Special to the Recorder
Spotty Wi-Fi can be maddening. From stuttering video streaming to spinning wheels on an internet browser, a weak connection disrupts more than entertainment for the average adult. For millions of Americans, it also halts productivity and workflow.
In fact, according to a recent study by FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics, the number of Americans telecommuting increased by a whopping 115 percent during the last 10 years. The organization reports that 3.9 million U.S. employees work from home at least half of the time — up from 1.8 million in 2005. The majority of that growing population relies on technology, like Wi-Fi, to communicate and work from home.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that reliable Wi-Fi has become an essential component for homebuyers to consider. The following insights can help you take control of the Wi-Fi in your current or future home.
Identifying and solving “dead zones”
A “dead zone” is any area that has spotty or non-existent Wi-Fi coverage. These areas are generally easy to spot — simply take note of the specific areas where you have trouble loading a webpage or streaming a video on your device.
When attempting to fix these dead zones, first examine the area around your router. Large metal furniture or shelving located around your router can muddle the signal and interfere with its strength. Try rearranging the metal elements away from your router to see if it resolves your issue.
The overall environment in which your Wi-Fi router is placed also contributes to your signal strength. For example, older homes often feature a thick plaster construction with metal framing that can interfere with your Wi-Fi.
Homes like this may require the placement of wireless access points, or WAPS, which are hardwired connections that project a Wi-Fi signal from a router to a designated area. WAPS can accommodate dozens of devices per point, increasing the bandwidth across your home.
Asking the right questions in the home buying process
A crucial — but often overlooked — step in the home buying process is to assess the space’s Wi-Fi capabilities. Many homes, even those built in the last 20 years, may lack the necessary components for speedy Wi-Fi due to the huge leap in technology in recent decades.
Seek out homes that have the infrastructure to maintain a steady connection. Many current homebuilders work to anticipate potential issues before move-in. For example, Lennar brings in a third party to “heat map” every unique floorplan, ensuring all of the company’s new homes are Wi-Fi CERTIFIED. This process allows the company to properly identify how many WAPS are needed and exactly where they should be installed for corner-to-corner coverage.
While it may not be the first thing you worry about in the home buying process, be sure to consider the capabilities of your new space. This way, you can assure that your Wi-Fi remains strong — and that your telecommute will remain productive and painless in your new home.
Matt Devereaux is the division president of Lennar Jacksonville. Founded in 1954, Lennar is the only home builder nationally certified with the Wi-Fi Alliance. To learn more, visit Lennar.com.
