The Access Blog
Solid Networking Provides the Foundation for High-Tech Waterfront Home
Categorized: Case Studies The Access Blog | November 1, 2022
Modest in size, huge in Wi-Fi connectivity, waterfront home is the epitome of thoughtful, enterprise-grade networking.
Photography by: Maritza Thibos Photography | Builder: Turk Builders
Enterprise-grade networking systems may be the choice of systems integrators and tech-savvy consumers for expansive estate homes. This doesn’t mean, however, that these premium solutions don’t have a place in residences of smaller square footage. For an extensively remodeled 2,800-square-foot house in Key Largo, Florida, a high performing, enterprise-grade network solution was the only way to go. Why? “This house may be modest in size but it’s but it’s big in technology,” remarks systems integrator Jason Barth from The Premier Group in Carmel, Indiana. “We installed every technology imaginable into this residence, to the tune of about $700,000. The sheer magnitude of the smart systems consistently operating on all cylinders was something no ordinary networking system could handle. The music system alone plays non-stop indoors and outdoors. Dead zones were not an option.”
Multiple mobile devices, computers, security cameras, motorized window shades and hurricane shutters, lights, thermostats, smart TVs, whole-house audio, and a home control system all compete for precious Wi-Fi bandwidth. Without it, devices would struggle to find a strong Wi-Fi signal, rendering them unmanageable and inoperable. Listening to music, enjoying a movie, and controlling the shades, lights and other devices would become more of a chore than a convenience.
Based on these potential problems, the homeowner willingly invested in a stable, reliable networking foundation to deliver the bandwidth, coverage and speed necessary for all the tech the owners love so much to operate as they should.
“The Custom Core system from Access Networks checked off every box for the advanced networking needs and expectations of savvy technology users like these. It can handle huge bandwidth demands without a hitch, is failsafe, can be customized precisely to their specific requirements, and can be easily updated to support new devices and applications.”
Jason BartH, System Integrator at the Premier Group
For this project, one of the primary demands was “handing off” the network to The Premier Group. Per the request of the wife, The Premier Group would manage and monitor the network and every device connected to it remotely from their headquarters in Indiana. “She wanted the peace of mind that if anything went wrong, we’d be there to fix it, even though we’re located hundreds of miles away,” Barth explains. Through the remote management capabilities of the Custom Core platform, technicians have full visibility and insight into the network. Should a device fall offline, for example, the Custom Core system notifies The Premier Group or the service team at Access Networks if it’s after hours. So far, there’s been nothing to fix but having the assurance of immediate remediation is priceless to the homeowners.
Remote monitoring, management, and resolution are vital to the functionality of the elegant, well-appointed home and the business efficiency and opportunity at The Premier Group.
“Before using Access Networks, we refrained from jobs located outside our region,” Barth says. “As this project proves, we can provide exceptional service to clients no matter where they live, which gives us the confidence to work with clients throughout the country.”
This ultra-efficient mode of tech service can only happen if the networking system has been properly configured. Based on information gathered by The Premier Group—home size, construction materials, layout; number and type of connected device; and user preferences—the design experts at Access Networks set up the Core System and shipped the appropriate router, switches, and access points directly to the jobsite. They also provided The Premier Group with a networking roadmap indicating the ideal placement of each of the four recommended access points to combat Wi-Fi obstacles like the home’s concrete and glass construction. “From here, installation of the network is nearly a plug-and-play process,” Barth says. “We had the network installed, validated, and fully operational by the second day on-site.”
Given the heavy Wi-Fi load on this particular network, however, The Premier Group went several steps further, setting up separate VLANs to segment and streamline the hardwired network and Wi-Fi traffic. This prevents bandwidth-intensive activities, like downloading high-res video, from monopolizing the network, which can impede the performance of other Wi-Fi devices. With security devices, AV equipment, and control and automation components each utilizing their own separate VLANs, the homeowners are assured that every component on the network has the bandwidth it needs.
VLANs also help protect the homeowners’ privacy. Per settings programmed into the Core System by The Premier Group, guests who connect to the network can access only certain devices, like the whole-house music system. The owners’ personal computers and security devices are off-limits. It’s the ideal scenario for now; however, plans are underway to add a third VLAN for business colleagues who regularly conduct meetings at the residence. “This is one of the greatest benefits of an enterprise-grade network,” Barth says. “We can easily customize it for business-like applications. In this case, we’ll create a ‘glorified guest VLAN’ to grant users access to smart TVs to stream presentations from laptop computers and to printers.”
VLANs also help protect the homeowners’ privacy. Per settings programmed into the Core System by The Premier Group, guests who connect to the network can access only certain devices, like the whole-house music system. The owners’ personal computers and security devices are off-limits. It’s the ideal scenario for now; however, plans are underway to add a third VLAN for business colleagues who regularly conduct meetings at the residence. “This is one of the greatest benefits of an enterprise-grade network,” Barth says. “We can easily customize it for business-like applications. In this case, we’ll create a ‘glorified guest VLAN’ to grant users access to smart TVs to stream presentations from laptop computers and to printers.”
It’s also important the network keeps pace with the owners’ insatiable appetite for new technology. “The owner loves tech, loves the comfort, enjoyment, and conveniences it delivers, so we expect him to continually update and upgrade,” Barth says. Remodeling and redecorating can sometimes throw a monkey wrench into Wi-Fi performance, as well. But no matter what happens at this smart, automated custom home, there’s a networking infrastructure to support it.
Access Networks Equipment List
Access Networks Custom Core System
Access Networks C120 Network Controller
Access Networks Helix Live Monitoring Device
Access Networks A610 Access Points
Access Networks B300 Outdoor Access Points