Whether you are building a new house or simply updating your network, both wired and wireless internet access are a must for living in the 21st century. While it might be easy to think that performing home internet setup is much easier than installing electrical or plumbing infrastructure, wiring your home for internet can also be quite complex.
Wiring your home for internet
While the world may be excited about Wi-Fi, the fact is that there are still plenty of advantages to a traditional wired connection. They can be faster, more secure, and more reliable than even the best Wi-Fi routers. Additionally, some electronics require a wired connection, especially during setup.
When wiring a home for internet you will generally want to consult a profesional as they will be most familiar with how to accomplish this with the least amount of collateral damage. However, it is not just a matter of keeping the number of holes in the wall to a minimum. A professional electrician will also understand how to best shield wires, place cables and positon routers.
Where should I put my router?
Whether or not you decide to wire your whole house for wired connections, chances are that you will want to have access to Wi-Fi. Many devices like tablets and smart phones do not have an ethernet port, making Wi-Fi essential. As a general rule, you want to put your Wi-Fi router someplace where it is relatively centrally located, and with few walls between it and the most used electronics. Be mindful of thick walls, metal beams and fireplaces, as they can cause additonal interference. Wi-Fi boosters and additional routers can help keep a consistent signal in a larger home.
Do I need more that one router?
As a general rule, many of today’s best routers will be able to cover an apartment or a small house. However, if your house has multiple stories or is more than 1,000 square feet, it may be worth investing in a second router to boost the signal throughout the space. There are a number of options available. Some boosters are not true routers, they just amplify the signal. These may work for a room-sized area, but are not likely to cover a whole second story.
If you decide to go with another router, it is a good idea to get a professional assessment. Chances are that you will have to run a wire from the entry point of the home’s internet to the location of the new router. In this case, you’ll likely want professional experience.
Get the most out of your internet setup
While many may choose to set up their internet by themselves, the fact is that an electrician can be a great asset to make sure that you are getting the most out of your internet service. Professionals can especially help in instances where you want to have multiple floors or devices using the network across a wide area. It only makes sense to make sure that you are getting the most for your money and are properly protecting your network.
If you would like to learn more about how to wire your home for internet, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable team!
