A Reliable Network: The Foundation of a Smart Home
When envisioning your ideal smart home, you likely picture seamless automation, intuitive controls, and effortless convenience. Whether you’re building a new home or retrofitting your current residence, the backbone of this vision is a robust and reliable network. At Ficrest, we understand that the foundation of a successful smart home lies in its network infrastructure. Let’s delve into why this is crucial and how you can ensure your smart home functions at its best.
The Rise of Data Consumption
As smart home technology advances, so does the demand for data. According to a recent report from OpenVault, the average internet user consumes 641GB per month on their home internet plan. This figure is projected to increase to at least 700GB per month by the end of 2024[1]. With streaming services, online gaming, video conferencing, and smart devices all competing for bandwidth, it’s evident that data consumption will only continue to grow.
The Proliferation of Connected Devices
Modern households are becoming increasingly connected. The average U.S. household owns 21 connected devices across 13 device categories[3]. These devices range from smart TVs and voice assistants to security cameras and thermostats. While each device might not consume a significant amount of bandwidth on its own, the cumulative effect of multiple devices operating simultaneously can strain your network.
Understanding Bandwidth Requirements
A common misconception is that individual smart devices require substantial bandwidth. In reality, most smart devices are designed to be efficient and typically consume minimal bandwidth. However, the cumulative demand can be significant. Experts recommend allocating about 5 Mbps for every 12 smart home devices to ensure smooth operation[2]. This means that for a household with the average number of connected devices, a substantial portion of your internet bandwidth will be dedicated to maintaining these connections.
Building a Reliable Network
At Ficrest, we create networks that not only meet your current needs but anticipate future demands. Here’s how we ensure your smart home network is reliable and robust:
1. Assessment and Planning
We start by assessing your current internet usage and future needs. This involves understanding your household’s habits, the number of devices you plan to connect, and any specific requirements you might have. By anticipating your data consumption, we can design a network that accommodates your lifestyle.
2. High-Quality Equipment
The quality of your networking equipment plays a critical role in performance. We use top-of-the-line routers, modems, and access points to ensure strong, consistent signals throughout your home. Mesh networking systems are particularly effective in large or multi-story homes, as they provide comprehensive coverage and reduce dead zones.
3. Professional Installation
A professional installation guarantees that your network is set up correctly from the start. Our experienced technicians strategically place equipment to maximize coverage and minimize interference. Proper installation also includes secure wiring and configuration to protect your network from potential threats.
4. Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Technology evolves rapidly, and so do your needs. We offer ongoing support and maintenance to keep your network running smoothly. Regular updates and checks ensure that your system remains secure and efficient, providing peace of mind as you expand your smart home capabilities.
Build A Strong Foundation with Ficrest
The foundation of a smart home is its network. With the average internet user’s data consumption rising and the number of connected devices increasing, it’s essential to have a reliable, high-performance network. At Ficrest, we are committed to providing the expertise and equipment needed to create a seamless smart home experience. By focusing on robust network infrastructure, we ensure that your smart home is ready for today’s demands and tomorrow’s innovations.
References:
[1] High Speed Internet
[2] Race Communications
[3] Consumer Affairs