Inadequate Wi-Fi? What does it mean if Wi-Fi is a constantly running signal with no physical form to degrade? As you’ll quickly find with the more devices you add to your network, Wi-Fi is not an infinite resource. In fact, every Wi-Fi signal has a maximum bandwidth or the maximum amount of data it can transmit (represented as Mbps). Every device on your network requires a certain amount of bandwidth to work, so the more devices connected to your Wi-Fi, the more your bandwidth is spread thin.
When you look at the specs of your Wi-Fi router, whether you purchased it independently or are using your internet service provider’s model, you’ll see how many devices it says it can manage. The number is usually in the hundreds, but there are two things to consider with that number:
- You’ll accumulate devices quickly.
- It’s a very rough estimate based on optimal settings.
- The router’s capacity doesn’t speak to your Wi-Fi signal’s strength.
In general, smart home devices don’t use a ton of bandwidth. It’s your phones, laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming services that get in the way. When deciding on an internet package, consider how many devices you’ll have on your network. There’s no such thing as a signal that is too strong, so it’s best to overestimate if it’s within budget.
To make your home smart, we’d recommend starting with a 500 Mbps plan and increasing from there if necessary.
