Start with a Pro to Avoid the Maze of Home Network Setup
March 5th, 2020
A search for the best home network on the internet can feel a bit like falling into a rabbit hole. The internet in itself can become a maze of information. Every search leads to the access point of another. Those access points of information seemingly become endless. A never-ending labyrinth of knowledge. In fact, a few key lines from Alice in Wonderland come to mind.
“The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down a very deep well.”
Rabbits have diligent purpose as they create their maze of tunnels. Knowing which trail to follow requires expertise. If you choose the wrong tunnel, you may go deeper than expected as Alice did. Down she fell. After all, she wasn’t a rabbit. She didn’t have the expertise.
“Either the well was very deep, or she fell very slowly, for she had plenty of time as she went down to look about her and to wonder what was going to happen next.”
Our expert team at Synergy Integrated Systems strives to keep you from falling. Ultimately, our goal is to keep you from losing yourself in the tunnels altogether. We aim to catch you from the beginning to ease your path. With us, you needn’t wonder what shall happen next. We do have the expertise.
How Does a Home Network Work?
To keep you far from sinking into the dark tunnels of home network mazes, consider first how a home network works. Then, we’ll review some wired and wireless device information that helps you navigate the wonderful, wide world of a wireless network.
We’ll start with simplicity. A home network involves more than one computer that you wish to connect. By connecting these devices, they can then communicate. Next, you need hardware and software that coordinates the exchange of information between connected devices. This is often in the form of a router and applications built into the operating system. Finally, you need a path in place for the information to follow from one computer to the other.
To break it down even further, consider a wheel with spokes. Initially, you need a core device that is the hub for wired and wireless devices throughout your home. It’s akin to the hub of the wheel. This hub is the core of your wireless network. It allows each spoke of the wheel access to multiple devises that are wired and wireless. All connected devices communicate with the hub as spokes within the wheel itself. Information radiates from the hub to your multiple devices.
More often than not, an external internet connection is necessary. With that in place, you can access information from your internet service provider. Once properly tied into your overall system, each of your connected devices can use the internet system as well.
The more you add, the more complicated it gets. A home network can begin to feel like a maze in itself. But, don’t worry, our team handles that labyrinth and guides you through every step of the way. You may be lost in wonder but we certainly won’t allow you to get lost in Wonderland!
Phrases to Help Navigate the Rabbit Holes
Now that you have a very basic idea of home network setup, it helps to fully understand a few key phrases that will come up. Some may seem simple, and even intuitive, but having an actual definition ensures everyone is on the same page.
Here are some definitions for quick reference if you need it:
- Router – When referring to computers, a router is a piece of hardware or software having a specific IP address and connected to network nodes for the transfer of data between computers.
- Wireless Network – A wireless network is a system of devices using radio waves or the like to communicate, as opposed to cables.
- Wi-Fi Network – A Wi-Fi network is simply an abbreviation of wireless network.
- Wireless – In the dictionary, this simply means “having no wires.” When used to describe a computer network, it refers to a wireless network.
- Wired or Cable – While these are two of the words that seem pretty easy to understand, consider the exact definition in the dictionary: “an insulated wire or wires having a protective casing and used for transmitting electricity or telecommunication signals.”
- Wireless Connection – This refers to the actual data connection between network nodes that transfer information without wires.
- Wifi – Typically written as Wi-Fi, this refers to wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless network connections. Contrary to popular belief, Wifi is not short for “wireless fidelity.”
- Wi-Fi Device (or wireless devices) – Based on wireless technology, a Wi-Fi device is simply any device capable of communicating via wireless means. For instance, laptops, Smart TVs, smartphones, etc. are some examples of wireless devices.
- Wi-Fi Signal – Wi-Fi signals travel on radio waves at set frequencies.
- Wireless Router – The device that receives the wireless signal and decodes it. A wireless router is necessary to provide access to the internet or a private compute network.
- Internet – While we all have a general idea of what the internet is, it’s helpful to have it put into an exact definition. The Google dictionary defines the internet as: “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.”
- Internet Service Provider – Also known as a service provider, this one is easy. It’s simply a company that provides subscribers access to the internet.
- Wi-fi Speeds – Measured in megabits per seconds, Wi-Fi speeds refer to the rate that data travels between devices.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access – Also referred to as WPA, the Wi-Fi Alliance created Wi-Fi Protected Access to secure wireless computer networks.
- Ethernet – An ethernet is a system used to connect multiple computers and to control the passing of information to avoid simultaneous transmissions.
- Ethernet Ports – The port is the socket on a device where you plug in an ethernet cable.
- Gigabyte Ethernet – Based on the technology of Ethernet, a Gigabit Ethernet is used in LANs to transmit ethernet frames at 1 Gbps.
- LAN – Local area network, which is a computer network that links devices within a building or group of adjacent buildings.
- Modem – Short for modulater-demodulator, a modem allows a computer or other device to connect to the internet.
- Wired Network – A system of devices tethered by wires or cables that provide communication between devices.
What is the Best Home Network Setup?
Whether you have a wired network or operate solely on wireless connection, your initial setup is critical. Your choices are wired, wireless or a combination of both. To determine what is best for you, let’s consider advantages and disadvantages of your options.
The first advantages of a wired network are higher Wi-Fi speeds and reliability. This is why many businesses opt for wired as opposed to wireless altogether. Since wired connections are less prone to radio interference, they tend to work when you need them. Likewise, wired networks have more generous bandwidth caps, which means that you can transmit more data. Enhanced security and the ability to connect over long distances are additional advantages.
While a wired network is more secure in some cases, there are a few downsides. For instance, cables and wires are unsightly and sometimes difficult to manage. These wires are also open to interference from one another and this issue must be addressed by a professional. Additionally, lack of mobility makes expansion difficult. Plus, a fully-wired network tends to take more time to install and troubleshoot.
On the other hand, wireless networks have advantages as well. Increased mobility is key in a wireless network. In a business situation, the ability to physically move without losing connection increases productivity. In a home, it allows for seamless interfacing. Wireless is also more flexible. You can easily update, expand or meet new configuration requirements. Similarly, installation is less complicated, which results in faster service at less cost.
However, with wireless the Wi-Fi signal occasionally loses quality through walls or obstructions. Plus, interference can occur on the radio waves the Wi-Fi signal follows. These signals are also more open to hacking as anyone nearby can access your signal. For safety, you must make sure that your system is Wi-Fi-protected. While Wi-Fi speeds are a bit slower than wired, new technology alleviates this issue considerably.
Often, home network setup requires a mixture of wired and wireless. This process begins with structured wiring.
Solutions in Structured Wiring
Another potential rabbit hole is understanding structured wiring. Structured wiring is the foundation on which your home communication and entertainment network is built. A well-planned structure is critical to the performance of your home’s network.
For premium data transfer rates and seamless integration, it’s imperative to have an experienced professional install your structured wiring. Our team at Synergy Integrated Systems has years of experiencing designing and organizing connective technologies. We customize our systems to each home and client. We take the time to specifically tailor your system to your needs.
Moreover, we provide seamless installation. Wires running throughout your home aren’t aesthetically pleasing. We embed technology so that it blends into the design of your house.
Home Networking Services in the Triangle
In addition to structured wiring, we build reliable wireless networks. In today’s modern home, this is vital. We create a system that is stable, strong and secure. Therefore, you can enjoy your laptops, tablets, smartphones and smart home devices worry-free.
While expertise is imperative, we also pride ourselves on our customer service. As a small, locally-owned business, we deliver a level of personalized service unmatched by our competitors. We make ourselves available to you almost any time of day, including weekends, to answer questions and provide troubleshooting.
To hear from the real experts about our work, consider the kind words of our customers.
” I was very hesitant initially that the system would be too complicated as I’m not very good with electronics, but the system you installed is so easy to use and I can’t imagine life without it. The music sounds wonderful and it is so easy to turn on a DVD with only the push of a button. But my favorite feature is the night button that turns all the lights off from my bedside table. Both Matt and Aaron were great to work with and I really appreciate their attention to detail.”
– JUNE, CARY, NC
Just wanted to thank you for rapid response to my problem. Matt was very professional and did a great job in returning my phone service back to normal. I will make sure that I will use your company for any future problems and will recommend your company to all of my friends if they encounter similar problems. Thanks again! “
– TOM, RALEIGH, NC
As a leading home networking specialist in the Triangle, we serve homeowners in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Wake Forest, and beyond. We offer home network services for new construction and existing homes. To see our completed installations in the Triangle and beyond, check out our gallery of projects.
Then, contact us online or give us a call at 919-324-3592 to schedule your no-obligation, free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
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