The rise of the smart home: How to keep your devices connected

Welcome to the era of smart homes. Whether you’re calling up your playlist from across the room, getting alerts from your smart doorbell or checking in on your video cameras from the beach, connected tech is transforming how we live for the better. But as any smart-home enthusiast will tell you, that magic only works if everything stays connected.

In this guide, we’ll explore why smart homes are booming, what makes connectivity so essential and how you can make sure your devices, big and small, stay online.

What is driving the rise of the smart home?

Smart home gadgets used to be a fun luxury. Today, they’re practically essentials and they are gaining popularity for a simple reason – they make everyday life easier. Here are some of the most common advantages of smart homes:

It’s about comfort and convenience

You wake up to soft lighting, coffee ready and your favourite playlist queued, all without lifting more than a finger or saying a word. That’s the smart home promise. The smoother life feels, the more we want it.

Saving energy and staying green

Smart plugs and lighting systems can help reduce wasted power, which means a lower bill and a more eco-friendly home. That’s a win for you and the planet.

Security you can see

Connected cameras, smart locks and alerts give peace of mind you can literally see in real-time from anywhere in the world, making it easier to keep an eye on your home wherever you are.

Convenience meets control

Smart devices allow you to control your home from a single app or with your voice. Platforms like Google Nest and Amazon Alexa let users manage lighting, heating and entertainment with minimal effort.

Why is connectivity the backbone of a smart home?

A smart home is only as smart as its connection. When devices drop offline or respond slowly, the experience quickly becomes frustrating.

More devices, more demand

The average home now has dozens of connected devices. In fact, a typical family today might have:

• Streaming TVs
• Voice assistants
• Security systems
• Smart bulbs and appliances

All pulling data at once. Without enough speed or coverage, things can slow down fast.

Always-on expectations

Smart devices are expected to work instantly, whether you’re streaming video, adjusting lighting or checking security footage and even small network hiccups can cause noticeable disruptions.

If you’re interested in understanding how home networks have evolved to meet these demands, take a look at how broadband speeds impact everyday digital life.

Wi-Fi dead zones still happen

Walls, doors and even everyday household interference can weaken your signal. That’s why smart homes often need a little extra network love. If that sounds like you, take a look at our Smart Wi-Fi Nokia beacons. Meanwhile, if you’re wondering about the differences between Wi-Fi extenders and our Smart Wi-Fi pods, read through this guide.

Latency matters more than ever

For smart security systems, video calls and cloud gaming, speed alone isn’t enough. Low latency, in other words, fast response time is just as important. Read more about latency.

Incompatible or outdated devices and equipment

Not all smart devices use the same standards or communicate equally well with each other, while older routers may struggle to handle modern smart home demands.

How to keep every smart home device connected

The good news? Most connectivity issues can be solved with a few smart upgrades and best practices. Let’s take a look.

1. Pick the right internet plan for your home

Different households have different needs. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, working from home or running dozens of smart gadgets, the right plan makes a world of difference. So what speed do you really need?

As a rule of thumb:

• Small smart home with 10–15 devices: 100–300 Mbps
• Medium home with 15–30 devices: 300–600 Mbps
• Heavy usage homes with 30+ devices: 600 Mbps+

Also, remember that upload speed is equally important for cameras and cloud backups.

2. Upgrade to fibre for peak performance

Fibre internet isn’t just about speed, it’s about consistency, reliability and low latency. That’s exactly what smart homes need to perform at their best.

Check out everything there is to know about Fibre internet to see why fibre is a smart upgrade.

3. Extend coverage with Smart Wi-Fi Pods

As mentioned earlier, large homes, thick walls and multiple floors can weaken Wi-Fi signals, which means that a single router may not cut it. By using multiple access points to spread strong Wi-Fi signals throughout your home, mesh systems and smart Wi-Fi pods help blanket your home with reliable coverage, eliminating dead zones and improving consistency so every room stays connected.

And speaking of routers, consider upgrading yours to a new version. These are designed to handle multiple devices at once and provide stronger, more stable connections. If you’re ready for an upgrade, opt for a router with features like dual-band or tri-band Wi-Fi, which can make a noticeable difference.

4. Separate your smart devices network

Many modern routers allow multiple networks. Creating a dedicated one for smart devices can reduce congestion and improve security, especially when guests connect to your main Wi-Fi. In addition, some routers allow Quality of Service (QoS) settings. This means you can prioritise work laptops, security cameras or streaming devices so they perform smoothly even when the whole family is online.

5. Keep software and firmware updated

Smart devices depend on software to work properly and outdated versions are one of the easiest ways security gaps appear. Manufacturers release updates regularly, so instead of keeping track of them yourself, switch on automatic updates for a simple “set it and forget it” fix. This doesn’t just apply to smart devices though, your router and Wi-Fi pods or extenders also need to stay up to date.

Need help setting everything up? Meet the Wi-Fi Crew

Let’s be honest, setting up smart devices isn’t always plug-and-play. Sometimes you just want someone to come in, handle the tech and make sure everything works properly. That’s where the Wi-Fi Crew can step in.

Designed to make Wi-Fi and home connectivity simple, reliable and stress-free, with the Wi-Fi Crew service you’ll experience professional Wi-Fi support that keeps your home connected the smart way. The Wi-Fi Crew can help you:

• Connect smart devices correctly
• Improve Wi-Fi coverage at home
• Optimise router placement
• Fix connectivity issues
• Set up stronger home networks

Instead of spending hours troubleshooting, you get expert help fast, friendly and stress-free.

Learn more about the Wi-Fi Crew.

Security tips for a connected home

As smart homes become more capable, they also become more attractive targets for cyber threats. The good news is that keeping your connected home secure doesn’t require advanced technical skills, just a few smart habits and the right foundations.

Start with a strong network password

Your Wi-Fi network is the front door to your smart home. A weak or reused password makes it far too easy for unwanted visitors to get inside so make sure you use a long, unique password that combines letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid common phrases or personal details and change the default password that came with your router as soon as possible.

Enable encryption and router security features

Most modern routers offer built-in security features that are often left unused. Make sure your network is using the latest encryption standard available (such as WPA3 or WPA2). Firewalls, intrusion detection and automatic threat blocking can quietly protect your home without affecting performance and once enabled, they usually require little attention.

Use separate networks for smart devices

Creating a dedicated network for smart home devices is one of the most effective security steps you can take. This keeps devices like cameras, plugs and speakers separate from laptops and smartphones that store sensitive information. If one device is compromised, the rest of your digital life stays protected.

Be selective about permissions

Many smart home apps request permissions that go beyond what’s strictly necessary. Take a moment to review app permissions and disable access you don’t need, such as location tracking or microphone access when it’s not in use. Less access means less risk.

Regularly review connected devices

Over time, it’s easy to forget which devices are connected to your home network. Make a habit of checking your router’s device list every few months and remove those you no longer use or recognise. This simple check can quickly reveal potential issues before they become problems.

Secure voice assistants and cameras

Devices that listen or watch should be treated with extra care. Disable features like continuous recording if you don’t need them and use physical privacy controls, such as camera covers or microphone mute buttons when available.

Think long-term, not just setup day

Smart home security isn’t a one-time task. As you add more devices and services, your security approach should evolve with them. Choosing reliable internet services, modern networking equipment and devices from trusted brands makes it much easier to stay secure over time.

For more tips, read protecting your privacy with smart home devices.

What’s coming next in the future of smart homes?

If today’s smart homes already feel impressive, the next few years are going to take things to a whole new level. We’re moving beyond “smart gadgets” and into truly intelligent living spaces, where your home understands your habits, adapts automatically and works quietly in the background to make life easier.

Here’s what’s on the horizon.

AI-Powered automation that learns you

Right now, most smart home routines still rely on manual setup — “turn the lights on at 7pm” or “lower the temperature at bedtime.” Soon, artificial intelligence will take this much further.

Future smart homes will:

• Learn your daily routines
• Predict your comfort preferences
• Automatically adjust lighting, temperature and devices
• Spot unusual behaviour, like forgotten lights or doors left open
• Instead of programming your home, your home will learn you. And yes, that means fewer taps, fewer settings and more effortless living.

Matter protocol, one standard to connect them all

If you’ve ever struggled to connect different brands of smart devices together, you’re not alone. Compatibility issues have been one of the biggest frustrations for smart home users. Enter Matter, a new universal connectivity standard backed by major tech companies.

What does this mean for you?

• Easier device setup
• Better cross-brand compatibility
• Fewer apps to manage
• More reliable connections

In the future, adding a new smart device should feel as simple as plugging it in and connecting with no complicated workarounds required.

Your smart home is only as strong as the network behind it. When your internet is fast, reliable and properly set up, everything else just works, including smoother streaming, quicker responses, better security and fewer “Why isn’t this connecting?!” moments.

And when things get complicated? You don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right tools and the right support your home can stay effortlessly connected.

FAQs

1. How many devices can a home network handle?

With modern routers and fibre connections, dozens of devices can be supported. Performance depends on your internet plan, router quality and coverage setup.

2. Should I use wired connections for some devices?

Definitely. TVs, gaming consoles and desktop PCs perform best with Ethernet, freeing Wi-Fi bandwidth for mobile and smart devices.

3. Why do smart devices disconnect often?

Weak Wi-Fi signals, outdated software and network congestion are common causes. Boosting coverage or using expert setup support like the Wi-Fi Crew can help solve this.

4. Do smart homes use more internet data?
Yes, especially with cameras and streaming. Choosing the right internet plan ensures smooth performance without limits.