Welcome back to our ’Smart Homes for Seniors’ series. Today, we’re diving into the world of WiFi, which is the backbone of any smart home. I'm your host Trez Blencowe.

"WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It's a technology that allows electronic devices to connect to the internet or communicate with each other wirelessly. It’s essentially a radio signal that allows your devices to connect without wires.

Signal Frequency: "WiFi transmits data using radio waves at either 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or 6GHz. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range but slower speed and more interference, while the 5 and 6 GHz bands offers faster speeds with a shorter range."

SSID and Encryption: "Your WiFi has a name, called an SSID (Service Set Identifier), and it's secured by encryption protocols like WPA3 for 

privacy and security." You also password protect your Wi-Fi for added protection.

What is a internet router

An internet router is a little box, kind of like an internet modem that acts as a central hub to distribute internet traffic to multiple devices at the same time. I don’t know if you remember when you connected to the internet with a modem that dialed up over your wired home phone line? Well a router connects to your internet modem by a cable and can distribute your internet connection to multiple devices at the same time. Just remember that a router “routes data” to devices on your network. Its job is to make sure for instance, when your laptop does a google search, the results are displayed on your screen, not another computer screen. Does this make sense?

Where you place your WiFi router can make a huge difference in your home's internet coverage. Think of it like placing a single radio in your home where you can hear the music in most places in your home, without it being turned up so loud that it is distorted.Tip 1: Place your router in a central location to spread the signal evenly throughout your home. Avoid corners or under heavy furniture. If your router has external antennas, adjust them to be vertical for better coverage. Some routers work better with one antenna horizontal and one vertical, experiment to see what works best.

Tip 2: Keep it away from large metal objects, microwaves, and other electronics that might interfere with the signal. Keep your router away from devices that operate on the same frequency bands, like baby monitors, cordless phones, or even your refrigerator. Also, avoid placing it in enclosed spaces like cupboards.

Tip 3: Elevate your router. The higher it is, the better the coverage. Try not to bury it in cabinets or closets.

Tip 4: If you feel comfortable, Update Firmware: Check regularly for router firmware updates. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance and security.

Now, what if your home has multiple floors or thick walls where a single router just doesn't allow coverage everywhere in your home? That's where Mesh WiFi comes in.So what is Mesh WiFi? Mesh WiFi isn’t just one router; it's a system where multiple “router” devices work together: They work together to create a mesh network, covering your home with a seamless WiFi blanket. Each node extends the WiFi signal, so you get consistent coverage everywhere.Mesh systems can be invaluable for maintaining connectivity -- but they aren't suitable for every household. Sometimes, you only need a high-quality standard router, whereas a mesh network could be overkill.

You Might Need Mesh WiFi for Smart Homes: If your home is large or has many obstacles, one router might not cover all areas effectively. Mesh systems help expand WiFi coverage yo every corner of your home.

I hope something good happens to you today

Peace

Trez

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