How to Know When You Need a Network Upgrade

Technology is constantly evolving and improving. Your network and its accessories are no exception. 

How do you know when it’s time for new and improved versions of what you have? Here are some clues that you need an overhaul. First, though…

What is a network?

Just like a social network where two or more people create useful liaisons, the network you have at home connects two or more devices to share resources. It “acts as the central hub for your digital life,” according to AI.

Sometimes you will see it referred to as a LAN (Local Area Network), a HAN (Home Area Network), a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), or a Single Subnet. The internet is a vast interconnection, whereas the ones found in homes and businesses are more local/private.

Signs that you need an upgrade

There are several things to look for when considering whether your network needs to be refurbished.

1) As Slow as Maple Syrup in August

Were you shaking your fists as your annual Home Alone movie marathon morphed into a buffer-fest? Or maybe you spent hours soaked in frustration as you tried to download those cute pictures of Fido under the mistletoe.

Your number one sign that your network could use a little pep me up is its speed. Streaming, sharing files, or using your scanner/printer shouldn’t cause you to break out in hives.

2) Night of the Living Dead Zones

Did Christmas time find your guests complaining about the lack of signal bars? Were the grandkids out east cut off mid-sentence?

Dead zones with connectivity issues, frequent downtime, and video call drops indicate the need for a tweak to your infrastructure.

3) Age

Unlike fine wine that gets better with time, network equipment eventually requires a revamp. Technology advances can create faster speeds and support new applications, such as AI or cloud computing.

4) People +

Have you increased the number of people on your payroll? Moved your in-laws into the basement suite? 

The number of people using a system can affect the quality and speed of your network. Just like a highway with more cars becomes congested and needs more lanes, subnets need to accommodate growing data traffic.

The Great News

Balaklava is offering a Router Trade-In. Until February 28, 2026, every CIS router or access point in any condition or age will get you $100 towards brand new equipment.

Here’s what you’ll get when you swap your router and access points:

• minimum 3x faster (and likely much more)
• better range
• consistent streaming
• shorter loading times for websites
• significantly fewer security gaps from lack of updates
• quicker downloads, especially with huge files

Christmas may be past, but it’s never too late to gift yourself a little something.

Be sure to contact us about an unbelievable upgrade that will seriously improve your network – not to mention your life!