A standard netgear, linksys or other consumer grade router is fine for normal home owner use. I do not touch a network unless the system I put in requires it. Clients often have a hard time swallowing that a remote can cost even $300. So its more than reasonable to expect them to gulp when you tell them they need a $500 or $1000, or $2000 network in order to make their remote control reliable.

I felt this way, but this year we started replacing every network we could with our router, switch and 3+ AP's. It started because I started asking every new client, "How is the WiFi in your house" or "How was the WiFi in your old house?"

In almost every single meeting I heard that it was terrible. They would list the rooms that do and don't get good wifi. Tell me stories about only being able to FaceTime from the upstairs, etc.

The solution, even at $2k+, feels like a bargain to them if I can truly give them the experience that I promise, which is essentially "If you are on your property, your iPad will work great."

I love simple jobs where we don't have to touch the network, but networking has become big business for us, and it is creating customer loyalty and generating referrals. We also setup a guest network on every system and make sure the password is impossible to forget. It gets our clients talking to their guests about how great their network is, and by extension how great we are.

When i first read this i was going to post a smart @ss comment about switching hands but then i did the same thing about 15 minutes ago.

I am at an older project that needs new speakers. Not sure which ones are blown so im sitting here testing every room and i get to one with a T2-C and i cannot get the volume to raise. I look at the emitter, i make sure im in the right surround mode. I start pressing random buttons on the receiver and then i give the remote another shot.

At this point i have my head inside a cabinet so i shake the remote to light it up and i notice the volume button on the other side!

Exactly!

A 65 year old couple that wants to watch TV and maybe stream Netflix, watch some dvd's, heck, maybe even VHS (gulp) does NOT need a $2,000 network. I service people from basic TV installs, to full automation with video/audio distribution, lighting and more. The right tools are used for each circumstance. Without a doubt, all of my clients do NOT need a $2000 network.

I do agree with this, it is about meeting expectations. A 45-year old couple probably expects that their iPad will work anywhere they take it within the house, and will be annoyed if that isn't he case. Your average octogenarian probably doesn't give a crap, and is more than happy to sit in one of the chairs that does get wi-fi, if they are using it at all.

Absolutely. Have to take it on a case by case basis and determine what is best for the client. My point is simply that replacing the network is not always best. Especially in the case of a basic internet user that has limited technology knowledge. Nothing like getting a call when they type goggle.com and can't do a web search because of the network you sold them and installed.

Ok, I get your point & agree with you. Honestly over 90% of our installs these days gets C4, so "selling the network" is usually a foregone conclusion. We haven't sold a URC remote since the EA-1 hit the market, and even if we're not using C4 on a project, it seems like we always end up needing to add a 5- or 8-port switch and an access point or two by the time everything's said & done anyways. Maybe we have just been fortunate lately to land jobs large enough to warrant selling/building the network.

I disagree.....totally. You are leaving money on the table. We own the network on 99% of the jobs that we do. Most are 2K+. I like owning the network, it makes for a much more reliable system, happy clients(whatever age they are),and no finger pointing if there is an issue. Most of my clients love that we can offer "full bars" even on their patio, yard, etc. I have an older client that loves to mow his own yard and now he can stream his Pandora on his phone on his network.

You might re-think your plan.

my nickle,
RR

We are leading that the network is the most important aspect of the system. And push to own it every time.

I'm an A/V integrator and will put a network in when necessary. I am not an IT company looking to maintain hundreds of networks. I made a decision to go more basic after pumping my stress level uo considerably the last 2 years as I pushed for larger jobs. This last quarter I took it easy and took in much more basic jobs. The stress level has been far less while still making good money. I have NO problem leaving some money on the table if it leads to a happier and healthier life.

I need to 100% agree with Mike's last few comments. It really all comes down to business plan. I don't mean to have this spiral into "so and so isn't your customer" either.

I stay in my wheelhouse 95% of the time, which is AV. I add more products and services as I am trained on them. I sell an new network when I have to, not when I want to. Do you I leave money on the table, probably, though eero is changing some of this for my average prospect and client.

To the OP, I would also say look at C4 or Elan. The only resistance I have to either is everyone and their brother, and the big blue box, sells C4. For Elan, the one $870 remote they sell is a mid-size hurdle.

I agree buddy, whatever works for you.

For me, my stress level is lower knowing that I am not dealing with some IT idiot, always changing crap, just for the sake of change, to make themselves relevant to the client or get paid something.

We have been using ALL UniFi. With the new cloud key and setup, we are getting extremely stable networks with 100% reliability. We can manage offsite also.

Set it and forget it and putting something in the kitty as well.

The networks we fo sell has been all Ubiquiti also. Its been very reliable but not without issues here and there. Very minor ones typically. I still get calls from people however that believe because i installed their network that i am

A: Now responsible for every device in the house, including items added after we were there

B: That i now magically know their passwords for every service ever created (i.e. "Hey Mike, sorry to bother you but can you please send me my AOL Aim password, i can't seem to get in."

Btw, I am not advocating against installing networks. When it is necessary, absolutely sell it. Just stating that I do not need to sell it on every job.