Common Home Networking Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Living in a digital environment, families today rely on a strong and reliable home network to complete daily tasks, enjoy entertainment, and monitor home systems. However, during the installation process, homeowners often make mistakes that can lead to slower speeds, dropped connections, and general family frustrations.

But there’s nothing to worry about! In today’s blog, we’ll explore common home networking mistakes and teach you how to avoid them to keep your Portland, OR, home network running smoothly. Let’s dive in!

SEE ALSO: Tips to Keep Your Home Networking Solutions Secure

Not Considering Bandwidth Needs

A frequent mistake we see homeowners make is adding new devices without considering the impact on the home network’s bandwidth. Smart devices, gaming consoles, streaming services, and computers consume valuable bandwidth. If you add more devices without upgrading your internet plan or router, you may begin to experience latency issues.

To avoid this, take stock of how many devices are regularly connected to your network. It’s not just the obvious ones like phones and computers—smart thermostats, security cameras, and lighting systems can also strain your network. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with networking experts like Encore Audio Video before adding on.

Placing the Router in the Wrong Location

The location of your router can have an impact on Wi-Fi signal strength throughout the home. Many homeowners unknowingly tuck their routers away in out-of-sight places, which may hinder their performance by limiting their reach. Instead, ask an expert for the best router location for your home. If you live in a larger property with multiple floors, there may be special setups to consider. The Encore Audio Video team can make customized recommendations based on your home’s layout.

Ignoring Regular Firmware Updates

Just like your phone or computer, your router needs updates to run smoothly and securely. Many homeowners either don’t realize this or choose to ignore the updates. Skipping firmware updates can leave your home network vulnerable to security risks or slow down your connection.

Check your router’s settings for the latest firmware to avoid missing an update. Some routers can be set to update automatically, but it’s always a good idea to double-check and ensure everything is current.

Not Securing the Network

Leaving your network unsecured or using weak passwords makes your Wi-Fi an easy target for internet thieves and cybercriminals. If someone else is using your Wi-Fi, it can slow down your connection and compromise your data privacy.

To secure your network, use the latest encryption standards and set a strong, unique password. Don’t use easily guessable passwords like “password123” or your address. Also, a guest network is a nice feature for visitors to avoid sharing passwords.

Overlooking Wired Connections

While Wi-Fi is nice, it isn’t always the best option for every device. Computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs can benefit from a wired connection to your router. Doing this reduces interruptions due to weakened Wi-Fi signals and provides more consistent service to those devices.

If you’d like to discuss your home network setup, contact us at Encore Audio Video. We are your local networking experts in Portland, OR, and the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to hearing from you!