How to make the most of the internet when the whole family is connected?
The coronavirus has forced many people to confine themselves at home, waiting for the situation to improve. A quarantine that is better spent connected to Netflix and other video platforms such as HBO, Movistar, or Prime Video. The problem arises when everyone at home is "sucking" from the same connection in different rooms. Streaming, video games, work video conferences... the needs are many, and the connection is only one. As expected, the more devices connected, the worse the Wi-Fi will perform. That's why a review of our installation and the devices we are using is a good idea. How can we get 100% performance? Let's explain.
Check your connection. How many people are connected?
Netflix recommends 0.5 megabits per second for its content to function at the lowest quality and 25 for UltraHD content. The recommended minimum speed is 1.5 megabits, 3 for SD quality, and 5 megabits for HD quality.
Check if your network is saturated, which happens when many users can be connected at the same time. One thing that is always important to try is to restart the device from which you are watching the video.
If you are using a Wi-Fi repeater, it is possible that the connection speed is not as fast as you expect, which leads to slow content loading, pauses, or lower video quality than usual. Therefore, it is best to use a connection that is as reliable and fast as possible to avoid these problems. This usually means one thing: a direct wired connection.
Connections with Wi-Fi repeaters or PLCs lose a lot of signal along the way
When our needs are very high, reality shows us that there is nothing like direct wired connections. In the end, if we need to take the connection from our access point (the router) to all rooms, it will be best to do it through a backbone network. This implies having a wired installation that reaches at least one more point in the house. In this way, we will be "transferring" the connection that reaches our router with the same intensity. Problem: Doing this with the famous Ethernet cable, type Cat 5 or Cat 6, will require a complicated and expensive installation that, ideally, unless you are familiar with these matters, will be done by a specialized technician.
A plastic fiber optic installation can be your solution
To achieve a backbone installation without having to resort to a certified installation, Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) presents itself as a quick and easy option to install, as it uses the existing conduits in your home to run the cable. Or, being a very thin and flexible cable, it is more discreet and easier to hide. This type of plastic optical fiber is similar to glass fiber but offers several advantages during installation due to its much greater flexibility and connection without the need for fusion splicers or specialized machinery. Furthermore, it is not affected by electromagnetism nor does it emit radiation, and almost anyone with a minimum of technical knowledge can achieve a perfect installation. In fact, some electricians are starting to use it for their clients due to needing very few tools and being a high-performance solution without the need for installation.
Each case is unique, not all solutions are for everyone
Whatever the case, each person's choice depends on their particular situation and needs. Looking ahead, wired connections at home can provide the speed and reliability to each room that the future is already demanding these days.
We hope this episode of confinement lasts as short as possible and that we can soon return to normality. Until then, make the most of your connection and stay home.
