Reliable Networking for a Beautiful Estate

Year
2025

Location
Erie County, NY

Sometimes the most important upgrades are the ones you don’t see. This 8,800 sq. ft. home had been struggling with slow speeds, unreliable connections, and limited coverage — even basic streaming was a challenge. After a careful step-by-step overhaul, the home’s network is now seamless, secure, and strong enough to reach all corners from the basement to the second floor, the pool, and beyond.

Core Upgrades

  • Network Core Refresh — Replaced outdated hardware and configured the new equipment to function as a true gateway. The previous setup was effectively bypassing routing and firewall features, which left the home’s traffic unmanaged. With the corrected design, the network now has its own secure gateway, proper subnetting, and a foundation for future reliability.

  • Whole-Home Wi-Fi Coverage — Strategically placed access points in the basement and outdoor living areas now provide seamless coverage across all three floors and past the pool.

  • Proper Cabling Standards — Installed new, properly rated cabling to support today’s demands while leaving room for future enhancements.

  • Device Connectivity Restored — TVs and smart devices that had never connected were brought online and now operate reliably.

  • Incremental Testing Approach — Upgraded step by step, retaining what worked and replacing only what was necessary.

Result

  • Strong, stable internet throughout the home — even in previously dead zones including bedrooms and the pool deck. The family can enjoy some music while relaxing by the pool or fireplace once again.

  • Devices that had sat disconnected for years came online almost instantly.

  • The network is now routed and secured correctly, ensuring both performance and protection.

  • Remote support capability built in, minimizing the need for costly service visits.

Pending Enhancements

  • Replace access gate control. The units are ready for an upgrade despite their resilience through 15 years of Buffalo weather. We will replace antiquated broken lines and upgrade their security device for efficient intercom with a visitor at the access gate.

  • Correcting the sound in the theater room. There seems to be an imbalance on output of audio through the speakers which will require diagnosing and troubleshooting to confirm the cause and proper solution.

Takeaway

This project shows how overlooked networks can limit the performance of even the best AV systems — and how a strong, properly designed backbone unlocks the full potential of a smart home. The homeowner was greatly pleased with the results and has already asked us back for additional upgrades in security and theater improvements.