Your Home Network Has More Roommates Than You Think
Today’s connected homes rely on more devices than ever. Here’s how to keep your Wi-Fi ready for all of them.
Take a quick look around your home. You might see a laptop, smartphone and smart TV. However, those are only the obvious devices. Today’s homes often have dozens of connected devices working quietly in the background. Many homeowners don’t realize just how busy their network has become.
The good news? More connected devices doesn’t automatically mean slower internet. However, more devices can increase the demands on your network. That makes a reliable Wi-Fi setup more important than ever.
Your Home Has More Connected Devices Than You Think
A typical household may have far more connected devices than expected.
Beyond smartphones and computers, consider how many of these might already use your network:
- Gaming consoles
- Smart watches
- Wireless printers
- Security cameras
- Video doorbells
- Home security systems
- Smart speakers
- Smart thermostats
- Smart plugs
- Smart light bulbs
- Smart appliances
- Baby monitors
- Smart garage door openers
- Robot vacuums
- Connected exercise equipment
- Pet feeders and pet cameras
It’s not uncommon for a family of four to have 30 to 50 connected devices. Some smart homes can easily exceed 75. That might sound like a lot. Yet, the number alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
More Devices Don’t Always Mean Slower Internet
One common home networking misconception is that every new device slows your internet. In reality, many smart devices use very little bandwidth.
For example, a smart plug may send only a small amount of data. A thermostat may create occasional network traffic. A robot vacuum may send cleaning statistics and status updates.
So, the real issue isn’t simply the number of devices. It’s what those devices are doing at any given moment.
For example:
|
Device Activity |
Approximate Network Demand |
|
Smart Plug |
Very Low |
|
Smart Thermostat |
Very Low |
|
Web Browsing |
Low |
|
Video Conference |
Moderate |
|
Online Gaming |
Moderate |
|
HD Streaming |
Moderate |
|
4K Streaming |
High |
|
Cloud Backups |
High |
|
Security Camera Uploads |
High |
|
Large Software Updates |
Very High |
As a result, a network with 40 low-demand devices may perform better than one with 10 busy devices.
Imagine those 10 devices streaming, gaming, backing up files and downloading updates simultaneously. That activity can place much more demand on your network.
Keep Your Home Network Running Smoothly
As your home becomes more connected, a few simple steps can help.
1. Upgrade to HTC Smart Wi-Fi
Reliable Wi-Fi becomes even more important as more devices join your network. HTC Smart Wi-Fi uses advanced mesh technology to extend coverage throughout your home. It can help eliminate dead spots and keep your devices connected.
HTC Smart Wi-Fi also uses Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E technology. These technologies can help support the growing number of devices in today’s homes.
That includes smart TVs, gaming consoles, cameras, tablets and other smart home devices. Whether you have a large home or multiple floors, coverage matters. HTC Smart Wi-Fi can help provide a stronger, more consistent connection where you need it.
2. Connect High-Demand Devices With Ethernet
For the best performance, consider using an Ethernet connection when possible.
High-demand devices can make great candidates for a wired connection, including:
- Gaming consoles
- Desktop computers
- Streaming devices
- Smart TVs
Wired connections provide a fast, reliable connection. They can also reduce congestion on your Wi-Fi network. Every device moved from Wi-Fi to Ethernet frees up wireless capacity. That can help the rest of your household enjoy a smoother online experience.
3. Reboot and Update Regularly
A little routine maintenance can also help keep your network running smoothly. Regularly updating and restarting your connected devices can help them perform at their best.
Be sure to:
- Install updates when they become available.
- Restart devices periodically.
- Remove devices you no longer use.
Keeping your devices updated can improve performance and enhance security. It can also help maintain a reliable connection throughout your home.
4. Additional Factors That Affect Wi-Fi Performance
Distance From Your Wi-Fi Equipment
Even with the right equipment, your home environment can affect Wi-Fi performance. The farther a device sits from your Wi-Fi equipment, the weaker its signal may become.Moving devices closer to your Wi-Fi equipment can help improve performance. Strategic placement can also help maximize coverage throughout your home.
Interference Within Your Home
Everyday household items can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
These may include:
- Microwaves
- Cordless phones
- Baby monitors
- Bluetooth devices
- Large metal objects
- Thick walls and floors
Reducing interference can help improve your Wi-Fi experience. It also helps to place your Wi-Fi equipment in a central, open location whenever possible.
The Future Is Even More Connected
The average home network will likely continue to grow.
Smart appliances, connected health devices, electric vehicle chargers and home automation systems are becoming more common.
So, the question is no longer whether you’ll have more connected devices. It’s whether your network is prepared to support them.
Your home may have more roommates than you realize. The good news is that they don’t need a bedroom, bathroom or spot on the couch.