Home Wi-Fi in Ottawa: Why We Start With the Network

Your smart home is only as good as the network under it.

Control4, Lutron, Sonos, cameras, the TV in the basement. All of it talks over your network. When the Wi-Fi is weak, the music cuts out, the app spins and the doorbell camera loads late. People blame the gear. Most of the time the gear is fine.

So when a Control4 or Sonos system acts up, the network is one of the first things we check.

The box from your internet provider is not enough

The router your provider drops off does its job in a small place. In a big house with two floors, a finished basement and a garage, it usually can't reach everywhere. Add a few dozen connected devices and it starts to struggle.

Moving it to the middle of the house helps a little. Buying a few plug-in extenders off the shelf often makes things worse.

What we install instead

A lot of our networks are built on Ubiquiti UniFi. We use it at our own showroom in Orléans, cameras included.

A typical setup looks like this:

• A proper switch in a rack or closet. Everything wired runs back to one spot. PoE switches power the access points and cameras through the same cable, so there's no power brick on the ceiling.
• Access points where you live. Wired into the ceiling, one per zone, so the signal is strong in the kitchen, the bedrooms and out on the deck.
• Cameras and doorbells on the same system. UniFi cameras record to a recorder in your house, not a monthly cloud plan. You check them from one app.

On a large job we're doing right now, one network covers the main house, an IT closet on the second floor and a separate pool house. It's all on one app for the owner.

Wire it if you can

Wi-Fi is great for phones and laptops. For anything that sits still, a cable is better. TVs, Sonos amps, the Control4 controller, the Kaleidescape player. Plug them in and they just work.

If you're building or renovating, this is the cheapest time to run cable. Once the drywall is up it gets harder. We work with your builder and electrician early so the wires end up where you need them.

Already moved in? That's fine too. Wired access points can often go in through the attic or the basement with very little mess.

We can see problems before you do

We set up remote monitoring on the systems we look after. If a client's controller goes offline, we get an alert. Sometimes we can sort it out from the shop before anyone has to drive over.

Same price as the big stores

Our pricing matches the big retailers. You pay the same for the gear and get it designed, installed and supported by people who know your house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace my internet provider's modem?

Usually not. We keep the modem your provider gives you and put the UniFi network behind it. Your provider stays the same.

Is a mesh system from the store good enough?

For a small home, it can be. In a larger home with a smart home system, cameras and a lot of streaming, wired access points are more reliable. We'll tell you honestly which one fits.

Can UniFi cameras record without a monthly fee?

Yes. UniFi cameras record to a recorder installed in your home, and you view them in the UniFi app. There's no required cloud subscription.

Can you add a better network to a house that's already finished?

In most homes, yes. Access points can often be wired through the attic or basement. We look at the house first and plan the cleanest route.

What area do you serve?

Ottawa and surrounding communities. We take projects up to 250 km from Ottawa.

Give us a call

If your Wi-Fi drops in the same rooms every day, call us at (613) 830-6787. Or drop by the showroom at 1344 Youville Dr in Orléans, Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM, or any other time by appointment.