NETWORKED HOME Taking the Edge Off
For example, most consumer networking
products have a low concurrent device limit
built in. This is a great opportunity to educate
the customer on why they should be using
higher quality networking products, which can
handle not only the demand of their devices but
also those of friends and family who may use the
network when they visit.”
Integrators must ensure that their customer’s
network and components are configured so
they’re not all fighting for the same little slice of
the network pie and are also saving some room
for devices on the horizon. To do this, the
integrator should be able to provide all of the
equipment past the modem, know how to install
it, and properly configure it. They have to know
how many devices are going to be connected,
and how many access points are needed to make
sure the home has the best coverage. Likewise,
customers want to know they’re getting the best
bang for their buck and that all of their
components are installed properly.
Wi-Fi Can’t Do It All
While Wi-Fi is great, it’s not perfect. There can
be poor signal spots, and if this is the case, then
the customer is going to have an extremely
frustrating experience. Any device that has the
option to be plugged directly into an Ethernet
port should be. That way, attention is paid to
both current and future wired and wireless
needs. By owning the network – knowing those
problems spots, for example – the integrator can
dial that device to the customer’s specific needs.
Another example is granting secure and limited
access to IP-based security cameras, which can
be a direct link into the customer’s network.
Integrators should know how to properly secure
and control any network ports that are
accessible outside of a building.
Coordinating Between All Service
Providers
Beyond network issues and the multitude of
devices, integrators also face complex jobs
where there’s not only the internet provider
involved but an IT technician as well. Each
person has a stake in providing a good
experience, but it can be difficult determining
who is responsible for what when problems do
arise. BlackWire recommends integrators
coordinating as much as possible with all parties
30 Residential Tech Today | July/August 2019
BlackWire founder Kevin Luther came up with the snack pack idea after missing multiple meals on a job while
climbing around in hot attics.
as part of providing solid service.
Finally, as systems and network standards
constantly evolve, integrators have to be aware
of what’s going on in the industry to stay on top
of the latest technology. BlackWire realizes that
owning the network and keeping pace with new
standards is less of a finish line and more of a
moving target, which is why we have a strong
and dedicated service and support team who is
available for a broad range of hours, even nights
and weekends.
The biggest example of this is the move from
2.4GHz to 5GHz Wi-Fi. While 5Ghz gives you
faster speeds, 2.4 gives you better range. So,
where you might have covered your bases on 2.4
with maybe two or three access points, to get
the same coverage with 5Ghz, integrators may
need to add one or two more access points.
The other part of BlackWire’s service and
support philosophy is offering preconfigured
video distribution and networking solutions. To
preconfigure the components specifically for
the video distribution system, we ask a
multitude of questions about the system design,
so that when the equipment arrives, it’s ready
right out of the box. There’s no waiting around
for firmware updates, configuration of settings,
or new equipment due to DOA components.
This also allows companies to hand off setup to
lower level technicians and get a head start on
any job.
What a lot of people find when they’re doing
business with us is that we’re not just staff that
happen to work at a distributor. We’re folks who
live and breathe AV. We have experience that
allows us to offer support where customers can
pick up the phone, send an email, and start a
chat with somebody at our company who gets it.
We know what they’re going through and what
they’re trying to accomplish. x