Advantages of a wired network:

• Generally faster and more reliable than wireless networks
• Better security, as it is more difficult to intercept or hack a wired connection
• Less interference from other devices or signals
• Suitable for heavy bandwidth activities such as gaming or video streaming

Advantages of a wireless network:

• More convenient, as it eliminates the need for physical cable connections
• More flexible, as it allows you to connect devices from anywhere within range
• Easier to set up, as there is no need to run cables throughout your home
• Adds a slew of devices that do not have built-in wired network ports.

Ultimately, the best approach for a home or small business network depends on your specific needs and the devices you want to connect. Factors we will help you work through is cost, performance, security, longevity, reliability, and service/maintenance.  If you value speed and stability, a wired network may be a better option, while if you value convenience and flexibility, a wireless network may be a better choice. In many cases, a combination of both wired and wireless networks can provide the best of both worlds.

The equipment required for a wired and wireless network can be quite different, depending on the scale and complexity of the network. Here’s a comparison of the common equipment used in both types of networks:

Wired network: 

• Modem: A modem is used to connect the router to your internet service provider (ISP).
• Router: A router provides a connection to the internet and enables communication between different devices on the network.
• Switch: A switch is used to connect multiple devices to the network.
• Ethernet cables: To connect devices to the network, you’ll need Ethernet cables of various lengths.

Wireless network:

• Modem: A modem is used to connect the router to your internet service provider (ISP).
• Wireless router: A wireless router serves as both a router and a wireless access point, allowing devices to connect to the network wirelessly.
• Switch: A switch is used to connect multiple devices to the network.
• Wireless Access points: Access points can be used to extend the range of a wireless network.
• Wireless adapters: Some devices may not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, so you’ll need a wireless adapter to connect them to the network.
• Ethernet cables: To connect devices to the network, you’ll need Ethernet cables of various lengths.

In addition to these common components, both types of networks may also require additional equipment such as firewalls, VPNs, or network storage devices. The specific equipment required will depend on the size, complexity, and requirements of your network.  IntuneAV can help you navigate what solution will work best for you.  

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You are building or remodeling a home which will have features such as security, multi room home audio, shade control, camera access, smart lighting systems, door and temperature control and maybe even video distribution. There are individual solutions providers which have the right capability and technology to meet your needs. Each of these systems will do their function with excellence and provide years of trouble-free operation. But think about this:

What if you wanted to have integrated control from your favorite chair or even remotely.

or

What if you wanted to have voice control functions across these systems.

IntuneAV offers two unique solutions to enable and enhance integrated capabilities that could be in your home. The first is Control4. Since its 2003 introduction, Control4 celebrates over 20 years as a leading professionally installed automation system for home and commercial applications. Control4 offers interoperability with approximately 14,000 3rd party products and has significantly expanded the convenience of the unified smart home experience.

But there is more.

Most are familiar with Siri and Alexa as voice command systems. As their capabilities are good, they have significant limitations with accepting only serial, simplified commands and also limited on the variety of devices they can interface with. A more capable and robust capability comes from Josh.ai. Josh.ai enables an elegant voice control environment regardless of the system’s product mix. Josh.ai seamlessly integrates with Control4 or can be used as a standalone software based automation controller. The combination of Josh.ai’s natural, private, and contextually aware voice automation with Control4’s intuitive user interfaces and interoperability with tens of thousands of consumer devices results in a robust variety of smart home experiences. Josh.ai’s access to lights, shades, thermostats, audio content, video distribution, scenes, and more provides limitless control possibilities.

Ultimately, we are talking about modern home automation and control. Here are some examples of what is possible in complex commands for unlimited control where Josh.ai utilizes proprietary Natural Language Processing to allow you to simply speak to Josh as if a friend is standing by.

• “OK Josh, set the living room to 70 degrees and draw the master bedroom curtains and dim the lights in the kitchen.
• “OK Josh, I heard a noise outside, let me see the driveway camera on the main TV
• “OK Josh, I heard some noise in the baby’s room, let me see Samantha’s camera on my iPad and turn on some Mozart for background music
• “OK Josh, lock all doors in the house and draw all shades closed”

Systems like this may be complex to design and set up but are easy to maintain and use. A smart home automation solution allows you to design and configure your home or small business in the manner that is how you live and work. Think of this as a flashback to Saturday morning’s watching the future unfold in a cartoon called “The Jetsons”. Smart Home Automation with the right systems, by right people can bring Jetsons capabilities to you today.

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