How to Upgrade Your Home to Support Smart Devices

Smart home devices have transformed the way we live, offering unparalleled convenience, enhanced security, and instant access to information right at your fingertips. From voice assistants that can control your lights to smart thermostats that optimize your energy usage, these devices are quickly becoming staples in modern homes. 

But to enjoy the full benefits of a smart home, one essential element is often overlooked—a robust, fast, and secure home network. Without it, even the most advanced devices can fall short. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to upgrade your home for smarter technology and faster internet. 

Assess Your Current Setup

Before jumping into upgrades, it’s essential to evaluate your current home setup to determine where improvements are needed. 

Start by understanding whether your internet plan supports your daily needs—both now and in the future. Smart devices, particularly those like cameras and video doorbells, can demand significant bandwidth. A slow or unreliable connection can disrupt device performance, leaving you frustrated. 

Inspect your existing hardware, including your modem, router, and cables. Are they compatible with modern smart devices? Many older routers support only limited devices and speeds, making it difficult to handle demands from multiple gadgets. 

Make a list of the smart devices you currently own and those you plan to add. Each device—from smart lights to 4K streaming—requires bandwidth. For reference, video doorbells or streaming services typically use higher speeds compared to simpler gadgets like a connected water leak detector. This checklist will help you calculate how much speed you need. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Plan 

When upgrading your internet plan, consider the following factors:

• Speed Requirements: For homes with basic smart tech, aim for at least 200 Mbps, while setups with 4K streaming or multiple devices may require 500 Mbps or more.
• Data Caps: Check if your plan includes limits on data usage, as video streaming and security cameras can consume significant bandwidth. Nuvera’s internet plans have no data caps. 
• Latency: Low latency, which is what you get with Nuvera’s fiber internet, is crucial for devices like cameras and video conferencing equipment to work seamlessly without delays or buffering. 

By selecting the right plan, you can facilitate smooth communication between your smart gadgets and ensure peak performance.

Expand Wi-Fi Coverage

Smart devices are not confined to a single room—they’re everywhere, from your living room to your backyard. For this reason, your Wi-Fi signal should cover every corner of your home. Dead spots can cause devices to stop working or lose communication with your network.

Here are some ways to improve your home’s Wi-Fi coverage:

• Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: These systems use multiple nodes that work together to blanket your home in Wi-Fi. They’re an excellent option for larger or multi-story homes.
• Range Extenders: For smaller spaces, range extenders are a cost-effective tool to eliminate dead zones in specific areas. 

Placement plays a significant role in router performance. For optimal coverage:

• Place your router in a central location.
• Keep it elevated, free from obstructions (like walls or furniture).
• Avoid placing it near appliances like microwaves, which can interfere with the signal.

Need faster internet or help setting up home-wide Wi-Fi coverage? Contact Nuvera at 844.354.4111 today to explore upgraded internet options and our Home Wi-Fi with the Nuvera IQ app.