Data Wire Solutions Blog

What is Matter and Thread? We break down the smart home protocol standard, Thread mesh networking, compatible devices, and how to set it up correctly in 2026.

Updated Feb 23, 2026

We've installed both. Side-by-side comparison of the UniFi U7 Pro and Eero Max 7 — specs, setup, five-year cost, and which Wi-Fi 7 system fits your home in 2026.

Updated Feb 23, 2026

We've deployed both. Honest side-by-side comparison of UniFi and TP-Link Omada — Wi-Fi 7 hardware, multi-gig routing, setup, and which system fits your home.

Updated Feb 23, 2026

A practical guide to setting up a clean, serviceable home network rack — right-sizing, patch panel basics, labeling systems, and recommended gear for Westchester homes.

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Westchester AV installers' guide to smart home planning: what to automate first, what to skip, and how to avoid expensive ecosystem mistakes.

Updated Feb 22, 2026

A practical 2026 guide to budget 8-port PoE switches with verified specs, current price checks, sizing math, and deployment advice for homes and small offices.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

The 2026 TV shortlist: strong OLED and Mini-LED models for bright rooms, home theaters, gaming, and large formats, plus sizing, setup, and buying checklists.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

A practical, current guide to planning, pulling and terminating Cat6/Cat6A cable — tools, techniques, testing and labeling for reliable results.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Understand what drives the price of Cat6/Cat6A projects — scope, construction, terminations and APs — plus timelines and a simple planning checklist.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

When gigabit and multi-gig plans make a difference, what your LAN needs to keep up, and a simple upgrade path without overspending.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Installer’s 2026 refresh on Wi-Fi 7 mesh kits: real speeds, wired backhaul, placement tips, and who should pick UniFi, Deco, or Eero.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Bundle Roku streaming, Sonos audio, and clean wiring so families can start movie night in under a minute.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

Design Wi-Fi layouts that overcome dense walls, hidden conduits, and heritage finishes using UniFi Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6 access points.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

Calculate camera retention targets, pick the right UniFi recorder, and document storage sizing that holds up during audits.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

Pair UniFi cameras with thoughtful exterior lighting and tuned Protect settings to capture clear faces and plates after dark.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

Build dependable door schedules, credential tiers, and audit routines so UniFi Access stays secure and easy to manage.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

Clear, practical Wi-Fi 7 advice: real-world gains, client/device readiness, wired backhaul, and when a 6E system is still the right pick.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

Clear guidance on Eero Max 7: real-world speeds, where it excels, how to place nodes, and smart home integration with Matter and Thread.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

Real-world Deco BE63 performance, placement guidance, and who should pick it over UniFi or Eero.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

A simple, repeatable way to place Wi-Fi 7 nodes and test room-by-room so speeds hold up where you use devices most.

Updated Feb 4, 2026

A practical media wall planning guide: TV height, in-wall power, HDMI/eARC, audio choices, ventilation, and a clean install checklist.

Published Dec 13, 2025

How local-first smart homes work, why they’re more reliable, and a practical checklist to upgrade without ripping everything out.

Published Dec 13, 2025

Cat6 or Cat6A? A practical guide to speed, PoE, cost, and retrofit tradeoffs so you choose the right cable in 2025.

Published Dec 13, 2025

How to decide between pre-wiring and retrofitting Cat6/Cat6A during Westchester home and small office renovations — timing, disruption, budget and practical design tips.

Published Nov 25, 2025

A calm, practical guide to deciding between a soundbar and an AV receiver with speakers for living rooms, dens and media rooms in Westchester homes.

Published Nov 25, 2025

A practical comparison of UniFi, Eero and Deco Wi‑Fi systems in older Westchester homes with plaster, stone and mixed construction — and how to choose the right platform for your layout.

Published Nov 25, 2025

How we design and install Cat6 wired networks for homes and small offices across Westchester County — what’s included, how projects are scoped, and what to expect on site.

Published Nov 16, 2025

An explanation of what a wired Ethernet network is, how it differs from Wi‑Fi, and when adding Cat6 drops is worth it for homes and small offices.

Published Nov 15, 2025

A clear guide to planning a Cat6 wired network in homes and small offices — when it makes sense, how runs are planned, and what to expect from a professional install.

Published Nov 14, 2025

Real-world UniFi U7 Pro results and setup tips: wired backhaul, channel/power tuning, and where it beats Eero and Deco for control.

Updated Oct 29, 2025

Installer’s take on Deco BE85/BE68: speeds, backhaul choices, placement tips, and when Deco beats Eero or UniFi for simplicity vs control.

Updated Oct 29, 2025

A practical, scene-by-scene guide to placing exterior cameras so you capture the whole story and also get clear identification at doors, gates and driveways.

Published Oct 23, 2025

How to set comfortable TV heights, deal with fireplaces, and relocate power cleanly in plaster-and-lath or masonry walls common to brownstones and colonials.

Published Oct 23, 2025

A calm, practical framework for sizing APs, choosing channel widths and placement, and validating performance in homes and small offices — without buying more gear than you need.

Published Oct 23, 2025

Standardize Roku hardware, networking, and guest instructions so every turnover delivers a consistent streaming experience.

Published Oct 19, 2025

Structural, electrical, and aesthetic steps to install Samsung Frame TVs so they look intentional and stay easy to service.

Published Oct 16, 2025

A field-tested checklist that keeps Sonos systems sounding balanced after installation, from network prep to documentation.

Published Oct 15, 2025

A step-by-step framework for mapping zones, wiring, and controls before installing Sonos across a home or small business.

Published Oct 13, 2025

How Sony’s Acoustic Surface and Acoustic Multi-Audio systems change speaker layout, calibration, and control planning.

Published Oct 12, 2025

How we connect LG webOS displays to Matter, voice assistants, and AV control systems for seamless scenes.

Published Oct 12, 2025

Practical settings, usage habits, and service check-ins that protect LG Gallery and Evo OLED panels from banding or retention.

Published Oct 12, 2025

How to place UniFi Protect cameras for both wide context and reliable identification, size retention, and tune alerts so notifications stay useful.

Published Oct 10, 2025

A practical framework for camera placement, retention, exports and access control that produces clear evidence and stays easy to live with.

Published Oct 9, 2025

Step-by-step checklist to assess existing construction, map retrofit drops, and plan change windows before cabling day in Westchester County.

Published Oct 9, 2025

How we map wake, departure, daytime, evening, and away routines before programming smart home automations in Westchester homes.

Published Oct 8, 2025

Practical guidance for creating living rooms that blend reliable picture, natural sound, and everyday usability without overwhelming the space.

Published Oct 5, 2025

Step-by-step look at how Data Wire Solutions surveys, designs, installs, and signs off UniFi network deployments so Wi-Fi behaves predictably from day one.

Published Oct 5, 2025

A practical, step-by-step plan to size and place access points in small offices so calls stay clear and roaming feels natural.

Published Sep 25, 2025

Practical networking quick wins for homes and small offices in Westchester County: Wi-Fi placement, cabling, labeling, PoE, security, and simple checks.

Published Sep 23, 2025

How to choose and place cameras for clear coverage, size storage and set notifications that are useful — with a simple checklist.

Published Sep 16, 2025

Decision guide for selecting a network cabling partner: scope, certifications, documentation, proposals, and red flags.

Published Sep 16, 2025

A practical guide to choosing Ethernet vs Wi-Fi — and a hybrid design that delivers smooth calls, fast streaming and simple support.

Published Sep 16, 2025

Predictable coverage for staff and guests by sizing access points, channels and power to the space.

Published Sep 14, 2025

Clear calling and professional call flows with desk phones, mobile apps and reporting.

Published Sep 12, 2025

Planning dependable meeting rooms, retail/hospitality audio and office networking with clear handoff and support.

Published Sep 10, 2025

How to size cameras, avoid blind spots and set up UniFi Protect with secure remote access.

Published Sep 8, 2025

Reliable automations that feel natural — how to combine scenes, sensors and schedules for comfort and efficiency in Westchester homes.

Published Sep 6, 2025

A calm, practical overview of TV mounting, speaker layout, calibration and whole-home audio for Westchester homes.

Published Sep 4, 2025

Practical guide to planning structured cabling and UniFi Wi-Fi in Westchester County — design, installation and ongoing care.

Published Sep 2, 2025