In today’s connected home, the quality of your network is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for everything.
Your network has to handle more than email and web browsing, from streaming 4K content to controlling your lighting, shades, and security systems. Yet many homes across Maine and New Hampshire still rely on outdated, underpowered networking gear that isn’t built for the modern smart home.
At Atlantic AV, we’ve seen firsthand how a poorly designed network can create bottlenecks, dead zones, and frustrating service calls that could have been avoided.
Why “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Anymore
Most homeowners don’t realize that even new builds are often wired with Cat 5e cable, a standard introduced over 20 years ago. While it can technically support gigabit speeds, it’s far from ideal—especially in homes with fiber-optic internet and increasing data demands.
Streaming services, multi-room audio systems, 4K surveillance cameras, and control platforms like Control4 depend on low-latency, high-bandwidth connections. Add kids gaming, video conferencing, or working from home, and the strain becomes obvious.
Wi-Fi extenders and mesh systems can be a temporary fix. Still, they don’t solve the core issue: you need a properly designed, hardwired network backbone to ensure speed, reliability, and long-term performance.
What We Recommend
When we’re brought in during a new build or renovation, we work with homeowners and builders to install a “bundled wire package.” This typically includes:
- Cat 6A cabling for high-speed data (futureproofed for 10Gbps+)
- Speaker wire for in-wall and outdoor audio
- Coax for video sources or backup applications
- Fiber runs where appropriate for ultra-high-speed connections
- Wiring locations optimized for wireless access points
This infrastructure is hidden behind walls, but it makes all the difference in terms of performance and scalability.
Wired vs. Wireless: It’s Not Either/Or
A strong Wi-Fi signal is important, but a solid wired foundation is key to good wireless performance. Wireless access points (WAPs) wired back to your main switch perform far better than plug-in extenders or mesh repeaters. You get faster speeds, lower latency, and better coverage—especially in large homes or homes with thick walls.
We often install enterprise-grade networking gear from brands like Araknis or Luxul, depending on the size and layout of the home. These systems offer:
- Centralized control and monitoring
- Remote diagnostics (so we can help if something goes wrong)
- Scheduled updates and security patching
What’s the Cost of Doing Nothing?
Living with an underpowered or poorly designed network often leads to:
- Dropped Zoom calls or buffering Netflix sessions
- Smart devices failing to respond
- Security camera feeds that lag or don’t load at all
- Frustration when guests or family members are online
We believe your home should work for you—not against you. Investing in your network is one of the smartest (and most overlooked) upgrades you can make.
What to Expect from Atlantic AV
When you work with us, we don’t just drop off equipment and wish you luck. We:
- Design a system tailored to your home’s size, layout, and internet service
- Install all wiring and devices with precision and care
- Test and optimize the entire network for performance
- Monitor your system post-installation to catch issues before you even notice them
That last point is key. As part of our system monitoring service, if your network or connected system falls offline, we’re often notified by the manufacturer before you even realize there’s an issue—allowing us to be proactive with support.
Build It Right, and You’ll Only Build It Once
You wouldn’t skimp on your home’s foundation; your network deserves the same consideration. Whether you’re building new, renovating, or just frustrated with your current system, let’s talk.
A well-designed network is invisible when it works—but unforgettable when it doesn’t.
