Has the “Stay at Home Order” due to Covid-19 made you realize your home network is lacking? Do you see the dreaded spinning wheel while trying to stream a video? Is your internet as slow as molasses? If your home network is overwhelmed because there are more family members home more often and they’re stressing your system…we can help!
Many of us think when we get the router from our wifi/cable provider that’s all we need. In a perfect world, this would be true, but when you have multiple family members downloading, streaming, searching, and gaming this router can become overwhelmed. It’s like trying to merge 6 lanes of traffic down to one. There just isn’t enough bandwidth to do the job.
There are 4 main aspects to a proper home network. You need a modem, a router, switches, and an access point.
Modem – A modem’s purpose is to bring the internet service from your provider into your home. Once the internet service is inside, it connects to your router and delivers that internet connectivity to your home network. Without a modem, you have no access to the internet.
Router – A router is a device that communicates between the internet and all the devices in your home that connect to the internet. If you consider the word “router” it’s exactly what it does. It routes the traffic from your devices to the internet.
Switches – Switches are used to create sub-networks in your main home network. These are used for connecting a variety of different devices to a network, such as computers, cameras, and wireless access points all without affecting your home network’s performance. It’s like a power strip for the internet.
Access Point – An access point receives data by wired Ethernet and converts it to a 2.4Gig or 5Gig Hz wireless signal. It sends and receives wireless traffic to and from nearby wireless clients. Networks combine access points with a router to extend the wireless coverage around your home. If you have “dead spots” you’ll improve coverage by adding an access point.
Our recommendation: When you get the modem from your ISP turn other features to “bridge mode” then add a router, switch, and wifi access point. This will improve your bandwidth and speed and banish that dreaded spinning wheel from your home network.
