15th March 2021
10 min read
By Yorkshire Home Networks

Self Build Networking

Self BuildSelf BuildPlanningSmart HomeNetwork DesignInstallation

Currently over 13,000 people self build their own homes in the UK each year. This allows them total control of what goes into that home and therefore is the perfect time to add a WiFi or Ethernet network which will future proof that home for the ever increasing amount of data we need.


Planning


When you are building your own home planning is the key and this extends to planning your network. Listing the items that need data and if they accept a wired or a wireless connection, or both is key to understanding how much and where you need to run wires.


When we initially think of a network it might look simple but in reality the modern home needs more and more connections and almost any device can now be "smart" to some extent.


Some of the things that need a connection are:


  • TV's
  • Games consoles
  • Home cinema equipment
  • Wireless Speakers
  • Virtual assistant like Alexa and Google Nest
  • iPads and Mobile Phones
  • Smart doorbells
  • CCTV cameras
  • Baby Monitors
  • Smart appliances (Fridges, Washing Machines, Dishwashers)
  • Computers and Laptops
  • Network storage Hard drives
  • Printers
  • Smart locks
  • Thermostats
  • Smart Lights
  • Zoned heating controllers
  • Smoke alarms
  • Smart plugs
  • Smart blinds and curtains

  • This list is not exhaustive and could already be well over 100 items that need access to the internet and each other in today's modern home.


    What to install


    Now we have a list of what we are going to connect and where these items will live in the home we can start to decide what we need to install to give us those connections.


    The internet that comes into your home needs to be split up and shared around all the devices that need it and to do this we use a switch. The internet comes into your house and into your internet router, this then feeds a switch which we're going to use to send data all around your house.


    When to install


    The ideal time to install a network is along with the electrical first fix. This is the best time to hide all the wires internally under plaster work just like hiding electrical cables.


    Other things to think about


  • You may only need 2 connections behind your TV now but you can bet your bottom dollar that in a year's time you will realise you need 3
  • Always think about some redundancy even if it just means putting in the cable but not terminating it
  • Carefully look at the data rates that the types of cable can transmit and choose the grade of cable carefully

  • Why not give us a call to help you with the design or installation of your self build network. Give Paul a call on 07958792048.