WiFi Problems and Reliable Internet
As a homeowner in Aurora, you may find yourself dealing with spotty WiFi signals that seem to disappear when you go from room to room.
These connectivity issues can be super frustrating especially if you’re using the internet for work, school or just streaming your favorite shows. A reliable internet service is essential for all these activities. Unfortunately, your internet provider typically cannot help mitigate these connectivity issues and I’ll tell you why
Your internal home network is entirely your responsibility. Your internet provider is only responsible for the internet connection to the modem in your house but after that, it’s all up to you. Most clients switch back and forth from Rogers to Bell etc. without solving their issue.
However, If you have a well-designed home network your internet service provider is actually irrelevant. Your service will be fast and reliable and you can go with the cheapest service you can find without being held down by a lengthy one-sided contract.
Let’s get into the common problems with traditional WiFi and how a whole home mesh WiFi system can be the solution.
What is Mesh WiFi?
At its simplest, a mesh WiFi is designed to cover your whole home with fast reliable internet.
Unlike traditional routers that can’t reach all corners of a larger home, a mesh network is made up of multiple nodes that connect to each other. Each node talks to the others, creating a bubble of WiFi coverage that expands throughout your home.
No more dead zones, just fast reliable internet wherever you go.
Why Mesh?
You might be thinking why choose a mesh over just upgrading your single router?
Good question! Your distance from your router and the objects between you and your router are the reasons why your connection is poor. Having multiple wifi nodes throughout your home broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal will give you that close-to-modem experience everywhere in your home.
If you have a large odd-shaped home with multiple levels, a mesh setup allows you to add more nodes as needed so even the furthest corners of your home get a strong signal.
Mesh WiFi Features and Internet Speed
When looking at a mesh WiFi solution you should consider:
- Coverage Area: Choose a system that fits your home’s size and shape. Most homes can be covered with just 3 access points.
- Speed: Look for systems that support high-speed home internet plans and offer the highest internet speed for best performance.
- Extra features: Find systems with mobile app support for configuration and management. Some systems have VPN, cyber security features, and content filtering for children in the home.
- Wiring: The absolute best way to set up a mesh system is to wire each access point together with the modem. Access points that wirelessly link to each other are not as good as wired options.
Is Mesh Right for You?
While mesh is great for larger homes you may be thinking is it necessary for smaller spaces? A mesh network can also be beneficial for home offices, supporting business activities with reliable connectivity.
If you’re dealing with ongoing connectivity issues or looking ahead to smart home upgrades investing in a mesh network may be a good idea. Your network is the foundation of your smart home.
With the increasing demand for high-speed data solutions, ensuring robust connectivity is crucial for seamless communication between devices.
As more and more households are incorporating smart devices a strong internet connection is becoming more and more important to make sure everything talks to each other smoothly.
How to Set Up Your Mesh WiFi
- Start with the Modem: When designing smart home systems I like to put the modem in a rack unit in the utility room. This allows for a home base to house all your smart home devices. These items are not pretty to look at so we want to hide them in the basement.
- Access Points: Place WiFi APs in areas where you have weak signals to improve overall coverage. It’s best to place them in key rooms that need the best signal like home offices, gazebos, and TV rooms.
- Avoid Obstructions: Keep nodes away from thick walls, appliances, and other obstructions that may interfere. Ideally, they should be out in the open without anything surrounding them.
- Cabling: Ethernet cables should run from the modem to each node so that you can connect them directly to the source of the internet.
WiFi Troubleshooting
Even with the best gear, there will be times when you experience connectivity issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Reboot Your System: Sometimes just restarting your mesh will fix connectivity issues. Advanced mesh networks have a companion app that allows you to check status and reboot systems remotely.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Regular updates will improve performance and security. Turn on automatic updates if you can.
- AP placement: Ensure that your AP’s are staggered throughout the home to get great overall coverage. For example, if you have an AP in the living room on the main floor it’s best to have the one in the basement be placed in a room that is not directly below it.
Smart Homes and Connectivity in Aurora
As smart home technology advances the importance of a strong WiFi network can’t be overstated. We are connecting devices to the internet that have never been connected before. Fridges, washing machines, and litter boxes are all items that now require bandwidth on your network.
Having a strong home network will ensure that all these different devices can be online without disrupting your Zoom calls or streaming sessions.
From smart thermostats to security cameras, your devices need a solid internet connection to work. Investing in a whole home mesh WiFi system today will not only improve your current connectivity but future-proof your home for the smart upgrades to come.
Conclusion
So there you have it, mesh WiFi is a great solution for Aurora homeowners with connectivity issues. Invest in a whole home system and you’ll have every corner of your home connected for your daily use and future smart home plans.
Ready to get started? Book a free consultation today!
