is the recommended method of connecting your network for integrators. Not only does it offer consistent, reliable connections between each device, but it also requires less maintenance after the initial install. An added bonus is that intelligent network design can raise the property value of your home, because so many potential buyers are looking for pre-wired spaces.

Wireless Network: Wireless networks are tempting to many homeowners because it seems as though there is less of an initial investment. While it’s true that they cost a little less to install, they can require more upkeep down the line. And while wireless is just now approaching the level of service and reliability that hardwired offers, it still doesn’t match it.

However, there are often cases where a hardwired network is simply not the best course of action, and that’s when you’ll really experience the benefits of wireless.

Do you still have questions about how your network helps your smart home automation system? Are you thinking about upgrading your property with smart technology? Contact Fusion Audio + Video today by filling out this form or by giving us a call at 864-271-4276.