Reliable Home Wi-Fi: Access Routers Vs. Traditional Networks
A brief guide to improving your home Wi-Fi when multiple people are using the Internet at once.
These days, more people than ever are working from home. One piece of successful remote work is having a stable and reliable home Wi-Fi connection. This is critical if you share your Truckee, CA, home with more than one remote worker: perhaps a spouse or some roommates.
When the Internet is acting slow, many people think, I’ll just leave it alone for a bit and come back. Or, maybe if I unplug the router and then plug it back in, it will work better. But these solutions won’t work if the network is overcrowded or lacking the right bandwidth. How can you improve this situation for a smoother home office experience?
See Also: Home Networking: Everything You Need To Know
Access Points Vs. Traditional Routers
There’s more than one way to set up home Wi-Fi. Many homes use either traditional routers or access points. What’s the difference?
Access points are good for connecting multiple devices to one network. This network is connected to a router, in an area called a Local Area Network (LAN). The router is essential for connecting several different devices to the internet using Wi-Fi or ethernet cables.
By contrast, access points are completely wireless devices that serve as portals to connect to the LAN. This device allows for connection from multiple locations rather than one central area.
More Access Points For A Better Online Experience
Having more access points is your best bet for reliable service. Typically, a wireless router has enough transmission for up to a dozen meters before losing its signal. Wireless access points can cover anywhere from 100 to 300 meters, so we always recommend professional help to get these placed strategically, providing the most even coverage. If you and a roommate both have Zoom meetings at the same time, this coverage allows you to spread out at opposite ends of the house to avoid interfering with each other’s calls (and have a strong enough Internet to handle both).
Access Points And Hybrid Networks
Adding access points can greatly improve your home Wi-Fi experience, but certain devices don’t connect to Wi-Fi as well as others. Some rooms, like basements, have weaker connection access. A hybrid network may be an ideal solution for this issue. You’ll still use your portable devices with Wi-Fi, but your “smart” devices -- security cameras, work computers, Alexa -- will be wired directly to the internet. This is one of the most popular ways to connect today, particularly if you have many people using the internet at once.
Time To Upgrade Your Home Wi-Fi?
At Hood Branco, we understand that a strong, reliable internet is important for working in the modern world. Learn more about our home Wi-Fi and networking services. If you’re ready to upgrade your internet access, we’re here to help.
