What We Have Learned About Wi-Fi

A map of a home’s Wi-Fi system.

A map of a home’s Wi-Fi system.

In this blog, I will share our first-hand experience with this ever-evolving technology

Wired Connections Are Superior

Why? Hardwiring devices maximize your home Wi-Fi’s performance. Think of Wi-Fi like a suitcase with limited space—bandwidth is finite, and too many devices can overload it.

Our system designs prioritize hardwiring to maintain robust Wi-Fi, ensure maximum speed, and secure connections. Examples include:

  • Streaming Devices (Apple TV, Roku): Hardwire these to eliminate buffering for seamless streaming.
  • Work-from-Home PCs: Most secure work connections require a hardwired jack, which we incorporate into our wiring plans.

Not all homes have wall jacks where needed. We can run cabling, though this may involve cutting drywall. We partner with painters to repair any damage, ensuring a seamless finish. The effort is worthwhile, especially for work-from-home setups where buffering during a Zoom meeting could be disastrous.

What Is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi technology evolves rapidly. Wi-Fi 6 and 7 are now available, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded urban areas. In downtown settings, your phone might detect 10-20 networks, all competing for bandwidth and causing interference. Wi-Fi 6 and 7 use advanced frequencies to bypass these issues.

We recommend EERO Network products, which leverage hidden backend channels to perform well in challenging environments, like brick-and-steel buildings.

Closeup of an Araknis Networks switch in a cable closet.

Which Wi-Fi System Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your home’s Wi-Fi and network act as its central nervous system, supporting all communications. The right system depends on your devices and needs:

  • A simple music system with a few TVs?
  • A full smart home with automated lights, heating, and window treatments?

Each setup has unique performance and security requirements. Consulting with us ensures the best solution for your project.

Wi-Fi System Installation

We provide a heatmap service to assess your Wi-Fi coverage and throughput. This maps the invisible Wi-Fi signals onto a floorplan, using colors to highlight strong and weak areas. The heatmap helps us:

  • Identify dead spots and add hardware as needed.
  • Detect interfering wireless devices.
  • Ensure you get the most from your investment.

This service is included with new installations and during regular maintenance.

Regular Maintenance

Routine checks are essential to ensure your hardware and software meet your household’s needs and your ISP delivers as promised. We recommend biannual maintenance to:

  • Update software and firmware.
  • Apply security patches and bug fixes.
  • Clean equipment to remove dust and extend longevity.

We offer service plans with 24/7/365 support via phone, text, or email. Pricing varies by plan. For details, visit: https://mgisystems.com/9839-2/

A three-panel image with logos on each. The first says “System Reliability,” the second says “24X7 Support Coverage,” and the third says "Knowledgeable Technicians.”

Recommended Speed Test Websites To Use:

For our clients, we suggest the following speed test websites based on your internet provider:

– **Comcast Subscribers:** Use https://speedtest.xfinity.com/

– **Verizon Fios Subscribers:** Use https://www.verizon.com/speedtest/

These tests provide a reliable baseline for your internet speeds in specific areas. To identify problem zones, run the tests in multiple locations. We recommend averaging three scans per area to assess performance accurately.

**Notes on Speed Tests**

Wi-Fi speed tests are always slower than hardwired speed tests, often significantly so. A well-configured home network can improve your Wi-Fi speed test results.