Remember that scene in the 2008 film Iron Man when Tony Stark’s digital assistant, Jarvis, responds to several voice commands that included turning on appliances and finding information? What was once a science fiction fantasy is now a reality with a boom in the variety and number of smart devices that are readily available to homeowners, small businesses, and installation companies around the world.
In fact, according to IDC, the worldwide Smart Home Devices market has grown 11.7% in 2021, with double-digit growth forecast through 2026. However, the success of smart devices – like voice assistants, responsive lighting, intelligent displays – is directly tied to their ability to seamlessly communicate with one another.
If smart devices are the building blocks of home and office innovation, then Wi-Fi network technology is the cement that holds it together. That’s why fast, secure, and lag-free Wi-Fi should be a key infrastructure consideration as you develop your next-gen space. Here are a few best practices to help you find the right solution.
- Identify your device needs
Depending on the layout of your home and office space as well as the type of smart device, you’ll need to consider whether you require wired, wireless, or a combination of both for optimum connectivity. For example, access points that deliver wireless connections are a better fit for voice assistants, Bluetooth speakers, laptops, and smartphones. On the other hand, displays, security cameras, smart locks, and TVs may need a wired switch connection that can process and support higher data aggregation speeds and performance bandwidth.
- Opt for simple setup and flexible management
Wi-Fi network deployment can be a time-consuming task if the hardware itself is complicated to navigate. Consider access points and switches that offer integrated installation wizards or minimal steps to get online. Support is also a key – look for network solutions that offer support via phone or chat for any technical questions or hiccups that may arise.
- Leverage the cloud
As you add, change, or upgrade smart devices, cloud-managed Wi-Fi can help you easily add more network devices to ensure corner-to-corner coverage. Some cloud-based tools provide a full view of all applications running on your network, which can help you prioritize access, voice, and video streaming to maximize performance. And this single pane of glass view means you don’t have to juggle separate smart device portals. Cloud network options can also include remote network management, built-in security, and troubleshooting functionalities to prevent downtime.
- Lean into security
As our dependence on smartphones, digital wallets, and smartwatches increases, the amount of sensitive behavioral, financial, and personal data at risk increases exponentially. Adept hackers can gain access to a smart home’s internet-enabled appliances if there’s a gap in network security. Investing in network solutions that offer protective measures like WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, integrated firewall, MFA, access rights, and even website restrictions for children can offer huge payoffs. Ensuring that wireless solutions like access points are Wi-Fi 6 certified can help your network meet the highest standards for security and interoperability.
- Evaluate the total cost of ownership
When considering a networking solution, it’s important to look a few steps ahead beyond the initial cost of the hardware. Instead examine the total cost of ownership over time, through the lens of both capital and operational expenses. Does the Wi-Fi solution offer longer hardware warranties and zero-to-low recurring costs for software licenses or subscriptions? That way, the Wi-Fi system can grow with the business without unsustainable cost increases.
A simple solution for smart home and office networks
Aruba Instant On, allows you to maximize your investment in an effective network solution that not only fits your needs today, but also offers the scalability you need to grow tomorrow. If you’re interested in seeing it in action, visit us at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) from Jan 31-Feb 3, 2023, booth 2Q225, and learn more about how networking can help you redefine your living space.
Author: Lorenzo Piro, International Business Leader, SMB, HPE Aruba
