Network Infrastructure Requirements
Smart home technology integration demands robust networking infrastructure that many homes lack out of the box.
Router Capacity: Standard routers struggle beyond 20-25 connected devices. Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 routers supporting 50+ simultaneous connections without performance degradation. Mesh networks from Eero, Google Nest WiFi, or Netgear Orbi eliminate dead zones that plague single-router setups.
Bandwidth Allocation: Security cameras and video doorbells consume 2-4 Mbps per stream. Four cameras running simultaneously require 8-16 Mbps of dedicated upstream bandwidth. Ensure your internet plan accommodates smart device traffic plus regular household usage.
Network Segmentation: Create separate networks for smart devices, personal computers, and guest access. This segmentation limits potential security breaches—compromised smart bulbs can’t access financial data on your main network.
Wired Backbone: While wireless protocols dominate consumer smart homes, wired Ethernet connections for stationary devices like smart TVs, hubs, and gaming systems reduce wireless congestion and improve reliability.
