Commercial-Grade Networks
Building Networks: Keep ’Em Streaming and Zooming
More than a year into the pandemic, demand for stronger, more robust networks show no signs of slowing down.“A smart home is only as good as its network, and if the network is weak, everything else fails.” So says Derek Flikkema, Sr. Technology Advisor at SAV. And he’s in good company. Networks took center stage during the pandemic and lockdown days, and they continue to be top-of-mind for smart-home clients and integrators. The trick is to keep your clients streaming with the best solutions possible.
For SAV, that means an Access Networks solution managing the flow of audio, video, and data, leaving no weak link. “No matter how many devices are connected to the internet; no matter how much bandwidth is being consumed; no matter how much content is being streamed to displays and speakers—the networking backbone of this house handles it all without a hitch,” says Flikkema in describing a recent luxury residential project featuring new construction.
Directing the home’s heavy network traffic is an Access Networks C120 controller. Based on parameters established by the technicians at SAV, the controller assigns each type of signal its own “lane” on the communications highway. For example, signals from online streaming services travel to the home’s wireless Sonos music system on one lane, while commands from the Crestron Home automation system travel on another lane to lights, thermostats, shades, and other components.
Using the configuration settings of the C120, SAV also assigned bandwidth priority to certain applications, like giving home office connections precedence over less important activities like music streaming. “These settings help optimize Wi-Fi speed and prevent communication loops, where signals end up in the wrong place,” Flikkema explains. “Unlike most residential networking controllers, the Access Networks C120 has these capabilities built-in, which significantly minimizes our design and engineering time, especially for large projects like this.”
The Joy of a Good Network
“When a network is designed properly, comprises high-quality equipment, and operates to exceptional standards, a home is not only more efficient but can be a lot of fun,” Flikkema notes. “The owners of the home exemplify this notion. From any iPad, they quickly connect to a streaming service of choice; select a movie, TV program, or music; and direct the content to displays and speakers. Guests can do the same, often turning their parties into a game of ‘pass the iPad,’ where everyone gets a chance to be the D.J.
“The ‘aha’ moment for the family was realized when they could grab an iPad and stream music, command multiple smart devices, and have the whole house running smoothly,” he adds. “Thanks to stable, fast, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, living with technology feels as natural as flipping on a light switch.”
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And because the network so ably handles multiple streams of entertainment content, should the owners ever decide to forgo traditional cable and satellite service, they won’t miss a thing. “This house is set up perfectly to facilitate cord cutting and transitioning the family easily to solely streaming media,” says Scott Abel, Director of Quality & Customer, SAV.
By Karen Mitchel, Residential Systems
