If you build it, they will use it — and use it a lot — so your home networks have to be bulletproof and well-maintained. One way to do this is to design the system as if nearly everything is connected to the network, because it is.
“From the outset, we prioritize a thorough assessment of the client’s current and future needs,” says Anthony Cotignola, COO, Audio Video Systems, Inc., a Cleerline dealer. “This includes identifying the number of connected devices, bandwidth demands, and potential growth over the years. Our design includes enterprise-grade networking equipment, proper heat management, and scalability to ensure long-term reliability.
“Cleerline’s advancements in fiber-optic solutions are game-changers,” he adds. “Their complete fiber-optic line makes installing and terminating fiber far more efficient and profitable.”
“First things first, don’t let the tail wag the dog,” advises Ryan Bottini, product marketing manager, Vaddio and Luxul. “Your network will certainly be impacted by the layout of your space and the materials used throughout the building. However, the priorities in any project should be first and foremost the user experience of the client. Aesthetics, comfort, and function trump all else.”
To ensure your network accommodates the project design, be sure to choose access points with the highest strength signals, he says. “Luxul always specs its access points to have the highest signal output current regulations will allow. Perform a site survey during installation to ensure adequate coverage; we go in-depth on site surveys. If you’re feeling unsure, consult an expert. Luxul offers free design consultations that are backed by a guarantee.”
For the time being, Bottini notes, Luxul is focused on optimizing its Wi-Fi 6 product line. “We believe standardizing on this protocol offers the best solution for the vast majority of our customers,” he says. “Until Wi-Fi 7 becomes standard on all of the internet-of-things devices in our homes, it offers little benefit above prior protocols.
“In 2024, Luxul launched a new Wi-Fi 6 access point, the AP-3064. It features as robust a signal strength as you’ll find in the market, and its new user interface makes installation simple. In addition, we’ve enabled it to support up to two AP-3064s to connect wirelessly to the network and function as bridge extenders, providing flexibility in network design. In 2025, we are expanding the product line with an outdoor AP, a new templatized user interface for even easier network installation, a 10G managed switch, and a light-managed, small-format switch.”
“The process at Access Networks has always been to plan, plan, plan,” says Bryce Nordstrand, VP/GM, managed services, Access Networks. “To do so, there are many questions that need to be answered prior to selecting or installing any network products, including: How many devices are going to be connected to the network, both wired and wireless? How much area and what kind of area needs to be covered with Wi-Fi? Are floor plans available? Is PoE required, and, if so, how much PoE wattage will be needed to support the PoE-powered devices? What is the Internet Service Provider’s service type and speed? Is there an expectation of parental controls or deeper cybersecurity service for the project? What is the service-level agreement with the home or business owner? Is there any need to segregate traffic on the network? What is the owner’s expectation of downtime versus uptime?
“These are just some of the questions that need to be considered,” he continues. “This is why, as part of the ADI/Snap One combined business, we have a team of professionals ready and willing to help our customers navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of network solutions. We always approach every project with a fresh set of eyes, because no home and no project are ever the same. What worked last time may not work this time, and evaluating each project on its own can save a lot of headaches and lost revenue. Access Networks is committed to expanding access and options for customers by providing networking options for a wide variety of projects.”
Access recently launched its new A770 Wi-Fi 7 access point, which is a high-capacity, tri-band concurrent wireless access point that supports up to 1024 clients and contains over 4000 dynamic antenna patterns. “Wi-Fi 7 offers clients unprecedented speeds, reduced latency, and even greater reliability than previous generations to elevate their experience in even the most demanding environments,” Nordstrand says. “Combining this with patented technologies like BeamFlex+ adaptive antennas and our limited lifetime warranty, the A770 provides customers with a truly advanced solution for any client’s network needs.
“We are also rolling out a new platform experience for our ARCC cloud-based network controller that gives customers more features than before,” he notes. “After listening to our customer’s feedback, we have developed a new ARCC dashboard that offers a more intuitive interface and new capabilities like license and access point inventory management, greater visibility into financial and subscription statuses, better permissions and controls for their organizations, co-terming subscriptions by zone, and much more. Our team is excited to release this new dashboard to add to the existing benefits of ARCC that help improve customer’s network operations.”
Meet the Challenges
One of the biggest challenges is helping homeowners and builders understand the complexities of home networking, says Adam Zell, owner, Boston Automations, a Blackwire dealer. “It’s essential to convey the importance of proper network design and investing upfront to avoid future issues, all while keeping the explanation simple and relatable,” he says. “Many people have grown accustomed to poor Wi-Fi performance from a single provider-supplied gateway, unaware that significantly better solutions are available.”
Boston Automations takes a comprehensive approach to ensure reliable network and Wi-Fi performance. “We start by partnering with Blackwire Designs to create detailed Wi-Fi heatmaps using Ruckus access points mapped onto our CAD drawings,” Zell adds. “Next, we focus on equipping our technicians with strong foundational knowledge in networking, enabling them to confidently install and troubleshoot systems for optimal performance.”
Cody Crossland, vice president of sales & customer service, Blackwire Designs, says, “The chief concern for any installation is having a comprehensive plan based on a thorough assessment. An in-depth evaluation of the project requirements, including the number of devices, bandwidth demands, and future scalability, should be the first step. Networks should be designed to ensure adequate coverage and capacity while considering potential interference and device prioritization.”
Making sure the infrastructure being installed is built for reliability is another fundamental step. “Using enterprise-grade networking equipment, such as managed switches, access points, and robust cabling will establish a strong foundation,” Crossland says. “Implementing redundant systems and power backup solutions will prevent downtime and reduce truck rolls in the future. The security and easy management of the network is a third key consideration. Integrate network security measures from the outset, including VLANs if necessary for device segregation, firewalls, and strong encryption protocols. Ensure that the comprehensive plan includes ongoing monitoring and remote management to proactively address issues and maintain performance.”
Blackwire continues to innovate with its latest offerings, Crossland says. “The new Network Provisioning Service delivers pre-configured, labeled, and installation-ready networking gear, eliminating on-site setup and saving time. The VideoWall Pro app, the first for Control4 systems, provides intuitive video wall management from a single screen. Other highlights include the AV-over-IP Preconfiguration Service for plug-and-play video distribution, the Blacklight app for easy linear lighting design, and our Network Design Assistance and Predictive Wi-Fi Heatmap service, enabling enterprise-grade installations with ease. These solutions empower integrators to save time, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional results.”
To Wire or Go Wireless, That’s the Question
“This is a question of performance and stability needs,” Crossland says. “Installers should prioritize wired connections for devices that require high bandwidth, low latency, or consistent performance, such as gaming consoles, streaming devices, security cameras, and workstations. Opt for wireless connections for devices that depend on mobility, like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, or where cabling is impractical, such as in retrofitted spaces or aesthetically sensitive areas. For future scalability, installers should consider a hybrid approach to balance the load on the wireless network. Wiring as many stationary devices as possible will reduce congestion on the Wi-Fi and ensure optimal performance for devices that must connect wirelessly.”
The basic rule of thumb is that anything that can be wired should be wired, Bottini says. “In general, a direct wired connection will perform better on basically every metric. In addition, every device connected to your network decreases the bandwidth competition for devices that need to be wireless. Running a wired connection to high-bandwidth devices like streaming devices, gaming consoles, and workstations is worth the effort. For instances where a wired connection is not possible, it is important to remember that higher frequency bands like 5 GHz and 6 GHz provide greater bandwidth and speeds but have shorter ranges and don’t penetrate materials well. Therefore, it is best to place access points within proximity and direct line of sight to devices that will require higher bandwidth/speed.”
The decision comes down to performance, reliability, and location Cotignola says. “High-bandwidth devices like media servers, gaming consoles, and workstations are always wired to ensure maximum speed and low latency. Wireless is reserved for mobile devices and areas where hardwiring isn’t feasible, but we ensure robust wireless coverage using strategically placed access points.”
“Although the convenience of wireless network connectivity is attractive, the best connection for reliability and performance is a wired network connection, eliminating the possibility of environmental impacts,” Nordstrand says. “The Wi-Fi protocols always need to consider interference and regulated radio output as part of the solution. With ever-changing RF environments caused by the constant fluidity of devices and interference being added and subtracted from a home or business, wired connections are still the most reliable and consistent. So, uptime and reliability should be considered greatly when deciding on how exactly a device should be connected, given either option for that device is available.”
Remote Management
“Ideally, ongoing management of a network should be one of the foremost considerations when designing, selecting, and deploying quality network solutions,” Nordstrand says. “Gone are the days of port forwarding to access devices on a site; this should be the absolute last resort. Many network solutions available in the market include cloud capabilities and these include our OvrC-enabled network devices or ARCC cloud-control network manager, or a third-party device that sits on the LAN and provides remote access using a separate cloud, all offering the option to manage networks remotely. All these solutions use secure connections and tunnels to administer and service the network.
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“VPN access is also still one of the leading options to gain remote access to a customer’s network and should be highly considered in a service strategy,” he adds. “These options all provide long-term and reliable access, and are the cornerstones of proper network management from day one and beyond.”
This is where it pays to be proactive with monitoring and maintenance, Crossland explains. “Implement network monitoring tools to track performance, detect anomalies, and anticipate issues before they impact the user. Schedule regular firmware updates, security patches, and equipment checks to maintain reliability and security. Design the network with scalability in mind, allowing for easy integration of new devices and technology upgrades. Plan to regularly assess network usage trends to adjust capacity, bandwidth allocation, or device prioritization as needed based on activity. User education and support is a key part of long-term management — including providing end-users with clear documentation and training on network usage and basic troubleshooting. Establish a support system for ongoing assistance, ensuring users can adapt to changes and maintain optimal performance over time.”
Audio Video Systems implements systems with remote monitoring and management capabilities (such as OvrC) to proactively identify and address issues, says Cotignola. “We also educate clients on the importance of software updates and offer service contracts to handle ongoing maintenance.”
